In October I recently moved into a new house and now have a room I can dedicate to building a layout. My only issue is I know what I want but I don't know what I'm going to build. I've been messing with the free Atlas O RTS software for about 6 months and would really like some input or ideas.
Requirements: L SHAPED 132" x 126" 64" AND 66" LEGS
Run 3 to 5 trains at once on 3 connected main lines
The outter mainline will be O-54 and the inners smaller radius as they move in
2 levels
a yard with atleast 5 tracks
a 2 stall engine house
If possible incorporate 1 or both of my K-line swing bridges
still leave room for my MTH firehouse and Esso station
P.S. I am a train dispatcher for Norfolk Southern so I like the NYC and PRR main lines
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Sully - First off ---> .
My original CONNELLSVILLE SUB is an L-shaped 9 X 6.5, so I may be able to help a little bit. You are working with 11 x 10.5, which is a nice sized pike, but will be hard to encorporate your entire list of wants.
The MTH firehouse and service stations are real estate "eaters" (got the firehouse on mine). The swing bridges also have big "footprints" as well. You may have to forego your 5 track yard. On a small layout, it would look cluttered anyhow. You could have a small BIDS terminal, servicing an industry if you like.
The three mains are doable, but the switches needed to connect them may push you off your benchwork. The second level is very doable, but depending on what type of engines you are running, impracticle.
Fill in some of the blanks here. What "look" are we going for? How about "era"? Are we using classic steamers, or modern power. What is your favorite area to watch trains...?
Well the firehouse and gas station are big space takers, true but it would be a shame not to use them or atleast one of the swing bridges.
I was thinking about making the yard and passenger terminal the second level, O-31 curves could work here since I'm not running many scale steamers.I run alot of F and E units and Alco cab diesels along with all the railking NYC Hudsons so I would like to model the early 50's.
My favorite place to watch trains would proabably be just east of Toledo, where the CSX dual mains cross the NS dual mains, on the old water level route.
Oh believe me, those accessories are too nice not to use.
Perhaps you can encorporate the scenery outside of Toledo into your layout. Kinda give it that "flavor", without trying to create exact replicas of anything. Hey, if you're willing to break a little conventional thinking, perhaps run a river a foot from the inside layout edge. Use your upper level, complete with one or more of your swing bridges, to span the waterway, and the lower line below...
My resolution is to actually build a layout. Not a large one, maybe 4x8 with a little shelf like extension around a control panel area
A must have is a Lionel ZW transformer. That comes first before layout or anything. Some gargraves track to use and some ross or maybe if lionel switches. I definatly want a few more locomotives. Maybe a diesel or 2 and a steamer. I wouldn't say no to a Williams scale Hudson or a Lionel GG1.
Cheese
Nick! :)
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