Being restricted to a small room in the house my layout ws 21.M X 1.2 m and a Single Level. as the trains were breading like flies a decision was made some time ago to "design" and Build a New Table.

DImensions are 2.1M X 1.65M. and be a 3 level (well almost) layout.
there will be 300mm height difference between the storage and the working area and a one track Helix.
The bottom layer will be for storage, Hidden Staging yard). the working part of the layout will be loosly based on the Noch 81660 layout (it will be a bit fatter)

This layout is 3 levels, but the top and bottom level are about 60mm difference from the middle layout.

I mocked up a 2.1X1.65 top and with xxup's (Adrian ) held we began to mock up some track laying to get an idea of how much storage we may get. we got a good idea but then ran out of Switches and Curves, but we now have a good idea of where we are going.

The track down will come down the Helix on the Right-hand side, along the back and be flat at the front Left. on front right we start the staging lines. Photo attached of how far we got in our mock up.

Nothing will be done until after Christmas when I will start to dismantle the Current layout. In the meantime have to draw the plan and purchase a lot of R1 or R2 track and more switches (Points).

anyway a start was made.

Edited by user 11 May 2011 21:52:43(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Very good, Keep up the good work, Nev.

Good thing that you keep the helix R2. That will probably work perfectly with trains up to 2 meters long.
Although the bottom storage level will obviosly be packed with R1 and short points, I´d recommend you to plan in a few R9 cruves on the visible parts of the layout. -At least if you are going to decorate the layout with landscape.
I will shamelessly suggest that you take a look on my homepage, and check out the "costom designs" mentioned there. I´ll also be happy to help draw you an optimized plan.
One question though; Are you sure you want to go for an advanced multilevel layout with your damaged arm (or is the damage not so severe now?)

And money too...

The irony is that I probably have enough m-track to have built Nev's new layout... Apart from the first bits that I got brand new from the dealer, it cost me on average about 10c for a straight.. $10 for a turnout.. Nev is looking a $5 per track and his other arm for a fully functioning turnout[:(][:(][:(] That's just nuts for plastic...

I have to say though, that C track fits nicely... Can't do the sneaky things that you can do with M-track when the ends don't quite meet after an elaborate design.. [:I][:I][:I]


It certainly was fun today...

Nice project, Nev.

We are looking forward for the progress, but we obviously have to be patient for a couple of months.
By the way, my idea about a helix in a future layout is that a single track should be R2, and a double track mihgt be R1 downhill and R2 uphill.

That was a nice old layout Nev! Was it a Noch?
I remeber building my first M track layout. All the small adjustment track sections allowed much fudging.

Good one Nev. It looks as if the visible sections will have a nice flow to them - makes the trains look so much better.

I think i removed a few. Still 2 there but darkish. Shows lit carraiges.

New layout different.

Nev

Thanks Bob, Had one shoulder done last year so know what to expect.
Looking forward to it actually.

Nev

Hope it's not copyrighted Nev?? [:I][:I]

Hi Nev Looks good and keep the info flowing.

Any of your pics say copyright and our man from Ireland will be despatched.
Meanwhile holywater from the cave on its way to halp you build.

david

I hope so. with the new layout I will be 650mm fatter than the Noch displayed above so should have room for signs etc. also a Cable Car up the mountain to a supermarket, restaurant etc.
Your construction and Scenery are magnificent and an inspiration. [:p][:p]
Construction/demolition start date planned for January 2009 due to being a mono handed person for 8 weeks after getting a new shoulder in 8 days. Much track on order. R1 and R2 Curves
NN

Hi nev,

Good luck with your new layout, you must be very excited!

Cem.

OK, Don't forget keep posted soon, Nev.

Hi Nev,
All the best with the layout, and good luck with the slaves. Watch that they don't get too uppity, a good lashing every now and again will do wonders for morale.
regards
Kimball

Oi... [:0]

Hi Nev
I admire what you can accomplish is such a small space.
In the 80's I too only has such a small space to play with and couldn't never complete anything!!
I will be following your progress with great interest!

And Mrs Kelly!!!
She's interested in the scenery part...

So sorry to hear Nev, but your layout is looking very good. Time to have some fun with your creation. It can do wonders for your spirit. Bob

Enjoy your trains and be patient,time will pass quickly.

Hi Nev,
Take care, dream of trains.
Hope you can use the time to do a little planning and fore-thought.
regards
Kimball

I hope you get better soon Nev!

Maybe this is a good chance to get the new layout plan fully developed.

Hope it heals quickliy Nev.

Roger

Gee Nev, the solution is obvious! Build a layout that fits the Big Boy!

Nev,
How long is the FD's reach. Here in New England I'm about as far in either direction as is possible. So if I can be of any assistance...

Roger