With some decisions made about the new layout design (overall size and shape), it’s time to get down to serious planning.

First up, I decided that I’m going to give another go at using the computer for layout design. That meant choosing a CAD program of some sort that would run on the Mac. While I already have imaging and illustration software, as good as it is, it doesn’t work well for layout design. I also determined that a generic CAD application would be problematic, as I would have to “teach” it all about track before I could even think about designing a model railroad — something I just don’t have the time for.

Empire Express screen shot courtesy Haddon Software

Some time ago, I had looked into track planning software for MacOS, and found that there were basically two options. After re-installing the demo versions of each, I settled on Empire Express, from Haddon Software. While there are a couple of features I would like that are “missing” from the application (specifically, automatic yard ladders and bezier curves), I like the way the software handles most situations. I’ve included a new screen shot of the software here, since I recently discovered I boogered up the previous ones (they could only be seen on a Mac!).

As mentioned previously, some of the design criteria have already been set — benchwork height and overall layout size, for instance. Minimum radius is still up for discussion. I am waiting on a response from Victor Models in the UK regarding the suggested minimum radius for their SR&RL #19 model, and I also need to do some testing with the Bachmann Forneys (the railroad will have three of these in operation). I’m hearing and seeing conflicting information regarding their operation. Bachmann claims that the Forneys will go around a 22″ radius curve with a train in tow, and at least one reviewer has confirmed that it worked. However, we occasionally had problems on the 26″ radius curves of the MADModules/Berrett Hill specs (although there may have been other reasons for some of those problems — they weren’t so bad the last time we had the modules set up). I’m hoping that I can make the curves be 26″ radius or less.

Keg Harbour terminus

I’m also still hoping to be able to incorporate a version of the “Keg Harbour” plan into the layout, along with 8-feet of the yard modules. However, both eat up a lot of space, and this is, at present, going to be a very small railroad. Converting those items into “modules” within Empire Express will be an “early” order of business. That will also give me some opportunity to practice some with the software and gauge its accuracy.

After perusing the latest Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, I’ve started to re-evaluate my plans for the layout. I’ve decided, for now, to limit the size of the railroad to something that could be started here, and possibly fit into a more-or-less standard room size should we decide to move. Consideration will be given to possible “expansion joints” — places where the layout could have additional sections inserted should our future hold a home with a larger basement.

So, for now, the layout will be limited to a 10′ x 12′ space, with an additional 1′ x 10′ shelf to serve a quarry. The bottom of the benchwork will be set at 48″ off the floor, and shelving and storage will be provided under the layout, as well as a small work table. If a “standard” table is about 28″ tall, that will leave about 20″ of working space between the table top and the bottom of the benchwork. This arrangement will allow easy access to the outside door to the basement, and will also leave ample room for me to practice keyboard parts for my band, as well as haul my music gear (and layout supplies) in and out of the basement.

The theme of the layout will still be a Maine 2-footer, set in the 30′s, hauling lumber and finished goods from the interior (Corinna) to a sea-port (Searsville Searsport). There will also be reason to move passengers in the form of a resort hotel, and, as mentioned above, a short branch to serve a quarry operation.

I had originally hoped to incorporate my yard modules, but at almost 12′ long and 2′ wide (or 8′ long without the turntable), that’s an awful lot of real estate for a 10′ x 12′ space. So, it may be that the modules don’t get included. Instead, they could be stored under the layout, or possibly abandoned altogether (frankly, the modular thing is a real pain in the nuts, and I really don’t know if I have the time or inclination any longer).

So, there it is for now … the plan.