I've been improving my layout design thanks to help from this forum !
This is a "schematic" of the mainline, a dual-mainline bent dogbone on flat. Overlaied with this is a "no-lix" mostly hidden track (blue) which reaches up to about 14" as it heads to the future upper deck. In addition is some expansion room which I dont want to detail plan now (in case I get exausted !) but leaving room for it for growth. I'm going to build with 100% hand laid track and switches (except the hidden parts probably with flextrack) so keep in mind the very straight parts are "schematic" and will likely be much more curvy.
I have not yet identified industries, sidelines, cities etc but it seems there is room for them. Also thinking of a small 'fiddleyard' under the flat section on the left which can lead-up to enter the mainline. Maybe based on canisters (?) or maybe a swing-out plate to place cars to enter them. Not sure yet.
I'm also building a 3D model in wood at 1/16 scale of the benchwork as I'm having trouble visualizing the 3D nature of this ... thats giving me some good feedack on the feasability. But I want to start sawing and hammering soon !!! No hurry to finish this, but my goal is to get the mainline dogbone complete first so I can run track, then add on the extra bits as I get a better 3D feel for how its going to lay together.
Suggestions welcome !
This is a "schematic" of the mainline, a dual-mainline bent dogbone on flat. Overlaied with this is a "no-lix" mostly hidden track (blue) which reaches up to about 14" as it heads to the future upper deck. In addition is some expansion room which I dont want to detail plan now (in case I get exausted !) but leaving room for it for growth. I'm going to build with 100% hand laid track and switches (except the hidden parts probably with flextrack) so keep in mind the very straight parts are "schematic" and will likely be much more curvy.
I have not yet identified industries, sidelines, cities etc but it seems there is room for them. Also thinking of a small 'fiddleyard' under the flat section on the left which can lead-up to enter the mainline. Maybe based on canisters (?) or maybe a swing-out plate to place cars to enter them. Not sure yet.
I'm also building a 3D model in wood at 1/16 scale of the benchwork as I'm having trouble visualizing the 3D nature of this ... thats giving me some good feedack on the feasability. But I want to start sawing and hammering soon !!! No hurry to finish this, but my goal is to get the mainline dogbone complete first so I can run track, then add on the extra bits as I get a better 3D feel for how its going to lay together.
Suggestions welcome !