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I generally don't use #4's for the "looks" factor alone. But I must say that even when I have used them and even when I used rolling stock and motive power that should be able to handle them, I just find them to be constant problem-points.

Okay, here's where I am on this after all the feedback (and thanks for that). Someone mentioned "big steam" and that's definitely a thing with me. I run several things that qualify from 4-4-4-4 T1's to 2-10-0 decapods and even one (I know, I know, not prototypical) 2-6-6-2. The mainline is...

Thanks for all the input, folks. Haven't quite decided what to do yet, but all the advice helps.

David - I completely understand: I have a weakness for streamliners, myself. I'll make you a deal. I'll look the other way while you run your street cars if you ignore the Hiawatha and Pioneer zephyr running on my PRR layout.

Yeah, that's definitely an issue we almost can't get around as modelers. Even a 40" radius circle would give approximately 60" of track length in a quarter turn. Not two cars, but if you're talking big pullmans, it's still far too easy to have a loco through the curve on the straight and cars...

belg - The two 'levels' I showed were just to make the track plan clearer. They both exist on the same "deck." It's simply that one of them is generally elevated while the other is generally at "ground" level. So showing them separately helped remove some of the 'spaghetti' look to the plan...

Triplex - I'll do the best I can to put it in words. FIrstly, I can tell you that I specifically WANT to violate the guidance 60103 gives. I absolutely positively want multiple elements - freight, major passenger activity, logging & mining, traction, etc. Far be it from me to contradict Mr...

As I embark on building my 4th layout, I want to do everything "just so". For the first time I'm at a point where I have the space and the funds to not scrimp (though at the same time, i certainly don't object to saving a buck, especially when spending more doesn't get me more). Having said...

For the first time, but fourth layout, I'm going to do this one right and dress it up with nice edging and valances. I'm trying to figure out the best material for my overhead lighting valances, as well as the 'edging' along the sides of my layout. It needs to be flexible to bend around curves...

I recall some conversations along these lines, but can't find 'em in search... Looking for suggestions for DCC-friendly turnouts of choice (HO). I'd prefer to get something ready to roll rather than having to mess with them... Would need a range of sizes up to something along the order of a...

Hey all. Posted the layout in a new thread to cut out some of the clutter and scrolling... Kris

FWIW, here is a 'combined' view of upper and lower together. (not separate decks, mind you, just elevation difference). I can't get the "move to back/front" thing to work right, so this is reversed - actually looks like the upper level is below the main line... Working on that... Kris

Here are designs for my layout discussed in "good news - bad news" Please let me know what you think... Sorry if they're hard to see - the part I cut off is just a curve around. The first one is the main line, essentially at 0" elevation. The second one is the upper level, which...

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check it out. I'm madly at work on a layout design which I'll post when finished.

ALERT ALERT ALERT First off, let me say I have the BEST WIFE EVER. For the small price of agreeing to have all the closets in the house custom-installed with fancy closet systems... The basement train space has been doubled!!! Gentleman, the 'canvas' is now 20x28 with the 7x9 alcove...

Wow, that's a pretty wild plan, and I like a lot about it. Downloaded those pics (thanks so much) and need to ponder it a bit...

Now that's starting to sound good... I do have some leeway, especially with the alcove corners. I'm framing this space into my basement, so if I have to squidge and nudge a bit, I can - all it means is a little tighter fit in my furnace room (which is the other 7x9 adjacent the alcove) Thanks...

Actually I was thinking of the Harrisburg-Altoona region and eyeing the alcove for a stab at horseshoe curve... Kris

I've got a plan for a 4x11 I built (HO). If that's your scale and IF there's any chance of squeaking another foot, let me know... BUT I'll warn you that - having actually built this one - there is NO reasonable way to cut it to 4x10. It's spaghetti bowl and just too tight - I knocked it down...

Okay, for the first time (fourth layout), I'm actually building completely from scratch. Unfinished basement and no "legacy" benchwork, rooms, walls, etc. I have approx 14x20 with a 7x9 alcove area (see good news, bad news thread for that). So... I've been 'round the block a few times, and I...