Seaboard Central 2.0

[wm3798]

Just run a narrow shelf over the workbench, dingus.  Add a short siding right there that you can wire up as a programming track (isolated from the main track power with a DPDT, of course) then put your little return loop at the far end of the new branch.

This will give you a spot to quickly test out new decoders and program old ones, throw a couple of switches and send it out for test drive.  You could also set up a short stretch of scenery near the workbench to give you a little "studio" for shooting your latest rolling stock creations with controlled lighting etc.

Lee

[davefoxx]

Just run a narrow shelf over the workbench, dingus.  Add a short siding right there that you can wire up as a programming track (isolated from the main track power with a DPDT, of course) then put your little return loop at the far end of the new branch.

This will give you a spot to quickly test out new decoders and program old ones, throw a couple of switches and send it out for test drive.  You could also set up a short stretch of scenery near the workbench to give you a little "studio" for shooting your latest rolling stock creations with controlled lighting etc.

Lee

Lee,

Ain't gonna happen.  You're talking about building the layout larger than I want, and it would then require duckunders.  That design would be too much expense to build and then too much maintenance to keep the monster running well.  You, of all people, know all about the "ten pounds of layout in a five-pound room."    Heck, I have four railroads on this existing layout with two of them (SBD and A&R) having decent mainline runs.  The other two (SOU and LRS) are merely interchanges, but one of them (SOU) is now able to be operated as a point-to-point rather than a dead-end siding.

Besides, there's no reason to connect the Southern Ry. to the other end of the A&R.  That would serve no purpose and wreck the designed operation of the layout, other than for roundy-round action.

DFF

[wm3798]

You misunderstand.  Not a full around the room with connections at both ends, just a single branch that runs along the wall and over to the work bench.  You wouldn't even have to put scenery on it.  Put the return balloon at the end (and make that double track so you can stage two trains out there...) and make it a point to loop.  Remember the "utility sub" on the WM?  Well, it connected all the way around, but if you imagine it ending in a return loop by the closet door, that's essentially what I'm talking about.

No duck unders necessary!

Lee

[davefoxx]

The Utility Sub worked great on the WM (may it rest in peace), but, in my case, your proposal would require a duckunder.  To get the Southern Ry. track over to the wall means it has to jump an aisle, and there's no other way to access the other side (e.g., the workbench) with the recent SBD extension abutting the opposite wall between the entry door and the water heater.  Yeah, I admit that it would be cool to have the Southern Ry. mainline longer to allow those locals to actually rack up some miles, which could also justify a larger Southern (actually NS) fleet.  But, that's just too over the top for budgetary reasons, among others.

DFF

EDIT: This might help you visualize it.  There's a 25" wide aisle between the new loop/original HCD layout and the wall that is sorely needed to access the entire layout without duckunders.

[wm3798]

Well then, at least  put a 4' straight module in between the main layout and the return loop.  It looks like a goiter this way...

[davefoxx]

Well then, at least  put a 4' straight module in between the main layout and the return loop.  It looks like a goiter this way...

I can't argue against the goiter comparison, but I didn't want to take up any more floor space to keep that area between the goiter and the workbench open for some elbow room.  I not only do model railroad construction at the workbench, but also home improvement and even school projects.  I'll consider adding a smaller straight section when I can take a look at it tonight.  But, odds are, it's maxed out for what I'm comfortable with.

Thanks,
DFF

[wm3798]

At least now it has a name...

[davefoxx]

At least now it has a name...

Kinda like that "green blob" of your old layout. 

I took the goiter apart tonight, to (1) replace the carriage bolt feet with longer bolts, and (2) to add a small straight section between the goiter and the main HCD layout.  I was only able to comfortably add 6" without cutting into the valuable floor space, but this allows my rolling toolbox to fit better underneath and the Masonite fascia should be easier to join with the fascia on the main layout.

[Dave V]

Looks kinda testicular to me...   

[wazzou]

I see a boob.

[C855B]

I see a boob.

No, you're thinking about the NMRA logo.

[Dave V]

If Ed had the Kidney, Dave now has the Nut Sack.

Hell, that's a great name for a peanut shop...

[Chris333]

Is it fastened solid or can it "hang down". 

[delamaize]

Railwire gold right here... +1 internets for everyone!

[wm3798]

Looks kinda testicular to me...   

Wouldn't you need two?  Same with the boob.  I stand by my goiter!