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.