hoady02

Hello Keith, An observation I would make is that whilst a simple oval track layout may appear to be too 'toy train' like the reality can be far different. I recollect spending a full day operating a simple small oval and enjoying the experience immensely. My current Santa Fe layout in fact is a big circle around the walls of a double garage. I am fortunate that I have the space to do all the things Lance Mindheim talks about in terms of creating scenes and I think you have a similar opportunity as well. Two immediate features of a depot on the main and the grain silo on a siding creates a simple yet very prototypical scene. That affords you the opportunity of mainline running and switching as well. What's not to like? Every layout contains compromises and curves can be one of them. We are always going to be constrained by the space we have and the limitations the are imposed on us. But at the end of the day it is what it is. The only question we have to ask ourselves is that a deal breaker? Is the opportunity of a longer run compromised by tight curves? If it is then a point to point design is the alternative. Note I did not say solution! Compromises again. Good luck with the final decision. Regards, Geoff