Help with new layout in basement for HO scale

[NUTNDUN]

Got a little more done on the layout design today. Got some of the maintenance area done. Also think I will try and do some sort of staging along the right side wall behind a divider wall with maybe two tracks behind it.

I am still debating only having one mainline rather than try and do two of them. I know when it comes time to actually lay track that it should be a little easier to fit in some other sidings for a couple more industries here and there. We went to the local model railroad club today to check out their layout and operations during their open house. Will probably become a member there as I would like to learn more on the operations aspect.

Here is an updated image for what I have so far. I would like to do some sort of crossover at the top right corner with the track going under being the one to go into the staging area.

 

[joed2323]

A single track mainline isn't a bad thing. In my opinion i like single track mains because where i live thats all i see is single track mains.

Using a single track main on a layout sometimes is better because it allows more space for other things.
Some guys actually think it looks better more prototipical.

Do you happen to have any pictures of your progress??

 

[AllenB]

It took me almost a year to design my lay out. I had two main lines so I could run two trains at once to avoid boredom. My layout looks kinda like yours but I went with a duck under to make a complete circuit...again to avoid boredom. Good luck!

 

[scroggin]

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* radius. 24* puts me to a 5' width for 180 degree turn.

Passenger cars look a bit strange going around tighter turns you could block the view of a tight turn with tunnels or having buildings in front of it . Some steam locomotives struggle with tighter curves so you are also limiting what you can run around that curve

 

[otiscnj]

Looking at your new plan, I'd consider adding a long yard lead, parallel to the mains, on the left side of the layout-perhaps going as far as the cross over before the curve, along your top wall. Tieing that many tracks into the main where you have them, is going to create a lot of problems, if you want to switch the yard-you'd have to tie up a main track.

 

[NUTNDUN]

I have been tinkering with the layout idea again. I have been doing a lot of thinking about n scale as well but I really prefer HO. I was thinking about the n scale because of how easy it would be to do a long island and still have plenty of room to walk around.

So I decided to mess with the ho layout some more except make it a single main line and do an island. I tried to keep space between tables at 3' or close to it and it might get tight at the island where the 180 is. I wanted to at least have a 26" radius there. I still have a lot more to do with the layout design but I think I like where this one is going so far.

The island has a reverse loop which will allow me to turn locos around and also gives me a good place to put a passenger station. After the turnout for the reverse loop is where the grade starts and I have 3 3/4" clearance for the overpass and the grade comes out to 2.5% which doesn't seem like it would be too bad.

I am going to keep the right side of the basement minimal with possible two hidden staging tracks. I want to keep the shelf less than a foot wide around those walls because I am going to also do some benchwork for my dad so he can setup his O scale trains. I am going to keep the ho layout up around chest height and the O scale benches will be around 30" high.

Let me know what you all think.