Change of plans

[flyboy2610]

Instead of constructing a 5x19x7 folded dogbone, and basically using most of the available (at the moment) room in the basement, I have decided to build a 5x10 layout on casters. This will allow me to push it into a corner when not in use, but enable me to have access to all areas. The minimum radius is 22", so that should allow me to use some decent steam power. I wanted to have a variety of scenic effects as well. I have a lake, a tunnel, and some hills with a rock cut between the passing/runaround track. I have some industrial areas and a small yard with engine service area. It will also have a small town. The tunnel will enable me to "hide" a train, and I can pretend that it's taking several hours to reach its destination. Or I can just let it roundy round.
Building on a rectangle means that some tracks have to do double duty, such as the passing siding doubling as a runaround track. The time will come when I can have the whole basement, and then I can do everything just so. But for now, compromises must be made.

 

[ianacole]

Looks good! If you'll entertain a comment from an uninitiated noob, I'd recommend moving the turnout from the west side of the lake to the east side, turning out into the town, which will give you longer runs on those spars into the town warehouse area.

 

[flyboy2610]

I did try that, but I didn't care for it too much. That will be probably be an area I fiddle with before final construction.

 

[ianacole]

My only thought with that is with the current configuration in that area you won't be able to get nearly as long of a train to the west side of that spar because of the limiting length of the east leg.

Regardless, it looks like a layout that will bring you a great deal of entertainment!

 

[Beachbum]

Couple thoughts:

Slide the whole thing "down" so you can double track / put a long passing siding along the top.

Run the mainline over the lake on bents (?) with a bridge span in the middle.