Dec. 22  I wonder how many folks are commenting about the Mayan "end of the world" scenario! Well, I'm glad I'm still able to hang out here on earth for a couple of more years! ;^)

Started moving stuff around in the train room.  I'm going to need a ton of small shelving units to slide under the layout to hold all the "stuff" that doesn't end up "on top" of the layout.

The sloping ceilings really cut into the space I have available and I'm wondering if I should build the layout at a lower height (chairs with rollers height vs standing height). This would significantly expand the available floor space but might be a bit to goofy for visitors who would be looking at a lot of rooftops instead of straight on at the models.

More research is needed.......(finally figured out how to post a photo! yeah)

Well the house remodel is progressing well.....only a major room to complete now.  The den will need a new raised floor and a complete sheet rock job, walls and ceiling. The good news I've had time to spent in the ROG (room over garage) and have been cleaning it out of the stuff the last owner left behind. I've measured it up and even with the sloping ceiling I will have about 20'x18' to build my next layout.

I've decided on modeling the Maine 2' lines, but will use 30" gauge track so I can use the large amount of On30 equipments I've been accumulating over the last 10 years.  I really like the Sheepscot plan that Iian Rice published several years ago. It features layout design elements similar to trackage found at Wiscassett, Me and also a nice rendering of one of the smaller SR&RL yards. The plan is for a 15'x10' space, so I will have no problem fitting it in.

I will see if I can post a copy of Iian's plan, but you can simply google Iian Rice Sheepscot On30 trackplan and it should come up.

If I go with this plan I will have some extra space in the center of the room for two additional switching areas that will each be 2'x15' or so. That will allow me to model other areas of the Maine narrow gauge scene that will add a ton more operation to the Sheepscot line.  Perhaps a logging area similar to the SR&RL's line to Kingston and possibly a bit of the slate mines up in Monson.  I don't mind mixing the prototype roads because each of the little Maine rr's had very interesting rolling stock and served different industries.

I'm excited to be able to get started on my new railway.......hopefully I can begin by getting my workshop up and running in the next week or so.