I'm working through the design of the benchwork for my modular chainsaw.  The goal is to build a free-standing modular layout around the perimeter of my basement.  I wanted to try to incorporate all the best practices I have seen and read about.  I threw this together quickly in sketch-up tonight.

In order to better understand my capabilities, I am creating a 12' modular mini-layout (chainsaw).  I may or may not keep it in the end, so I am building in the ability to expand it from the middle (red line near Oil Dealer) if it turns out well and I end up keeping it.  (This expansion would add an additional industry (Feed Mill) and extend the passing siding and yard tracks.

Scale is HO and train length will be limited to eight feet.

Tonight I worked on multiple projects in the staging area.  I painted the sub-roadbed in preparation for installing the track that goes around the helix.  It went from this:

The staging area on a model railroad serves many roles.  It's primary role is often the topic of conversation between fellow model railroad enthusiasts.  The staging area on my model railroad will serve multiple purposes. 

I have begun to build the first two dominos for my layout.  They are each 2' x 6' and are designed to be one scene.  The frames are 3/4" plywood ripped into 3" wide boards.  The cross members are every 14 1/2" and evenly split up the area.  I am using pocket screws and wood glue to hold the joints together.

Here are all of the supplies.

Welcome back to my design Blog focusing on staging.  As finishing off the space for the layout is progressing, I have been improving the design.  Recently, I move the peninsula to open up the room a little.  I also decided to not bring the staging area across the doorway in to the room.  The major design change is that instead of through staging, not I have stub end staging.  However, I wanted to maintain the ability of continuous running, so the staging tracks are now on a wye.

The staging area on my layout will be the lowest of three decks at 30".  The next deck above it will be 40".   There will be eight tracks to "stage" trains.  Six of the tracks will be split into two segments to allow for piggybacking two short trains or one long train.  There will also be a reversing loop to allow for "turning" a train at its destination.

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Welcome to the Lake Country Railroad Design Blog!