Maybe smaller is better,,, for now atleast!! UPDATED PLAN 1/22/16

[Rossford Yard]

Dean,

Yeah, had to tell Gert he would have one less layout open for Ops at the LSR in June.  We are actually moving that very weekend, but I tried to get it moved back so I could host one more session.

As to ops, basically what you describe is what my last two layouts have been, but with a little more mainline on one end or the other.  The layouts I have most fun operating are yours (where I usually take Monument if I can get it) or Ole's Dakota Northern, where there is a mainline run with switching.

On my old layout, I had the Eastside Industrial Park just east of my main yard, basically an expanded timesaver which was fun to run on an out and back.  But the real fun was running up the branch (Cliff Branch.....) to a 4 track yard where we had to sort cars for a variety of industries.  That (and Ole's smaller yard) got me to thinking that a smaller yard and more industries would be better than the 21 track yard heavy switching I have now.

In any case, living down in Mansfield is just too far out, the wrong way.  Moving back up to North Arlington to be closer to kids and grand kids.  Railroad (for all the effort that went in) was secondary.

[SSW7771]

Jeff: Its a bummer to hear that you are tearing your layout down. I enjoyed the one op session that I was able to participate in; too bad we could not get a few more in. I look forward to see what you plan for you next layout.

I really like my shelf layout, even though it's very basic. The only draw back is that I can not have multiple operators. A trackplan like Wyatt's does allow for multiple operators which will help make the layout more enjoyable. 

[Denver Road Doug]

Wyatt, I somehow missed this original post.  Your initial ideas are looking good.

I can't wait to see what you both come up with.  I am bummed about both of your former layouts going away, but--since they were both great--I'm expecting that "lessons learned" will make the new versions even better.

Because of the events of the past year I've had to extremely reduce my participation in the model railroading scene for a bit, so I understand how the sometimes unfortunate reality of change can happen.

[Rossford Yard]

Been pouring over all the track plan books and mags I have collected over the years.  I did find one in "43 Track Plans from Experts" that comes close to my new room size of 8 x 17. (Doors on 2 long walls lead me to the switching concept, would need 2 Cassettes for continuous running)

Have doodled a few ways to get a few staging tracks - On a lower level (only 4-6" clearance", in the adjoining attic, or behind some flats on the same level.

Of course, track  planning all part of the fun.

[soo]

Doug,
 To support the new plan/concept I have purchased BN power!!!!
GP 20
GP15
GP 7/9
SW 1500
  I might get some more,,, I am thinking a GP30. I plan on using either a frisco, gn, or cbq caboose for the transfer run.

Trackplanning can be such a pain. I wish I could just snap my fingers and poof the perfect plan appears!!!!

I found a real interesting plan on the MRH forums,, a member drew up a plan focusing on the GBW ,, real nice. For some reason,, I am starting to like car floats more and more. ( staging ), plus another reason to have more yards.

Maybe all three of us could form a free-moN group,,hmmm,,, there is a idea,,hint hint,, along with Dean,,, Ole,,, and who ever else... hmm

Laters,
Y-it

[Rossford Yard]

Wyatt,

That actually would be cool if the 3-6 of us DFW N scalers formed our own modular layout "club"for Tex and OK shows.

Wonder if the IHB ever had a car float interchange with the GBW? LOL, I don't think so, but worth a try.

[Denver Road Doug]

I would love to belong to a Free-Mo-N setup with you guys.   Marshall was heading in that direction at one point before he switched gears.   But I bet if we had a group we could get at least one module out of him.  He has the construction method down using steel framing.

I want to build a car repair shop module, and would also contribute to a shared yard module and/or staging module.

Wyatt, you may have your thread back if you deliver a suitcase full of $100 bills to an address to-be-determined.

[soo]

Gentledudes,

    Hmmm, thinking we can come up with plan. We could build all the modules in a weekend. Hmmm wheels be turn'n

See ya,
Y-it

[Denver Road Doug]

To support the new plan/concept I have purchased BN power!!!! GP 20 GP15 GP 7/9 SW 1500

  I might get some more,,, I am thinking a GP30. I plan on using either a frisco, gn, or cbq caboose for the transfer run.

You managed to buy BN power I didn't have so well played.   I *DO* have a GP38-2 for sale with Decoder.  I would make you a sweet deal on it if interested.

[SSW7771]

I would love to belong to a Free-Mo-N setup with you guys.   Marshall was heading in that direction at one point before he switched gears.   But I bet if we had a group we could get at least one module out of him.  He has the construction method down using steel framing.

I want to build a car repair shop module, and would also contribute to a shared yard module and/or staging module.

Wyatt, you may have your thread back if you deliver a suitcase full of $100 bills to an address to-be-determined.

I am in for at least a module or two. I still have my test module I started, but have not make any progress on it.

[Trainmaster247]

Looks like a nice ops plan, i have been messing around with a corner design of two 2x8 modules in ho. I prefer more switching though than yard design.