Thanks guys!
Thanks for responding guys.
Okay, what I have for space is a spare bedroom. One wall 10 feet long (to the left) and 7 feet (to the right) which is the swing space for the hall door. If I stop at 7 feet the door can open fully. Those two walls have no windows. I could "gate" the door to get onto another wall @ 8 feet long. That is the wall the door is hinged to. It has no window as well but has a walk-in closet at the far end. The fourth wall of the room has the walk-in closet door and a full length window. At the moment I am focusing on the two walls. Let me explain something about this door. Where the door is located that corner, the corner has been cut off at a 45 degree angle. So, the door sits across there at a 45 degree angle. The hallway makes a zig-zag.
For a plan I am thinking switch back style climbing up out of a valley with a small river port in the lowest part. Maybe a mine or lumber cutting at the highest point. There are no loop backs and no crossovers in my mind for this one. There is one tunnel that would lead to a cassette for offline storage/staging. The tunnel could lead to the "gate" that would be for future expansion to the other wall.
I will try to post a possible track plan later tonight.
I have been looking at the PECO brand of track, switches and I see that they have an On30 turntable as well. I'm not sure I would need the turntable as I know it will eat space.
Leo, Dave and Bernd, I have heard the "critter" and "dark side" term for some time now. I did get a copy of the latest On30 Annual about a week ago. I just ordered the annual with Vern's layout on the cover.
I am not going to model in two scales like Bernd tried to do. I hate to give up my N scale collection, but.... I have a massive collection which I will have to sell off if I make this change. I have been collecting since 1975 and was heavily involved in N-Trak for a while too. I have considered staying in N scale and building the Gordon Odegard's Ottuma layout in the same space with a few mods. I do love seeing strings of colorful wooden billboard reefers running down the track!
However, my current N scale layout is just not making me happy. Another problem is that I am losing more rail joiners in N scale than I am using. If I stay in N scale I may have to start wearing a thimble too. Some of those rail joiners are ending up in the end of my finger. Ouch!
The biggest decision to change is my eyes. I probably spend too much time in front of computers which is my occupation. I am down to using a magnifying glass to make out build dates and other details. It really is getting harder to see to solder the joiners and small wires.
Another issue is, what I thought would be a great layout, ate all the floor space of the current room. It would be a great layout if I had a bigger room for it. That isn't happening. It was designed as a walk-around layout. Now I am thinking a shelf design was the way to go. I would like to have some of that floor space back. taking that layout out is not a problem as I built it for a move. It comes apart in two sections and has folding table legs.
Then another change recently popped up. Due to Sequestration and gov't agencies looking to cut expenses it was pointed out that I may lose my office space and parking. I may have to telecommute. Which is great as far as I am concerned. However, in talking to my lovely wife she pointed out one thing. My office has to fit in the same room as my hobby. As it stands now that is not going to happen. The current layout will not allow it. Oh, and I need to move to the room next door too. The room described above. My wife is very supportive of my hobby and likes the trains. However, she said it is time to remodel that room.
So, I am at the crossroads to make a change. The Dark Side has been pulling at me. I want to make this change so I can better enjoy the hobby. So, for those of you already in On30 it would be helpful to me to be advised by you. I would like to read about your mistakes. Leo, you mentioned bumping your nose on the real estate plan issue. Can you tell us more?
I am sure there are others who are thinking along the same lines.
Den