Trouble already...

Ok. So that first idea for the new layout was a bit of a bust. I have decided that if I am going to run a full loop on here, I will need at least a 22" turn radius. The only problem with that is that really cuts down on how much straight mainline I can fit into this thing. If I build a layout with a complete oval, I will only be able to realistically fit a loco and up to 7 cars behind it on the line and an even shorter train on the "staging" track in back of this new design:

My only other choice for an interesting HO layout in the available room would be to do a 28"x12' shelf switching plan. I really want to have an oval, but I suppose it's not entirely required. I would just like to be able to cut my locos loose and let them run every now and then. I have been told that I can just get my kicks with continual running by going to the museum and volunteering a lot more, but I can't always do that. I suppose I will look at some switching plans and see what I can come up with. Who knows? Worst case scenario I will just have to wait and build a new layout in a few years. Oh no! Build a new layout?!?! Oh, the torture! ;) (sarcasm cannot achieve its full effect over the internet, but you get the idea lol)


If I do decide to build the layout on the plan above, this is a rough render of what my rooms layout will look like with both layouts in there:

The green box is where the HO scale layout will go, the red box represents my N scale layout, the blue is my desk, and the purple box will be my little wire shelving unit.

A new dawn on the WyCo Western....

I have recently began to volunteer at the Greeley Freight Station Museum and ran some trains on their 5,500 sq. ft. layout. It was incredible!! The experience made me hungry for more and has made me even more anxious to get back to work on my home monstrosity. So far I have only made a few changes, so no update pics or video yet. However, the big change that I feel is worth noting is that I have gotten some HO scale equipment in a trade and will be building an HO layout in my train room. This one will follow in the original N scale WyCo Western's footsteps in that it will be set in a rural Wyoming setting and will have a few rural structures and some switching possibilities as well as a continual loop track. I am concerned that it won't leave much room to move in there (only about a 2 foot alley) and am considering making the layout a 2x8 switching layout only. I am not thrilled with that, but will if I have to. Here is the track plan for my HO layout so far. I am going to be going over it very carefully and will be trying to perfect the plan before the construction phase to minimize room and maximize enjoyment.