Hi Ken and thanks. I do have the same concerns about the layout as it is, and may have to change the bench-work around some what. Basically it is composed of 2ft by 4 ft modules bolted together so it is still possible to change the basic design, although I prefer to keep the loop to loop as I do like to sit back and watch trains run through scenic-ed areas. I'm also thinking of the harbor area being in the North west corner as that area will also be difficult to reach if the inside corner is filled in.
I've given a lot of thought to this area and still don't have a solid answer. I was toying with the idea of a mountain with a not so obvious opening at the backside. However this may be more trouble than it's worth. The only other options open are a "lift out" or just leave an open space as most people do
>>Having an access hatch of one type or another is a good idea. If your ceiling is high enough, how about having the top area of the mountain, maybe 2' x 2' be a, 'hoist up' with an over head rope and hook arrangement that could be pulled up to the ceiling when not needed and the mountain top could have a camouflage I/Loop secured in it?
The other way would be to make the mountain top so it could be pushed up and turned on it side and dropped down through the opening and rest on a shelf under the bench work somehere.
Another idea, but fairly more costly, might be a topside creeper like Micro-Mark or others sell? < <
No I'm pretty much a loner and there isn't anyone in this area who does model rail so hosting would only be a very remote possibility
Yes that is what I want and I'm thinking of locating it in on the lower right area where the light blue is. That's going to be another tricky area so that might have to change as the track plan develops.
>>Might I suggest that you just tacking things in place temporarily till you see what fits in best as well as making sure your loco's operate ok over rails and areas as well as operating for a bit to know if things are to your liking or not. Also I'm a big believer in making use of curved switches as they can really very often facilitate fitting in more than you can with just straight switches if you get into a bind. I'll have to admit that with my tighter radius's and constrained space I'm making considerable use of them but then again my RR theme is more of a very rural back-woods type of operation where your a lot more modern with longer Loco's and cars but I'm sure that much broader curved switches must be available.
Anyway, it a good start Willis, and I know it helps to pique your interest! < <
Cheers and thanks for your observations
Willis
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