Planning my first layout

[Favrefan04]

I am planning my first layout. I have been doing my research and everything for the last year and a half. I have a full basement, but I only have an area of about 13'x13'. I understand that most people think that it is best to start with a small layout for a couple of different reasons. I have shown not only interest but near obsession with the hobby. For that reason I don't think that I will lose interest if the layout takes a while to finish. Plus the thought is that the layout will have mistakes on it and all that. I will be taking my time with it so I don't think that will happen too much. At least as long as my layout plan is a good one.

Now for my questions, is there a real good reason why I shouldn't go ahead a build a nice medium sized layout now? I am willing to consider all reasons that you all may suggest.

My second question is what kind of suggestions do any of you have on how to best fill this space. My frist thought was to only have it as if it were a around the wall type of layout, with a lift out gate to enter the center for operating, or should I consider some other type of design. I think that I would be interested in a continuous running mainline.

Bits of info- The scale is HO, and it will probably be some sort of freelance with prototypical influances (one being BNSF as the RR used). The area is quite open for suggestion, I don't think dessert is an option, but my wife (yes she is interested it taking part in it) wants to have at least one mountain and probably a tunnel as well. Also I just finished the John Armstrong book 'Track Planning for Realistic Operation'. I will be using DCC as well.

Any and all suggestions will be heavily considered and appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[SpaceMouse]

There are a couple free railroad design programs out there; Atlas RR and XtraCAD come to mind. Pick one draw up your space woth your limitations, doors heaters, laundry, etc. and that will give us something to work with.

Since you have read Operations you may have an idea of what kind of industries you would like to have. Do you want to concentrate ons switching, deliveries and pick-ups passenger, mainline, etc.

I started with a 4x8 even though I had a lot more space to work with. I didn't do it to learn--I did it so my kids had something to run while I worked on the bigger layout. But I did learn and I'm glad I did take the time to do it. There is very little that I thought was a good idea, that I am duplicaitng now. I've changed tracks, themes, types of operations, and structure.

Take your time with the planning and think it through.

[selector]

I second Mouse's advice, Favrefan04. You seem to be well informed, and have made some important decisions. Our recommendations might have a more robust nature if we had more specifics. You mention operations, but that means as many things as there are people in the room. Turntables are a favourite, but they are also space hogs, as another person on this forum described them, and need special electrical attention. Mountains are great to add spice and visual appeal, but they can be just as big a space hog as a turntable if they take up a chunk of your layout and give nothing much in return.

Perhaps the time has come for you and the Frau to draw up a list of 'must-haves', a list that will steer everyone who looks over your shoulders towards an ideal solution. It may be that your expectations, though informed, are unrealisitic. A list of items and functions that your layout simply must have will help us to help you to shoe-horn them in!

Good luck, however ot goes!! [:)]

[Adelie]

Sounds like you have considered all the right things thus far. I use CadRail, myself, and like it. I'm biased, though, I have been using it for probably 9 years. But, any decent computer design software makes planning, replanning and tweaking fairly painless (just do yourself a favor and rename the files, I use the date on mine). If you are not careful, you can get locked into "analysis to paralysis" and never start building, though.

I have about a gazillion books of railroad plans, including Model Railroader magazines. I generally pick and choose things I like. 13x13 is a good space. My suggestion is to pick a general time period, which will give you an idea of the size of your rolling stock, and thus provide some answers to the important questions "what is my minimum radius going to be" and "how big are the design squares." Track Planning for Realistic Operation is a great resource. You might also browse through 101 Track Plans for ideas.

Finally, and people here will get tired of me preaching this, use easements for your curves. [soapbox] They are generally worth the time, space and effort, and with design software, a snap to incorporate into the plan.

Chips words are golden: take your time with planning and think it through.

[MisterBeasley]

I used the free Atlas program. I spent a lot of time with it, but I don't expect it to define my track positions down to the inch. I've got my benchwork framing all done, and I'll start gluing down the foam this weekend. This is my first "modern" layout, though. The last time I built one, I was listening to this great new band from England called The Beatles.

I expect to make mistakes, and I expect to find better ways of doing things as I go along. I'm a big believer in doing a small "test" region before going large scale. I'm sure my track plan and scenery vision will evolve as I build, so I will build small sections first to develop my skills with trackwork and scenery .

Remember: "Indecision is the key to flexibility."

[hoscalelarry]

I fully agree with Mouse's advice. I am blessed with a "large" room for my layout. 12X30 foot room and I plan on going around the walls with it, doing 8 to 12 foot at a time. Making different cities in each section. that way I can run train in one city and build the next city at same time. Also the cost won't kill me all at once. Maybe a "half" moutain if your layout is against the wall around the room. Just a thought. Have fun and don't worry about the re-doing of anything as I've seen many do in this form. -- Larry

[Anonymous]

Favrefan04 consider n scale for a 13x 13 ho scale n scale would look like a 26 foot ho just a sugestian

[Favrefan04]

A little bit more info for you all. I want to go with modern era stuff, basically I was thinking from 1990 and up. I do want to still use Cabooses though, I miss seeing them, but I won't have to with my own RR. I have used the Atlas program and I have came up with a several plans, however my laptop crashed on me and they are all stuck on a CD waiting for the laptop to return from the repair shop.
The space that I have is completely wide open it is only one corner of my basement. I can fudge a little here and there, but not too much. The corner in which I have to use is right where the stairs are, and I have access and have planned for a hidden yard though the wall and under the steps. The room that is in there is only storage and I can basically have as much of it as I want for my yard. There are no obsrtuctions in the track area though. I am thinking that at the moment I don't have any plans for passenger service, but I am not opposed to it sometime in the future. I think that Minimum Radius I would like is 24 if I can get it.

I know I have a lot more work in the planning department, but I don't want a switching layout, I am thinking that deliveries and pick-ups with a bit of mainline thrown in would be more ideal for my likes.

Again thanks for all of the thoughts so far, and as soon as I am able to get back to my laptop I will make sure that I get all of my thoughts put down and the real brain storming can begin.