Just like my last layout, I wanted my new layout to have a lot of switching and be capable of just sitting back and watched trains just roll. I was just gonna rebuild the old layout in my new house but the way my basement is set up, I needed to keep areas of it as open as possible due to the bar and giant screen TV to entertain folks. So the old MSCR track plan was out but after searching the web I did find two track plans that I could modify to fit the spaces I would have avalible for the layout.
FRENCH BROAD VALLEY
The French Broad Valley was my first choice because of the continuous run capability, staging tracks, and plenty of industries to switch. All I would have to do is broaden the cruves a little and add a yard to it. Then I found this track plan which is about the same as the French Broad Valley that used sectional track like my Kato Unitrack. Some things are hard to give up!!
Only thing I had to do is add a yard, industries, and staging then I would be set. Here's what I came up with to fit my 6' x 10' space.
HOMER TRACK PLAN
The focal point of this layout would be Homer, Mi, where the MSCR split going to Battle Creek, Mi., and Elhart, Indiana. I would be able to run two trains to and from those cities dropping cars for the industries in Homer to be switched by a dedicated switcher. To me this is just a bigger version of one of my favorite door layout, the Carolina Central.
As you can see it was doable but I couldn't get the kinda yard I wanted into this plan, plus those S-cruves coming out of the siding would probably be an issue with modern equipment. Also, I wouldn't need all the locomotives and cars I have for this layout and I'm not willing to part ways with them unless I have no choice to do so.
The layout for the 8' x 12' area is the one that I plan on building. It has everything that I want, switching, main line loop for continuous running, a yard, and an engine terrminal for all the locomotives I have. Unlike my old layout which had different cities along the way that I could switch, this one would only be centered around Moscow. I'll still be able to make up and break down the three trains to and from Toledo, Battle Creek, and Elkhart, from Moscow Yard.
MSCR TRACK PLAN
