An HO-scale layout in an attic room

[@mattp1337]

What a classic example of "less is more".

[@mpeterll]

Yes I agree with you. The client didn't want to cram in too much railroad or the space and I think the result is very pleasing for a one-man layout that still has enough operational interest to keep the occasional visiting operator busy. Also, with the shape of the attic space, the room could easily have become claustrophobic if I had crammed too much in.

[@aussiefrenchman-hobbytable9960]

Hi Peter great layout design, especially like the idea of cut out buildings , well thought out!

[@jolliemark6294]

Peter, another great track plan....thanks for sharing Jack 👍👍👍👍👍

[@leifburg7523]

and again fantastic work - thanx for sharing - Greetings from Hamburg

[@mrrobscleaningservice6059]

The elevated station about Harbor is neat I like that idea, and keep up the good work.

[@lenjanssen9600]

I really enjoy the creativity of your designs, adding as much as you can without cramming too much into the space available. What I would like to see is the translation of your designs into actual final layouts and then final with full scenery. I'd love to see the translation of your designs into actuality. I'd especially love to see the process of your design of your own layout into actuality, perhaps as a series of in-process videos interspersed with your normal videos. Thanks for all the work, it's really informative.

[@mpeterll]

Maybe you haven't been paying attention, but I already have such a series running at the moment. A little over a month ago, I published a design for the "Missabe & Western RR". Since then, I have posted the first three installments of the build process and a bonus test-run. I plan to keep making videos in this series for as long as I am involved in the construction of this layout - but it will take years to complete.

[@lenjanssen9600]

@@mpeterll I have been watching that with much pleasure. I really enjoy comparing what I visualize from your plans with what you produce.... I'm continually surprised at details that become apparent on the build that I didn't notice on the plans. My comment was meant to encourage you to continue to do those kind of videos. I'm also very interested in what you plan to do with your own layout. Thanks for all your effort on these.

[@erniepike3902]

I like the third option with the walk under as the Trussel, the first thing people see.

[@rjl110919581]

thank you for detail video all way got great ideal all showing thank you for share

[@troysimpson9550]

Other well thought layout design. I am always impressed by your designs and the thought process you go through.

[@johnbanicki7232]

Love watching how you develop the track plan.

[@chazzyb8660]

This is my favourite so far, as Matt says below, "less is more". I love the long sweeping scenic runs, but then you manage to cram a lot into the urban settings, where of course the track work is much busier. And of course the upper level comes as a nice bonus, though I think it all works without it too. Actually the upper level works pretty well as a stand alone too. Nice.

[@mpeterll]

Great observation. In any well-designed multi-level plan, each deck should make a great layout by itself just by the addition of appropriate staging.

[@twiztedmowers2]

That is like a perfect setup for a little bit of everything.

[@mpeterll]

Yes I agree with you - a little of everything and a nice sized layout for one person.

[@teddill4893]

Wonderful design. Simple and lots of operational choices.

[@mpeterll]

Thanks.

[@littlewingpsc27]

Peter, great use of the available space. Really nice.

[@mpeterll]

Thanks.

[@JoeyBPhotography]

Another fantastic design! This particular one convinced me that when it comes time to plan my large layout (when we find a new home) that I'd definitely like to inquire on hiring you to plan it. We have a couple years before we move, but the design concepts you incorporated here are very similar to what I see in my head when thinking about my future railroad. Great job!

[@mpeterll]

Awesome. I look forward to hearing from you nearer the time.

[@mhbpodnk]

Nice layout out design you do wonderful work would be nice to see you actually get a chance to build one of these from start to finish

[@jgalexander510]

Wow Peter. This is top shelf stuff. Really cool.

[@mpeterll]

Thanks. Top shelf? Well I suppose an attic is the top floor :-)

[@jgalexander510]

mpeterll pun intended :). But also, a really cool strategy for making good use of minimum space. Thanks for sharing your process. It’s a fun way to learn.

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

Hi Peter, from Lancashire, UK. Love your design process and track designs, just wish I had a larger area than a typical UK garage! I really like your 'swing bridge' access idea. Is there any chance you could do a video how to build one of these so they operate for trains and open correctly without binding etc? Ive seen a video of yours which explains the swing bridge access but for a woodworker of very limited ability, could do with more insight how to actually build one.

[@mpeterll]

I did one about a year ago. That may be the one you are referring to.

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

@@mpeterll I see if I can find this. Thank you!

[@derekalexander4030]

Great design and a bonus that he won’t fall down the stairs by using a swing bridge. Lol. This being a loft or attic, how much height do you have above the layout height before the roof begins to pitch? The backdrop buildings by the yard won’t force you to move the track further from the wall, will they?

[@mpeterll]

That's why the layout is being built lower than normal.

[@derekalexander4030]

Yes I understood that, I was asking how much space there was from the top of the deck to where the roof begins to pitch.

[@bgmarmon]

@@derekalexander4030 This is my track plan. There will be 8 to 10 inches of height for the backgrop buildings behind the yard.

[@derekalexander4030]

Thank you and congratulations on a great layout plan. Peter really does do a great job planning and building layouts. I’m a little jealous. Lol.

[@bgmarmon]

@@derekalexander4030 Thank you. I am looking forward to starting this winter.

[@bernardc2553]

You continue to amaze me 28 for big steam or Turbine's & Heavy Wt. Seems tight?

[@mpeterll]

Yes it is very tight (but still larger that the client originally specified). If you listened to the whole commentary, you will have heard me say that the main line curves are 36-42" and that it's only in the staging yard that I use the 28 3/4" radius of the curved turnouts that the client already had and wanted to use. I don't know what brand of passenger cars he has, but he may need to make some slight adjustments to them. I've found that on the Walthers heavyweight cars, most will operate satisfactorily at this radius but there is one set of steps on the dining cars that fowls the truck unless it is shaved down a little.

[@bernardc2553]

@@mpeterll yes I did catch that Peter, ok in the staging Keep doing what you do..so we'll thanks my friend..

[@PeterTillman3]

Great design Peter - sounds like the client is outside of the US?

[@mpeterll]

I've had several clients outside of the US. Maybe you know one of them :-) Actually, my layout design clients so far span four continents.

[@PeterTillman3]

@@mpeterll indeed - I look forward to welcoming you to Sydney Australia and see the layout up and running. Counting down the days.

[@bgmarmon]

No I'm in the US

[@PeterTillman3]

@@bgmarmon 👍

[@steamfan007]

I'm trying to send you a layout design request but your website submission process isn't working :(

[@steamfan007]

Wouldn't you know it .... the moment I sent the above note, the website accepted my submission :)

[@HumancityJunction]

Is the situation with the HO Peco turnouts the same in N scale? What turnouts do you recommend designing for in N scale?

[@mpeterll]

I've yet to find a ready-built N-scale turnout that I like. For example: PECO do two lines - code-55 and code-80. Their code-55 turnouts all have the same crossing angle, regardless of radius, and code-80 is grossly oversize to the point of looking absurd. I don't have any first hand experience with Atlas so I'll refrain from commenting here. My first choice for N-scale would be to commission Bruce Geroux to build them using fast-tracks jigs. You'll need to place your order well ahead of time though, because he often has a significant lead time.

[@HumancityJunction]

@@mpeterll Thanks for the response. It sounds like hand made turnouts will be the way to go.

[@loucosportrem]

congratulations on your channel, this video is great, my channel is about the railway, especially the locomotives of the logistics route in Araraquara s.p - Brazil, thanks for sharing the videos with us.

[@AsdfAsdf-uo1rj]

What CADD program are you using?

[@mpeterll]

It's called "3rd-plan-it"

[@dennishall8709]

Hello Peter , how does one go about getting you to help me with o scale design

[@mpeterll]

Just go to my web-site. There's a link in the description.