J.T.

Calling all layout designers!!!  I need your ideas. Sometime in the future I am going to be building a HO scale layout and would like some input. Right now, it is in the concept phase. This means I can list everything I want on the layout (and I probably will get carried away). Granted, I will not be able to have everything I want. But, if I don't put it on the list, I am sure not to get it. If you would, take some time to look over the list and if you come up with any ideas, e-mail them to me or leave a message in the Guestbook at the bottom of the page. I will read and consider your ideas. If they are something I think I would like to do, I will post them here for general consumption. By combining your ideas with mine, maybe a nice layout will be designed. Thanks in advance!

Table Of Contents

Requirements
Room Dimensions
E-mail

Requirements...
Following is a list of my layout requirements (and desires). I will be adding to this list as I have time.

	Benchwork Designed for disassembly - I don't plan on moving but I guess it is always possible Open girder Probably just one level...could be multi-level If multi-level, prefer no helix Walk around control
	Control Panel(s)
	Track Point-to-point with optional continuous loop. I want to give the layout a purpose of moving goods from one location to another and to have the operational enjoyment of doing just that. But, I would also like to have the option of allowing it to run free. Prefer no reverse loops Main Line Minimum radius: 30" Minimum turnout: #6 Dual track such that two trains can run simultaneously Track centers at 2" (for dual tracks of course) to allow for finger space Main Line tracks are 2' scale above yard tracks Branch / Yard (Anything not Main Line) Minimum radius: 18" Minimum turnout: #4 Track centers at 1 3/4" (for tracks which run close and parallel) to allow for finger space
	Points Of Interest Large Port City (One end of the point-to-point) Large rail yard - Basically, I want this to look line an old steam era yard which has been modified over the years for diesel service. Turntable Roundhouse Both steam and diesel service facilities Caboose track 2-3 staging tracks 3-5 storage tracks Plenty of room for MOW and other scenic details Industrial area with switching operations Small town (The other end of the point-to-point) Small rail yard Situated in mountains Coal mine Lumber mill Military Base - I need a place for my Army train set.   This would be mostly scenic but I would like a spur to enter the base. Heavy forest area Generic military style buildings Dirt and pavement roads
	Scales Track vs. Scenery - Equal balance Hidden vs. Visible track - Prefer visible; Little, if any, hidden staging yard (unless space allows)

Room Dimensions...
Here is a diagram of my future train room (click on it to view a bigger image). There is one wall which has a circuit breaker panel on it. I believe it would be best to reserve this wall for my desks, tables, wall shelves, and such. Therefore, the door would probably go best on the left side of the room. That leaves the other three walls for the benchwork. Unfortunately, the right side of the room has only about seven foot of height due to heating ducts. Feel free to copy this image and make additions or changes for suggested benchwork.

E-mail...
July, 22 1997 - Our first letter (and only letter at this point) is from Chuck Davis. Chuck writes (with my responses in blue)...

O.K. Randy: I'm cogitating. A couple questions that might make a difference as to what I suggest.

(1) What is to be on the "other" side of the 'proposed wall'? Suggestions will be different if it is to be 'laundry area' vs. 'rumpus/family room'. The other side of the 'proposed wall' is the rest of my basement.
I am actually enclosing the back part of the basement and will have shelving and/or cabinets on the basement side of the 'proposed wall'. The upper and left walls are concrete block foundation walls and the wall on the right is a partition to another finished room of which I have to rights to.
(2) What is the overall room height? Remember that 'air ducts' when painted a 'light sky-blue' can pretty well disappear (they can be ignored if the lighting is such that there aren't any _drastic_ shadows).
The height under the ducts is about seven feet. I plan on installing a drop ceiling to brighten the room. Currently, when you look up, you see floor joist. A drop ceiling will brighten it up and make it more pleasant.
(3) Is the requirement (desire) for two tracks, because of wanting to just let two trains 'orbit' unattended. Or is your leaning toward _heavy_ traffic RRing, that would have double track as a matter of course?
A little of both. I like the...um...look (for lack of a better work right now) of two trains passing, meeting, or just sitting idle.

Chuck