t24
Hi !
I read your wonderful reply to my post...
Since it attracted you so much (where I wasn't quite sure it would) I will give you some ideas on how to make a shallow shelf layout still be exciting by it containing proto, 1:1 scale RR Ops/duties to keep you 'railroadin' the day away', including the non-need of (space-hogging) reverse loops, but instead perhaps employing a turntable and/or wye on one or both ends, or even midway in room corner...
Some modelers prefer watching trains run continually round and round through a circular path of some kind or other..That is 100% fine by me as it's a hobby where lots of tizeechizown rules our world of miniatures...(YourRR - Your RRules).
I though am an avid 'point to point' guy where the duties of turning trains to 'go back', or even running thru the system in reverse back home is perfectly OK and is/was done by many short lines and branch lines in the steam, interurban, and diesel eras..
For right now, I'd say, try to start collecting ideas as to dimensions and suspension of either open-grid benchwork from the floor on legs, or likely better yet, shelving..You will have to employ some vertical studs in the walls to at least anchor a rear stringer or stringers of (commonly in HO, 1x4 or 1x3), plus, 3/8" to 0.5" 3-5-ply plywood for sub-roadbed (4" wide sawed / jig-sawed path the trackage follows atop it with or without cork or foam roadbed, or ballast under same said track I.E. the 'right of way' of the RR ).
I leave you now with this:
As long as you are accepting the idea that you're not any longer going with a flat 4x6 and instead are going to go into 'open grid' and/or shelf type, along the walls benchwork, I am in your camp...If, on the other hand you choose TO go with a wide, flat board I'd advise against it due to the several disadvantages it carries for the modeler. Yet, it too is perfectly fine, if you so choose that route..It's just that I've no interest in that style and in fact would be advantageous for a non-animate, static diorama. But I think you've made it clear now, you are going to go with an active, live MRR...
In any event,
welcome back to the hobby !