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    chicago hobby shops

    Be sure to visit America's Best Train and Hobby in Itasca at Rohlwing Road and Route 19 (Irving Park). I have visited most of the hobby stores in the Chicago area and found America's Best to have the most stuff. Lombard Hobby in Lombard seems to be the best if you are only looking for loco's...
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    Come along on our adventure

    My Two Cents I'll admit I'm a browser too. :oops: I love to see the pictures. I am in the process of building my fourth layout all in the same space in my basement. Model railroading is an ongoing learning process. When I was younger and learning to remodel my basement my mentor would tell me...
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    Layout advice

    HoosierDaddy, One thing I don't see that I tried to watch out for in my first track plan is some sort of reversing loop on the upper level to avoid backing down the ramp. If you are like me and have to have another "another" loco when you visit the LHS, eventually you will run out of room on...
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    Layout advice

    Nice Pics! I'm curious to know what the grade of the partial helix or curved ramp from the upper to lower level is.
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    Layout advice

    Hi HoosierDaddy, I thought I would share some of my experience since we have similar room sizes for a layout. I built a double level dogbone similar to yours in a 11 x 24 room. I did all the benchwork and first level of my two level plan. I ran trains on it without scenery for about three...
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    Empty Space for New Layout

    Stop the Press Cidchase, thanks for the work you put into the plan. I really like the double loop, yard storage, turnarounds and sidings. While visiting three hobby stores today I found a book from Model Railroader by John Armstrong called The Classics Layout Design. One of the track plans...
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    Empty Space for New Layout

    What format would you prefer it in? I can upload any original to my website and give you a link.
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    Empty Space for New Layout

    Oops I forgot the one measurement you needed.
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    Empty Space for New Layout

    More Dimensions Does this help?:rolleyes:
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    Empty Space for New Layout

    I would like to keep the two left doors available but hinged or liftout sections can be considered. No other limitations. I do prefer walk around design for easy reaching.
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    Empty Space for New Layout

    :wave: I need some help with a track plan for my new train room space. With the exception of modeling in HO scale the track plan, layers, scenery and operations are wide open. I prefer continuous operations with main lines but also need space for storage in some kind of yard as I have many...
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    Benchwork Ideas?!

    While I was building my benchwork I referred to this site http://rail.felgall.com/lg.htm several times when I got stuck. L-Girder design seemed like the best way to go after seeing it used at a local railroad club. http://www.emrrc.org/
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    Experience Needed

    Thanks for the info on the grade Screwysquirrel. I am trying to decide whether to have a grade in the mainline or keep the mainline level and use a ramp between my two levels. Do you have any experience with grades in your mainline?
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    Experience Needed

    I have a one layer level now and am planning a second level. Can anyone give me their opinion on these two options for track leveling and height. Option 1. Run the second level parallel to the first level for the entire layout with a ramp between the two levels at 2.5%. or Option 2. At...
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    corner module

    Atlas has a super easy program you can download for free at www.atlasrr.com.
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    4'x7' Track Plan

    Wow! Stupid question? Is this HO or N scale? I really like the track plan for such a small space. I couldn't have come up with anything better. If you run short on ballast I have heard of people putting kitty litter in the blender. :D
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    DCC PC Software

    Is anyone using PC software with their DCC system? If so, which program and what do you like about it? :eek:
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    to make a double deck or not......

    I have considered this option as well and would love a hidden storage yard. My layout length is about 25'. 25 feet X 12 inches equals 300 inches. This would mean a 25' ramp at 3% would get me down 9" which is barely enough to get your hand in there to work on it or put a derailed train back...
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    Sub Roadbed Help

    I have L-Girder style benchwork and currently have the HO layout drawn on cardboard. I'm ready to cut sub roadbed on plywood from cardboard templates. How wide do you cut sub roadbed out of the plywood? How much extra do you typically add on to the edges from the end of the cork roadbed to...
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    Starting over!

    I learned the hard way too about large tables. Walk around design is definitely the way to go. If you haven't already, it would really help to get your track plan in the computer. The free Atlas Right Track software is easy to learn and a free download. During my track laying I am referring to...
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