My wife (who passed away in 2019) was the main influence on the design of my layout (and boy was she sorry!). It features 4 layers including a 6’ diameter 2 track Helix (her requirement), 2 12’ suspension bridges and a 4’ arch bridge. It has ceramic and plastic buildings, lots of lights, and multi-levels (also her requirement). Most lights and accessories can be operated by visitors. The layout contains about 1000’ of track and can run 14 trains and a trolley on dedicated loops. The major loops include the dual 110' long mainline using Gargraves track, and the 202' helix loop with Lionel track. The most common description I've heard from visitors is that it is a fun layout. After the virtual layout tour was recorded, I renamed my layout slightly after my grandson. The name is now "North Pole, Tinseltown, Sabastian, and Bigville" instead of "North Pole, Tinseltown South, and Bigville". The town of Sabastian is now the 'Little Town with the Big Future'.
Scale / Gauge
O
Size of Layout
4 Layers, 15’x35.5’ Top Layer 12’x31.5’ remaining layers
Prototype
fantasy
Location Modeled
North Pole and Points South
Era
1950’s to present
Style of Track Plan
Oval
Length of Main Line
110'
Layout Height
Mainlines-Lower 42.5” , Ceiling 82”"
Benchwork
Table Top
Roadbed Material
Plywood
Track Manufacturer
Lionel
Turnouts
Other
Minimum Main Line Radius
36"
Maximum Grade
4.5 %
Scenery Techniques
Traditional Toy Train with accessories and ceramic buildings
% Scenery Complete
100 %
Backdrop
none
Control System
Other
Car Forwarding System
None
Operating Group
none
Direction Comment
Enter through garage. Assistant will direct you to the layout, which is in the basement.
