He has printed the layout full size and glued it to the layout table top.  He can build right on top of the print out.  So, you might want to look at that route.  Some people print it to full layout size, lay the printed track plan on the floor to get an idea how it will fill the available space they have.  This method gives them an idea how much space they will have for aisles and where the edge of the layout is.  They can walk around the aisle area to get a feel for it.  If something just doesn't fit right or feel right it is a lot easier to cut paper to make adjustments than it is to cut up wood bench work.

Some of the other guys might just post here how they laid their track plan on the floor to get a feel for it.

Den

I'll have to invest in a lot of printing (full size) from Staples or a printing company who can produce large sheets. That might be more cost prohibitive than printing out track and switches and taping them together and laying them out on the floor. It's worth investigating though.

Perhaps a chalk out line on the floor space of the proposed table would help - - hmmmm, and then lay the assembled printed track to see if it fits. . . .   I'm also looking for ideas on affixing the benchwork to cinderblock walls along two edges to negate a lot of leg supports. 

This is my third attempt at producing my "final layout," and I want it to be something I will enjoy for the rest of my retirement. I have improved from modest beginnings of plans on paper over 40 years ago to something concrete.

Now, I have a permanent space, albeit not a straightforward L-shape or island. The area is physically cut up what with a permanent benchwork area, an exit door to the outside I cannot block, and a furnace and support poles running down the center. so, I'm trying to alter a plan that fits the space (looking like a 'flipped' Z-shape) I have available. The ends of the Z will allow a 3-foot square area for a returning loop and the diagonal can be as long as 14 feet. 

Thanks for the references and ideas - - this requires some more "think" time before I proceed.

The next one will be better. You learn from your past experiences. I am on number 13. Many of us enjoy building and making it better.

I know how you feel - have had at least 20 on paper and only three at various times started or completed to some degree. That's the point, I think; making it better. I see all the good photos and ideas and then look at my efforts and say to myself: "That would look so much better if I had added this or that." 

Some more think time and then apply the 5 "P" Rule learned in the military - Prior  Planning  Prevents  P___  Poor Performance.

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/11233

Scott Perry is building this one.  You could probably anchor some straight 2x4 or 2x6s to the wall and use those to build off of.

Den