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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    Thanks guys for all of the great pointers. I worked on the layout some more. I didn't get much accomplished other than possibly a plan for the paper mill. I set it up to where there is a stream / river into a pond so it makes more sense as to why there isn't a direct line from the yard to the...
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    I just keep having a mental block on what to do for the layout. I do like the longer trains. I definitely like consists of three or more locos. I would imagine that 20 to 30 cars for the mainline train would be the norm but would probably run longer ones whenever the mood would strike. I would...
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    I know it has been mentioned about using 30* radius as a minimum for more realistic operation. I definitely don't want to go as small as 18* but would 24* be a good compromise for better operation and space? I could have a peninsula that was four foot wide and up to 8' long if I used 22*...
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    The more I am looking at it though I am thinking that having two dedicated mainlines and a separate branchline might be trying to fit too much. Might have to see about using the inner mainline to have feeders to the different industries with crossovers to the other main as needed for passing?
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    Thank you for all of the suggestions. I know the mainlines are a little closer to the walls than what I would like and I think when it comes time to actually start laying track and see how the scale is actually going to look I can adjust it. I can also paint the walls with scenes as well and...
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    I think I might be at least making some progress with it. Please let me know what might and might not work. I am thinking about having the staging area along the right end wall possibly rather than under the steps just to make it easier to get to and I seem to be running out of room fairly...
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    The 12' x 37' half of the basement is closed off from the other half of the basement other than a regular doorway 12' from the left side on the south wall. I was thinking 2' to 3' throughout most of it around the perimeter. I will have to narrow it down to only the two mainlines where the steps...
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    I am thinking the area under the steps would be a good spot to put the staging. Was also thinking about putting the yard and the maintenance area on the right hand side. Run the mainlines all the way around to the staging area under the steps. Have a end to end branch line feeding the different...
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    The tracks can run all around the perimeter. There is about 2' of width to pass through under the steps on the back wall. There is also a doorway to the back half of the basement on the back wall 12' from the left side which I will make a removable piece. It isn't too often that we go back on...
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    I thought I had a good plan in my head that would have integrated a staging area with a mainline and a branch line with about 4 industries, a classification yard and also a maintenance area but once I started trying to lay it out in anyrail it is amazing how quickly the room disappears.
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    I will take back what I said about the whole staging area. I misunderstood what the actual purpose of it was. I was thinking it was more of a storage area which I guess depending how it is used it could be. After doing some more reading I realize that staging is more of a way to extend the...
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    I forgot to add that as for operators it is more than likely only going to be me, possibly my dad on occasion and my 7 year old daughter as she gains more interest. I do plan on going to the local club to check their layout out and see how things operate. I originally thought I would want a...
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    I currently have a typical oval on a 6' x 12' table which is at least helping prolong the urge to build a bigger layout right away. I have a siding to at least be able to switch cars up so that helps occupy the time. I have the week off between Christmas and New Years in which I would love to at...
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    Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

    I would love some help from the more experienced modelers with a layout for our basement. I bought a license for anyrail and have gotten a start on it but I feel that it could be designed better for a more real to life experience. I don't have any particular railroad I want to model nor a time...
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