Hi, jonesejm. I've just built this layout for my son yesterday. I hope it gives you some ideas.
![[Image: IMG-9899-2.jpg]](https://i.postimg.cc/06tH35Cb/IMG-9899-2.jpg)
Some features of this layout:
- It has 3 independent loops without intersections so trains won't collide.
- By setting points, a train can be sent from the engine sheds or the yard to any loop.
- All loops can be traveled in reverse.
- Most tracks are not obstructed so kids can push trains around easily.
- It's kinda realistic for a steam railway with sheds, yard, water and coal station, etc.
Plus, I plan to change or disassemble to right-half of this layout frequently to open some play space, while keeping the left-half mostly intact.
I've been using a free mac software called RailModeller Express to design my layouts. It's quite useful for prototyping:
![[Image: IMG-5367.jpg]](https://i.postimg.cc/v4PZP9C9/IMG-5367.jpg)
Some features of this layout:
- It has 3 independent loops without intersections so trains won't collide.
- By setting points, a train can be sent from the engine sheds or the yard to any loop.
- All loops can be traveled in reverse.
- Most tracks are not obstructed so kids can push trains around easily.
- It's kinda realistic for a steam railway with sheds, yard, water and coal station, etc.
Plus, I plan to change or disassemble to right-half of this layout frequently to open some play space, while keeping the left-half mostly intact.
I've been using a free mac software called RailModeller Express to design my layouts. It's quite useful for prototyping:
![[-]](https://www.blueplastictracks.org/images/collapse.png)