This thread is to post progress updates on my current layout. I don't have a name for it yet, but I do know that I want the Pacific Northwest look and feel, and I mainly run Union Pacific equipment. So, we'll call this UP in the Pacific Northwest for now.
A few things about this layout. This is the first time I've been able to find large enough space to build a room-sized layout. There were a few things I really wanted to try out that this layout features:
Operationally, the staging loop at the lower level represents a main yard (think Klamath Falls or Springfield, OR) and the spurs represent industries near the yard. A local will handle switching all of these and then return back to the staging loop. This level will receive scenery until the highway overpass. The staging loop itself will not have scenery. The spur near the station will be a transloading company and the industry at the top right corner will be a propane dealer. I haven't decided what the others will be just yet.

In addition to the local trains, there will be mainline trains running from one staging yard to another. They'll go through the industrial area, take the elevator to the upper level, and then run through scenery to the staging yard. The inspiration here is UP's Cascades subdivision, but I'm not going to be modeling any specific place.

Both levels will have engine storage tracks, although I may omit that for the upper level. The lower level is 50" high and the upper level is at 60". The layout is against the walls everywhere except where the staging loops are. Because the lower level is at 50" height, it is relatively easy to duck under and get into the center of the loops in case something goes wrong.
A few things about this layout. This is the first time I've been able to find large enough space to build a room-sized layout. There were a few things I really wanted to try out that this layout features:
- Shelf layout
- Aluminum profile benchwork
- LED lighting
- Double-deck design
- Train elevator to connect the levels
Operationally, the staging loop at the lower level represents a main yard (think Klamath Falls or Springfield, OR) and the spurs represent industries near the yard. A local will handle switching all of these and then return back to the staging loop. This level will receive scenery until the highway overpass. The staging loop itself will not have scenery. The spur near the station will be a transloading company and the industry at the top right corner will be a propane dealer. I haven't decided what the others will be just yet.
In addition to the local trains, there will be mainline trains running from one staging yard to another. They'll go through the industrial area, take the elevator to the upper level, and then run through scenery to the staging yard. The inspiration here is UP's Cascades subdivision, but I'm not going to be modeling any specific place.
Both levels will have engine storage tracks, although I may omit that for the upper level. The lower level is 50" high and the upper level is at 60". The layout is against the walls everywhere except where the staging loops are. Because the lower level is at 50" height, it is relatively easy to duck under and get into the center of the loops in case something goes wrong.
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