This is what I want

[dick green]

This is the area I have to work with. Sorry about the artwork Im better with and xacto and a file than with a pencil. Thoughts? Ideas?


Thanks

Dick

[tappertrainman]

Hi Dick,

Are you going for a shelf switching layout, point-to-point?  I think you may have a tough squeeze if you're looking to get a turnaround loop in a 2 foot width.  I had to go out to about 36 inches on my layout for the turnback points to give enough room for a 15 inch radius curve plus clearance and spacing on both sides.

James

[John]

I think you need to be more specific .. whats your proto, switching, roundy round .. develop some givens and druthers ..

http://www.modelrailroadhowto.com/givens-and-druthers.html

[Baronjutter]

Looks like you have a really nice space to work with.  21' is a very nice long room!   I've got about as much space as you but for model trains, long is better than square. 

From your previous work I assume you're doing modern or close to it.  You've got an industrial area, a small town, and a city area.  No nature areas?  Ever consider doing double-decker or is that getting too crazy?

From the bulges at the end I assume you want the ability to loop trains, always a plus.  I think you could have a really cool layout with 3 distinct scenes and it should be pretty easy to hide the loops at the ends and make the whole layout look like a proto-realistic point to point deal.  Actually it looks like we have almost the exact same plan except that mine has an extra bend in it.

2' is about minimum for a return loop, it also is a good limit to put on reach for comfortable working.  I wouldn't use anything less than a 12" radius curve, and since you need about an inch of space around the track if you bump your ends up to maybe 26-27" you'll have the space.

I'm sure people have lots of ideas, but we need an era, a location, and the sort of activities you want to be able to do on your layout.  Or even the types/lengths of trains you want.

[lajmdlr]

Dick
There's a gazillion track plans out there to look at. There's more than a few on this & other MR forums that are similar to your space. Also do a Google search using whatever parameters you want & you'll find even more. And if you see something you just sort of like there's nothing that says you can't adapt it to your needs. As a RR civil engineer told me once "if it's a line on paper you can move it around like a wet noodle".

[dick green]

Ok Guys

My post was the cryptic, initial and somewhat nebulous conglomeration of all the ideas Iv seen and read about.

To firm things up a bit.

Industrial park will be some thing like Air lake industrial park in Mn. only because its close to me and I can visit and copy things. may be three industries at least one with sure spots.

The small town is something along the lines of Tom Johnsons Inrail. Elevator/feed mill, farm supply, country store. nothing more than a crossing really. We have these scenes in Minnesota. The fifteen feet of one foot wide layout ( narrow because this is family room and there is a couch and tables along the wall) leaves a rather long run of rural scenery with at least one bridge/river and farm country.

the city scene is where there will be a small yard, engine facilities, Brick buildings, and other grungy stuff.

The turn back loops will be hidden as best as possible and may become double track in middle section. I can bump them out a bit; but as they wont be seen; reliability and function out weigh appearance.

This will all be a one man operation. time period probably 80's to present. Totally freelance; if I like something I will use it. I like BSNF because of the colors. So don't hate me for not wanting to model a particular ten mile stretch of a certain railroad on a given date. I totally get it and have utmost respect for those who pursue that aspect of the hobby.

Having said that, all things considered, and at the end of the day thank you for forcing me to sit down and firm up my concept

Now who has the flex track?