Hi all,

As you know my new Train Room is getting close to the time when I can start the layout framework.

My plan is to build a double level layout, like a hidden station but with more access to it, I'm hoping to have between 650m to 700mm between the 2 levels, this means the main Helix will have a height of around 800mm.

Roughly, this means the lower level track work would be 300mm from the floor and the upper level track work at around 1050mm from the floor.

Back to the track plans and I need some help in finding track plans, used in the catalogs, from the years...1935 and 1936 and 1937 to 1939, and also the mid 1950's (solid center rail) and finally the late 1960's into early 1970's (stud track.)

So that's 5 seperate track plans, all can be modest in their overall size, and finally a small sized O gauge clockwork/electric layout.

All 6 of those layouts I intend to fit on the lower level of the layout, also need some help with a German name that I could call this lower level section of the layout.

Again, the overall layout will still be called Baden-Württemberg.

Any help/input much appreciated.

Ian.

Hi Marco,

Thanks for your input, a great suggestion, but it doesn't really grab me as top of the class, you know what I mean,maybe an underground station in Baden-Württemberg, somewhere near to Märklin's HQ.

Something that relates to my idea of a lower level layout and also with Baden-Württemberg.

Thanks again.

Ian.

Hi Ian, I would agree with Cookee's comments. I would also add a comment regarding the lower level being only 300mm off the floor - I think you will find it hard to get under track that low if you need to maintain it or work on it. You will need to think hard about access, and also regarding access between the levels.

Hi David,

So far, this double level layout idea has only been worked out on paper. You could well be right, maybe when I actually build it the lower level will become difficult to work on, but surely no more awkward than the guy's who run a floor based layout.

I've spent many hours on how to position the layout framework in the room, but I keep coming back to the layout built in the middle of the room and access all the way around it.

I will press ahead with my lower level plans, but I do take on board your points regarding access, and anyway, it's only timber and a few coach screws, so it can easily be altered.

Thanks for your input.

Ian.

Hi Marco,

Thanks.

Ian.

Hi Gary,

Thanks.

Ian.