Layout design
Ground Throw Recommendation
My tiny around the walls 8' by 8' ( yes, the room is only 8 by 8 ) has 20 Atlas Mark IV #4 switches. I think it's time for the addition of ground throws. I looked at Walthers website, confusion reigns.
Suggestions?
Re-Design version IV.....and some history of the Line....
In my forever quest to create a operational layout, i have again dismantled half of the second level and one third of the lower level. I was having too many faults with the #2 Helix. so i removed it and have decided to make the first level west side a loop back ?? reverse loop ?.. 
.. while making the second level a full wrap around.
Vertical staging elevator
My small two siding point-to-point layout has little space for car storage. I finally recognized the value of staging and felt I had enough room for a vertical staging yard. I gave it a try using inexpensive materials I had available.
The elevator is made from 1x4" lumber platforms on which track is laid that are attached to vertical 1x2" strips using 4" angle brackets. I believe there is enough space for two tracks on 1x4" lumber.
A change in plans for the railroad room and a couple of new ideas.
We have decided that the new railroad will go into a smaller but finished attic room in our new house. The issue will be the slope of the ceiling in the room and how high I can build the layout and still have a backdrop. I've been doing some sketches in Cadrail and I am going to post some of them and get people's opinions particularly concerning operations. The Ripley branch is relatively simple, just like the prototype. Ripley is only about 50 minutes from my house and that should make research easier.
Laying Ballast -The Easy Way
Ballasting the tracks can bring that all important finished look to any model railroad. Many readers on this site already have their own technique for this, but not everyone is an expert. So for everyone else, who is just learning, here is how I have refined this simple but daunting (if you've not done it before) landscape skill.
ISL to roundy-round and space constraints
I have built a N scale industrial switching layout on a shelf in my office and used most of the available space to do it. Now I want to be able to just let the train run...
The layout is currently 9' x 11" and the available space is 12' x 24" although extending out to the full 24" for the entire layout would probably cramp my desk to much. The shelves that I am using to support it are 16" deep. Here is an early photo of the space.
Track Plan Is In
I got my plan back early. I struggled making my own track plan with my last layout so I decided to have someone with a lot more experience design one for me. I am glad I did. Several of the industries on here are placeholders and not final. I'll probly tweak a couple of things here and there but this is pretty how it will be.
Moderator's note: made photo in-line, click on it for the larger version.
3D Printed Light Fixtures
In my last Layout Update I mentioned some 3D printed light fixtures that I have been working on. Here are some pictures of them as they came from Shapeways to adding Micro LEDs. With the Just Play system from Woodland Scenics you can easily dim them to the desired brightness and not have to worry about resisters. With my layout being an industrial complex I will be adding a lot of security and work lights. I will post the links below to the Shapeways files.
- https://www.shapeways.com/product/3FHMLCD2U/ho-scale-1-87-security-light...
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