IscaSteve

@Robert Stokes ah yes I see what you mean now. Thank you. Yes I do want some element of realism.

I think I may well do this. Getting something physical may help my thought process.

I want to be able to run trains and do some modelling etc but I'm not aiming for an accurate recreation of a particular location or have it true to life. I'd rather mix classes and eras etc and enjoy operating the trains. Thanks for the advice about the track type. My next step is to properly understand and compare the various types available and work out what's right for me. I think flexitrack is an interesting way to do this.

Thanks to everyone for your comments and suggestions. Some interesting thoughts for me to consider carefully. I've watched the Everard video. It's very interesting and was a good watch. The house is rented long term from a friend who is happy with me making any modifications to the property (short of knocking down the walls!). I have seen a few comments on forums regarding making the loft a habitable space but it seems many don't do this... although I understand the regulations say it must be done. It's a 1965-ish house and was definitely built strong enough to handle the load, as it has previously contained a home gym and was literally rammed full of the ex-owners property and two water tanks when we moved in; so my thoughts are if it was going to give, it would have been then. However, if it becomes too complex or costly to make the space usable, I may just swap to using my garage instead. A smaller area but still sufficient for a reasonable layout.

Interesting... I'm happy to use flexi track but not sure how to ensure the curves are forgiving enough with it in Anyrail... I just used what was already in the plan.

Thanks for your reply. The space shown is half the loft. The hatch is in the middle of the overall loft space, but the other half of loft is out of use as it's where everything is stored, so I will have to come up the ladder and either directly into the operating well, or via a lift-away if I fit one. I see what you mean about the arm's length; I will factor this in as I don't have access around it. Agreed re insulation etc. I plan to insulate and board the roof. The floor is properly insulated and boarded already.

Hi there. I'm new to the hobby having last had a set when I was a child in the 80s. Based on my wants, I think I'd be best off with a DCC layout which will be built in my loft. I have a space which is 3250x2400mm (c.10'6" x 7'8") and due to the angle of the rafters, my clear working height space is 900mm (c.3') across the middle of the 3250mm (see attachment). I will not have access around the edges due to the low roof clearance. The entry to the layout is from the bottom of the image where there is a loft hatch just off the plan. I could easily add a 900mm wide lift-out to the bottom edge and operate from the centre. The top edge is a solid wall and the sides are where the rafters drop down diagonally, meeting vertical supports (hence the max 3250 width). Wants for my layout: I'm not fussy about the era. I would ideally like two loops around the track (would settle for one), and a goods yard for some shunting. Maybe a shed. No turntable required. I'm not against a multi-level layout and thought the bottom edge could be raised bridge. I hope to buy the following trains: Class 03/08 loco with some wagons Class 55, Deltic, Co-Co, 55013 The Black Watch (or similar Class 55) A4 Class Mallard and carriages OR a Class 43 or similar with 5-6 carriages (hopefully both in good time) The difficulty I'm having and therefore am reaching out for some advice, is the initial layout design (as per the attached). I have read that u-shaped layouts are not good (?), and I could easily have a lift-out at the bottom so either way I think a decent layout can be achieved in this space. I have bought and studied the Peco track layout books and reviewed lots of online plans, but I just can't settle on an appealing layout before I even add the detail. Also I'm constrained by the 50 piece Anyrail limit until I can justify buying the full program - which only happens once I'm convinced I can make something appealing work. I sort of got away with this in plan 6 by modifying a plan I found online, but i'm still short of points etc. Any help or guidance you can offer me on what type of layout would be best in this space would be welcome. Additionally, if you have any ideas for a different way to set the boards up I am happy to consider those too. Many thanks! Anyrail Layout Area.pdf Plan 6 V1.pdf Plan 1 V1.pdf