Hello everyone, I'm looking at becoming a member in a modular layout club. They don't have any restrictions on scenery, just that it uses HO code 83 rail, has two main lines a certain distance apart, and of course uses DCC. The modules are supposed to be a minimum of 48" in length, and 18" to 24" in depth. For my show module, I was going to do something close to the following. It would be set up as a steam-era station somewhere along the line. I would place a station and platform in the space between the top track (which will function as a siding with maybe an engine shed, coal staith, and water tower) and the first mainline, with possibly a second platform between the main lines. To keep things interesting at home, I would make a second module that would function for switching operations. Not sure of the desired industries yet, but it would look like the following. Combining the two modules together would give me a home layout with the following track plan. For motive power I would be using either small steam or GP9/SW1500. Any thoughts, tweaks, comments, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The first thing I could think of would be to shift the crossover track a bit further forward, giving the engine an escape spot.
That's why I shifted the crossover further into the layout. While operating at home I would just want enough space for a GP9, which I measured at 7.5". A 9" section of straight track will be sufficient for it to get through. During a show, as part of the overall layout, that particular track will become one of the two mainlines and there won't be a space concern.
