Backwoods NE in Florida

[cuse]

Thanks John...I remain excited about the vision and ready to get to it...but nothing much to show. Too much life lately!

(not in a bad way). As the NNGC approaches, I'll assuredly have goals and decisions clarified. I always like to justify having "needs" for the NNGC 

John

[GPdemayo]

Great start John, looking forward to seeing what you come up with this time.....

[cuse]

I haven't been completely inert...

[PRR Modeler]

Progress is progress!

[Rick]

That's a nice manageable sized layout to build.
I'd never be able to finish a giant basement filling one.

[cuse]

Here's a little CPR for the thread...been sidetracked by lots of stuff, most notably the arrival of my new granddaughter and making plans to ride the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps this summer...plus, y'know, work and life in general

I'm currently leaning towards an N scale "upper level" far far in the distance roundy round (mostly hidden)...probably between a mine and something like a stamp mill. The track and minimal structures and trees, etc will be around 66" off the floor with the main HOn30 level at about 46". Also an HOn3 loop somewhere around 52" or so...lots of hidden loops behind the backdrops (which will largely be covered with tall mountain peaks nearly to the valance.

pages of notes and scribbles poured out of me as I pondered this...so I think it'll work.

I was tormenting myself to try to connect the whole thing as a giant loop(s) with me in a crawl-under operating pit (I cannot fathom not being able to just let them go round and round), but hiding the loops behind the backdrop enables me to use the front section as a dead-end peninsula, largely as a structure "showcase", so I can use the back areas for the looming peaks and forced perspective I'm seeking...gears are turning, hammering soon to commence as the vision becomes clear.

Notice the N scale mockup "terminus" in the upper (way upper) left- that will be a mountaintop...with another one on a yet-to-be-built one to the far right. I hope to get a rough layout plan (track is always secondary to me  ) to help visualize what the heck I'm talking about...

I have had some success with the HO/N forced perspective in the past (when I was changing scales). If the viewing angles are carefully considered and controlled-it's a cool effect.

[elwoodblues]

John,

This should be an interesting project.  years ago I learned that big isn't always better.  I had already started on my 12' x 16' On30 empire when the Mrs said that I could have the rest of the basement.  I had dreams of grander, drew multiple plans and then realized, wait a minute, I'm more that satisfied with what I was building.  The only expansion I made was a staging yard in my modeling room.

Looking forward in following along with this adventure.