I am in the process of rebuilding my N Scale Southview Lines layout. The old layout was a folding design that I was just not happy with. The new layout will be an 'L' shape built along two walls of my garage. Therefore, the available space is pretty well fixed (I still need to park both cars). After a lot of thought, I am down to two designs. Both feature all of the elements that I would like in a railroad. One is more focused on a yard and making up trains while the other is more of a scenic layout. Right now, I am leaning toward the scenic one (layout 3a). Please take a look and let me know which design you prefer. Also, if either design can be improved, please let me know that too. Note: The return module shown will connect to the left side of the layout at the grain facility. This will facilitate continuous running and will be removable when not operating. Layout 3a Layout 4a [ 17 January 2002: Message edited by: mdrzycimski ]
Both look pretty sound planning wise, at this point it is really a matter of preference. I think the yard in 4a is a little small, but would be excellent for dispatching locals to the industrial areas. 4a has the potential for more operators running locals and yards, while 3a would need fewer operators running mostly mainline trains. So like I said, it is a matter of preference and how you want to operate your layout. Personally, I like locals with a few big mainline trains, so I would go with 4a. But if you like seeing the mainline run, go with 3a.
Mike, I would favour 4a with the yard as it would add to the senic in 3a nicely and could add fun as well. My preference would be to have it all on one level as I wasn't happy when my old layout had two levels. My choice for what it's worth
Double decking is slightly "controversial" as some like it and some don't. I think one issue is the distance between the two levels, visually. If you can have around 20 inches, from track top to track top, with a very narrow fascia on the upper deck (I am using rope lighting to keep the profile narrow for the lower deck lighting), you can be okay for a double decker. Some have only 12 inches seperation or something like that, I think that would visually be too narrow. I prefer 4a as I enjoy operations. Once the layout is "done"; even if it is great to look at, having trains just go around - for me - is boring. One aspect of the hobby which has come as a pleasant surprise to me is the social side of it. As I have become more active, I have acquired new friends that like to run and operate trains. I know some of them will be coming over from time to time to operate on our layout. I guess what I am saying is even though you might not have friends now who are into operations of a layout; I have a feeling as you build and scenic your layout, you will meet people who would love to run trains with you. Of course this may already be the case now. I am sort of - but not quite - an "anti-yard" person in smaller layouts. They just eat up so much space. Visually you have 4 distinct areas on your layout - the two reversing loops and two at each end (sort of) of the main rectangle. The long yard reduces your layout to three visual areas - the two reversing loops and the main rectangle. I think by having four distinct areas, it "opens" your layout up, and makes for a "longer" run. In the four areas you would have industries, interchange track, and very small yards in the industry to switch, as well as a train station or three to run your small passenger train(s) and/or RDC's. What I do is draw up a bench plan first - as you have done - then I draw circles of the area's I want the eyes drawn to - then I plan what is going to go into those circles. The area's between the circles is the transition area. So the circles can represent areas one mile or ten or one hundred or five hundred miles apart. This is what I mean it "opens" up the layout - the layout feels bigger. Dont forget that you can use a level beneath your layout for staging. Also part of the staging could also serve as a yard. This is how a group of us operate a larger layout and it works just fine. [ 18 January 2002: Message edited by: rsn48 ]
IMO yards on small layouts tend to become model storage areas. Staging can server the same purpose. But are a better use of space and if it's not completely hidden can still work as a place to both store and display rolling stock. A lower level that mostly serves as storage/staging yards does not require the large amount of visual seperation between the decks.
back to the topic on hand - I prefer 3a as I don't see a big need for the yard in front of the IM lift (other than car storage as mentioned before - a single siding there could serve as a great place to display your favourite models however.)
I think that I will go with 3a. I favor scenery and mainline running and feel that 3a provides for this better. I am going to think a lot about hiding the staging under the layout. Initially, I wanted everything up top and accessible. But, I can see the merits of the additional space. We will see...maybe there will be plan 3b posted soon!
