Hi all :

It's funny but Taurus' "wet dream" made me think about that one. If we build a new layout (or new parts on it) what real or fictional landscape inspires us - knowingly or unknowingly - for creating just that theme ? (perhaps as a kid I viewed to many cartoons as you'll see later [:p])
For me it was quite easy - in the beginning. A simple New York City diorama with lots of track resembling more or less the small part of my town and that was it, thought I ...
Months later when the Double Track Highline came in (which naturally should run high - 25 cm above ground in my case) solid bridge parts were needed for providing good statics.
And that was the point when the whole project changed a bit. As all the prototype Highlines were never to reproduce for me (simply didn't find the right steel construction) I choose bridge parts from Klein Modellbahn which imitate grey brick (very detailed and nice looking parts )
Now as the base construction including track is finished (pictures will come soon) my first digital loco runs perfectly well on it. But since I needed quite a lot of that high towering brick stuff - now the whole layout reminds me permanently on Willie Coyote's and "Beep-Beep" Roadrunner's ACME Desert [xx(] !!!

Best Regards
John

Hi John. Faller do some nice bridges etc suitable for C track.
Dust clouds could be smoke oil a puff of which can be set off after the beep beep.
David

Here you go John,
How about a layout based on Toontown from the film Roger Rabbit?
Since anything goes in Toontown, you could theoretically use models from all scales.

Hi John.I was looking for a layout with all sorts of operating possibilities and started with a mainline station with goods yard with various branches running off to small towns and a country station. This means I can build all the different types of buildings for town and country including the funfair. I dont build for any specific era as I like to purchase all types of locos . I do ensure however that the locos pull the correct coaches etc.
I know many enjoy reproducing exact copies of real places but all my designs are from my imagination so I can get as many different bits and pieces into the layout. I am also very keen on lighting and light all coaches and buildings.
Being in the USA you could build a layout of the old west...although I an not sure if there are many locos etc available. and I dont think Preiser has a troop of 7th Cavalry available!!!
David

Our layout so far is dictated by space and access. We had an area under the steps to the basement we could use, and then had to narrow it down so we could lean a ladder for access to the crawlspace under the family room. When we expand out into the main area of the basement, we can drive the design more ourselves. At any rate, the basic theme of our layout so far is the west bank of the Rhine, although we don't take effort to specifically model anything.

Kimmo, looking at your layout pictures, I'd say you've done very well!

In my case, all three of Kimmo's points apply as well. I've kept it very simple, though, given my non-existing building skills. Only two levels, and by the time I had built the framework, reversing loops were no longer possible [B)] , so I'm having to make do without.

In order to justify the amount of track , I decided to go for an imaginary industrial theme which could be located somewhere in the Ruhrgebiet (the industrial "heart" of Germany).