Newbie2020

Thank you all for your brilliant efforts! Starting to get over my head in places! I certainly don't mind any one rehashing or redesigning it - I've learned loads from this thread and hopefully anyone reading the thread with a similar size space they're tempted to use will be just as inspired. Only remains to start actually doing something and make some real progress! As soon as I've got anything worth showing I'll get some pics uploaded showing its progression. Now if only I could think of a name for my little station???? Clive

Some really great ideas, thank you everyone for the effort - it's very much appreciated. It's amazing the variations that are possible! Decisions, decisions decisions!! Clive

Being originally from Lancashire, the mill scene type perhaps leading out onto moorland on the right where the tunnels are would be the way to go for me I think. I can only dream that it will look anywhere near as good as the Tetley Mills layout! I was thinking of putting a road in from the bottom left crossing the tracks (maybe a bridge?) dropping down into the car park and warehouse area this would give some height to the layout along with the hills. I like the idea of perhaps some buildings (or something) blocking the view of the run around at the top, as you say, to break up the roundy-roundy aspect. Clive

Version 4.7 Completely altered the geometry and yes it does look a lot better at that top left corner of the loop now. I've also improved the sidings into the Warehouse area too. Clive

Good Points! Meant to fix the close geometry in the top left then forgot! I think you're right about the Passenger route. I was fixated on getting the goods route sorted. So may well go back to the station platform at the top left instead of loco sheds. Re-jigged the industrial area sidings - to accommodate the revised geometry - but think that may need more thought tomorrow. Clive

Version 4.5 Having spoke to a few people and watched a few YouTubes I've decided DCC it is. In which case I can put the return loop back in without panicking about the wiring or stop start operation. This version, therefore includes some of the good ideas provided by everyone and, of course, my Tunnel! ( I have dropped the idea of having a raised embankment to it though). Having stared at this for best part of a day I think this offers good modelling opportunities, along with good, and somewhat realistic, "playability". And all this with no divorce and no puppy! Result! I'm thinking this is going to be my working plan (unless anyone shouts "stop - you can't do that!" ??) but as with all plans will probably be quite flexible throughout the build time.

Have now got a copy of CJF's "60 plans for small locations" If anyone is following this thread with a view to doing the same size layout - I'd say this is worth the few pounds spent on it! some good ideas in there.

It would have to be a labrador! I've been fighting this since we lost our last dog about 3 years ago! (loved it to bits but they are ohh so tying!)

Going DC or DCC was going to be my next question. Is DCC over ambitious for a first timer? Not afraid of a bit of soldering and wiring really, but should I keep it simple to start?

I think I've pushed as far as I can without buying her a puppy!!!!!!

Another question is, I have made use of flexi track in places to compensate for where the geometry isn't quite standard. In reality, how practical is this to achieve good running? AnyRail 6 does warn of any "bad" curves when using the flexitrack and I've made sure all the pieces I've used are ok with AnyRail 6. Clive

Layout 4.3 Final go for today. Back to my idea of loco sheds/goods in the extra top left part and station at the front to allow passing through trains. Now has two separate loops with goods sidings for warehouse type scene off the station, And, of course, the obligatory tunnel! Clive

Version 4.2 This removes the problem of the return loop wiring. Still has good "playability" but should allow for good modelling too. Still seems close to the board edges though and I think I like @RJS1977 's idea of the station near the front. that way I can "drive in - drive out" as well. Going in the right direction I think but still definitely a WIP!

Hi Chris, some brilliant ideas, From everyone else as well! I realised as I lay in bed last night that I hadn't solved the reverse loop short issue! So this leads to another question, How much of an issue is it? As I see it once the loco has travelled the loop and tries to re-enter the original mainline the polarity of the rails will be reversed? How is this got around? I'v used 3rd and 4th radius curves where I can but could reduce that to 2nd and 3rd to reduce the overall width to give more clearance from the board edges. Actual measurements of the board are - mainboard 2430 x 1220 and side board 800 x 500 (mm) Clive

Ok, Version 4. Table accurately measured, and accurately drawn on AnyRail 6 (not as hard as I thought once I'd watched a YouTube on it!) scissors changed, station moved, loop added (although not actually a return loop). Sidings area within the loop could have more sidings for small goods wagons. I've also marked on where a possible 22" square access hole could be. Clive

Not really, there's other stuff along the opposite wall that's restricting me.

Yes i'd love to see your ideas, I 'm sort of agreeing with you on the operating well. I'd need 22-24 inch square which would remove a large area from the board.

Yes I'd really prefer OO, N gauge just seems too small (no offence to N gaugers out there!)

Hmmm not much room left for trains then!!! lol

That is a thought, especially as the modelling develops. How big would you suggest?

Correct

The room is my garage. She who must be obeyed has given me the space shown!

Can you clarify the difference between a scissors crossing and conventional crossovers?

Wow! so much to think about ! Return loop had actually not even entered my thinking! So step one - measure properly! Then step two - watch a YouTube on how to set up a baseboard accurately in AnyRail 6! Version 4 Coming soon! Clive

All good points, Thankyou. I've had a quick play with it and come up with version 3! (many more to come I'm sure!). The sidings to the left are a little short but I'm looking at ways to rearrange the furniture in the garage to allow more space here.