System Map

Someday I'm going to build my dream layout.

My dream layout is an N Scale empire that covers portions of the Norfolk Southern (old N&W) mainline from the coal fields of West Virginia to the Lambert's Point Coal Piers in Norfolk, Virginia. Operations would cover the entire process of moving coal from the mines to the port and power plants.

In my idle time, particularly between layouts, I have complete several iterations of a dream layout design. This section of the web site is devoted to the design evolution of my dream layout.

The first thing I did before starting the dream layout designs, was to develop the "Givens and Druthers" or requirements for the layout. Then the track standards were developed. Over time, I tuned my ideas to specific sections of the NS mainline, so I made a station list of the interesting locations and key features about each location.

The Designs

Scotts-dale Division version 4 - (2007) - The fourth design iteration of the SDD was the first attempt at a design for our new house. This was one of my best designs yet; however, only the port of Norfolk section bore any resembles to the actual Norfolk Southern. Also, the design did not provide for building in phases, which seems like a good idea for undertaking such a large layout. Thus, it was time to start version 5.

Scotts-dale Division version 5 - (2007) - The fifth design iteration of the SDD was a big improvement over version 4, as the track plan was much more prototypical. Also, the layout could be built in phases.  Still, it is a very big layout and the thought of such a large undertaking was beginning to concern me. Thus version 5a, a smaller variant of version 5 was created.

Scotts-dale Division version 5a - (2007) - This iteration, was very similar to version 5, but eliminated the Norfolk port area portion of the layout. The arrangement was designed to fit in the finished portion of the train area, to save money. Staging remained in the unfinished portion.

Scotts-dale Division version 6 - (2007) - This iteration, was an attempt to achieve two things. First it was a continuation of version 5a where reducing the size of the layout. Second, it was design to emphasize presentation of the layout compared to earlier versions. Basically, I like the "museum look" achieved with a single deck layout and with proper fascia and valance. Double deck layouts presentation is never quite as good. Thus, I eliminated the branch line and focus on mainline plants .

Comparison of Designs

1. Based on proto-type from different locale

 SDD Layout Template v1.3