I would consider building a bit higher. I am just working out the details for my layout and will start with a height of 54 inches. The duck under entry for my layout room will be accessed by sitting on a mechanics stool on wheels and rolling under. By doing this with my space I will have room for 30 inch minimum mainline and branch radius as well as good access for under the layout staging. I will also be using dc mrc control master 20 packs. Good luck with everything.
Couple quick thoughts as a late-comer to your thread.
1.Use an office chair to roll under your layout. You will find it much easier to duck under.
2. Before you get too far with track work, think about building an additional staging (or fully working) yard on a separate benchwork on wheels. I promise you can make it work, and it will add so much to your operational abilities. Let's face it, you currently have just enough space to run a few trains around in circles and switch some industries (which is more than I have currently, and I am going through withdrawals after having a 20x40 double decked layout at my last house) so I am not disparaging your plan. Your room seems to be open enough that you can figure something out to make this work. If you get creative, you could probably make a yard that has legs that fold on the bottom 6 inches, so that when you fold the bottom of the legs, it lets wheels touch the ground, and it rolls underneath your existing layout.
3. Build a backdrop. Windows and paneling behind your layout make it look like a toy train layout. Splurge, if you can afford it, and get a photo realistic backdrop. It will make even sub-standard scenery look pretty good. There are quite a few options, and even worst case scenario, you could paint your backdrop a hazy light blue, and add a better backdrop later.
nw_fan Couple quick thoughts as a late-comer to your thread. 1.Use an office chair to roll under your layout. You will find it much easier to duck under. 2. Before you get too far with track work, think about building an additional staging (or fully working) yard on a separate benchwork on wheels. I promise you can make it work, and it will add so much to your operational abilities. Let's face it, you currently have just enough space to run a few trains around in circles and switch some industries (which is more than I have currently, and I am going through withdrawals after having a 20x40 double decked layout at my last house) so I am not disparaging your plan. Your room seems to be open enough that you can figure something out to make this work. If you get creative, you could probably make a yard that has legs that fold on the bottom 6 inches, so that when you fold the bottom of the legs, it lets wheels touch the ground, and it rolls underneath your existing layout. 3. Build a backdrop. Windows and paneling behind your layout make it look like a toy train layout. Splurge, if you can afford it, and get a photo realistic backdrop. It will make even sub-standard scenery look pretty good. There are quite a few options, and even worst case scenario, you could paint your backdrop a hazy light blue, and add a better backdrop later.
Hi, thanks for the reply. off one of the corners, I can go another foot before I hit the maximum reach of the open closet door. I told my wife I would go out any further, but I may be able to sneak it in later, so, on my track plan, I put my "road to nowhere" there. I also added a modest yard inside the oval. I think I am happy with what I have planned.
I know I am basically going to be watching trains go around in an oval, but it is 2 ovals, and they are going to be my ovals, andI am excited. I really hope that this 1st layout will allow me to experiment and learn more about what I am sure will be a life long hobby. I plan on trying lots of different scenery techniques and I also will be putting up a back drop, I promise!
I'm planning something along these lines too... a little longer, but similar. I started a thread looking for ideas as well. I'll be watching your progress!
Here are some progress photos: