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New member 2 posts aircooled New member 2 posts
aircooled

Somewhat of a newbie here.

I spent the last 4 months designing my layout in Anyrail.  I've started my benchwork.
My original train room was only 10' X 12', so I designed a 4' X 8' layout. Kinda tight, but enough room to walk around 3 sides.

The problem:

I got "promoted" to a room approx 18' X 25'.  Obviously, I can do a significantly larger layout now, and decided that 8' X 9' is plenty, with room to spare. 
But I don't want to spend another quarter of the year designing a new layout.  So for now, I'm just expanding my original layout to include an outer-outer loop (already had 2) that covers most of the additional space.  My plan is to expand sometime in the future.

The question is: How do I run my DCC bus undertable?  In original design, it was just a ring.  But with the extra space, how/where do I run the bus, considering that all turnouts & crossings are within the original 4' wide section. 

Only my switch motors will receive track power.  Everything else will be either dedicated DC or AC powered.

 
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bear creek MRH Editor emeritus 2,472 posts
bear creek

Suggestion...

Instead of adding another loop, have you considered stretching the play you already have to use the extra space you now have?

Also, an island layout doesn't use room space very efficiently:  mainline length vs room size. An around the walls layout is generally much more efficient in that respect.

FWIW

Charlie

 

Superintendent of nearly everything  ayco_hdr.jpg 
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aircooled New member 2 posts
aircooled

Thanks for your input,

Thanks for your input, Charlie.  After more thought and reviewing my track plan, I think I came to the same conclusion, but for a different reason. Placing scenery would be a "reach" (excuse the pun) on an 8 X 9 layout.

Plus, attempting to utilize all the space immediately would be more than my budget can handle.

So my new thought is eventually a U shaped layout.  My current 4 X 8 making up one leg of the U, & the  remaining L shape to come later. (My wallet says MUCH later. )

Thanks
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BobG New member 6 posts
BobG

Have you considered unfolding

Have you considered unfolding the 4 x 8 and putting it along 2 walls as the beginning of a larger layout? Add a couple rough ( not finished ) turn back loops or temporary staging at the ends gives you the opportunity to add to the layout when time and dollars permit.

N Scale till the eye's fail
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