southpier13

some tangible progress here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/southpier13/albums

i understand the wisdom of keeping track level specially when there's practically no room for transitions to approach & departure of grades. the scenery fluctuation idea is a good improvement i can implement rather painlessly. micro engineering has sent a tracking number for my track & turnout order, so hopefully by the end of the week/ month i can have something tangible and the regularity of my drawn trackplan can go under revision. thanks for the helpful input.

i agree and one of my first criticisms of most straight benchwork modules is a track parallel to the edge(s). one reason i chose the shape was to allow 360 access for construction & viewing when finished. i hope there will be enough revision as the track gets fine-tuned there will be enough variation between it and the "edge of the world" to make the following less obvious. ideally, the benchwork - island - would have numerous nooks & crannies much like a fiord - but in a practical sense it would become an exercise in casemaking. i am going to reserve the zigs & zags of terrain for the coastline. the profile of the benchwork will also have highs & lows to imply the large land mass is connected to "more". as if the tip of a peninsular was lopped off and this is what remains. appreciate the observations; they are provoking me to thought! thanks

i think a bit of each. any point to point diorama becomes a chore to me. the little kid gets a great deal of pleasure out of watching trains go round n round. i have no interest in photography. some little bit of operation will break up the circle running, but if i only shift a car or two i'll be happy. for what it's worth, i have assigned myself the following guidelines: 1/3 track hidden 1/3 track above an imaginary benchmark (say "0") 1/3 track below an imaginary benchmark (say "0") i like the idea of a runaround track, but struggle to conceal its beginning or end. won't mind one turnout showing, but would not like views of both. hopefully scenery, rocky coastline, will offer view blocks from the entire trackplan being seen in one fell swoop. (see next response for more of the same)

i am convinced to give the passing loop a try once turnouts are in hand. i didn't see a point where the second could be made without too tight radius but think when the track is shifted on the board it may be more apparent. there will be some hidden track but am not sure where yet. likewise with raised & lower topography to discourage taking stock of all the track in a single view.

trying to set up a project for the winter month's. any input on the trackplan attached appreciated. baseboard will be kidney bean shaped (dark grey) .small squares are 2". penciled + are 1/3 powerpoint locations where i have tried to have interest points. once the plan view is determined, i'll address elevations - blue is intended water. intention is to use rtr microengineering On30 turnouts #5 code 83 rail & their 3' flex-track sections. i understand the turnout location / radii will need to be massaged in the field. scale will be 1:35 & themed freelance narrow gauge. perhaps a tourist destination and most likely home of a ruined manor house (right side) & scenic overlook complete with cemetery & support building on the left. anyone point out blatant errors? it's only 'lines-on-paper' now, so corrections are somewhat easy. thanks