Model Railway Forum

I am a completely novice modeler. I have, what I guess is most modelers’ dream, which is a heated cellar in which I have put a 40 feet long baseboard. I have set up a 12 foot double track oval with some sidings just to get used to laying track and getting to install and run DCC. My problem is that I have not got a clue on how to design a layout. I now all the advice is that it is a personal thing, to just do abit at a time and the layout will develop. Unfortunately I do not have the time ( I am 81 years old) I don’t want a particular era I just want to lay track, run trains and then add scenery etc later if there is time, I realize this has to be done to a plan. I have looked at plan books, videos etc and then when I look at my baseboard I think where the heck do I start. As a last resort I found a company that can do everything from building a baseboard to building the layout but they can’t look at my problem until January next year and the cost would probably be too high anyway. I need someone who likes to design layouts as they have gone as far as the can with their own, to design a layout that would fit my baseboard which I can build myself.

Hi Stan - welcome to the forum. Your problem is a common one and there will be many different answers as to the way forward. For now though, how big is your space? Do you want to replicate a particular era or style of operation? R-

No era and a 40 foot long space which is very large!
I personally would lay a double oval / loops of track, power it up and enjoy just running trains. Nothing complex in that. Once you have something running then add sidings inside and outside of the loops (Outer space permitting) and adding passing loops in platforms etc.
You may even want to consider adding another loop or even extending one or both of the existing loops making then into a folded figure of 8 formation where the line rises up slowly from baseboard level and passes over the tracks below, continues at a higher level then descends back to flat baseboard to rejoin the loop again. Doing this effectively doubles the run of track per loop in the same space!

My space is a room 13’ x 12’. My baseboard runs right round the room with a gap at the doorway which can be bridged. I am not bothered about an era or style of operation. Because I will be running trains on my own, continuous track is preferred. I was hoping to supply someone with the room and baseboard dims. And for them to say, “start an incline here, run it to there, sidings here, stations there, mountain and tunnels there etc.

For many the process is part of the fun. Putting hills, rivers, coastal features etc all depend on you, your skill levels, your willingness to accept what you've done as acceptable (or better) and how much time and money you are able (or willing) to devote to the 'project'.

You have to start somewhere at some point. Get a baseboard and track down for part of the room, get some locos and make a start! As you develop the layout ask questions.... There will be lots of different answers to what seems like a simple question and most will be valid, one will suit you.

1. Avoid making it too complicated, at first.
2. Avoid S curves.
3. Avoid turnouts upon curves, which create S curves.
4. Avoid putting switches under tunnels.
5. Avoid facing turnouts back-to-back, which create an S.
6. Don't lay track permanently until you've run it awhile.
7. Have fun!

Chops almost got it right!

Number 7 should be number 1 !!

Is #1 before the gnashing of teeth and rending of garments?

If you like a long run you can easily double the length of the oval run by using a folded 8 track design. If you google Folded eight track plans you should find some examples.......John

My American HO layout uses a folded 8, and it is remarkable how it doubles the journey. Good point. By double 8, I mean to say
to overlapping ovals with one diamond so that one oval crosses the other.