When I started this journey I had wanted to do a single deck layout. Single decks are so much easier to maintain continuity throughout, don't require any complex construction as there can be no grades and most importantly do not require a space eating helix. As I began to put my ideas on paper I soon realized that I would need a fairly substantial space to build this monster as a single deck layout and at the planned 50' x100' footprint for phase 1 and 2 this was already an ambitious layout. So the obvious solution is to double deck this thing.
After making this decision it was decided that it would be simple enough to get the linear space needed if phase three was placed on top of phase 1 and 2 but that meant that this contingency must be planned for in the design of phase 1 and 2. Also since it was my desire that the Yuma area be open and operable from both sides a traditional double deck plan would not work. This left me pondering whether to build the layout as a mushroom design.
Having visited Joe Fugate's Siskiyou Line and talking with Joe I learned many drawbacks to this approach. Also there have been a few articles on the subject recently in the hobby press which have illustrated the pros and cons of the approach. First and foremost it requires special carpentry in order to support the top deck. Also the bottom deck usually ends up with a sloped backdrop that can be difficult to hide. because of the nature of the construction the mushroom design does not lend itself to phased construction. Secondly the turn back curves on the lower level must be broad enough to accommodate the turn back curve on the backside of the backdrop for the upper deck. Another factor is that back to back scenes must leave room for an aisle and upper deck behind the backdrop, this leads to cramped aisles as well as a sense of claustrophobia. One draw back I noted when visiting the Siskiyou Line was that the mushroom portion of the layout was hot and stuffy most likely from less than optimal airflow. While I am modeling the desert I don't feel I want my operators to have to endure prototypic temperatures while operating. It should be noted that Joe has recently announced that the Siskiyou Line is going to be rebuilt and that he most likely wont use a mushroom design this time. While I haven't completely ruled out a mushroom design I will say I am definitely leaning another direction.
Enter the Mezzanine.
Since this layout is being designed for a space that is as yet to be built we can think outside the box. If instead of trying to fit phase three on the back side of phases 1 and 2 what if a floor was built above part of the layout and the helix continued up to that level. Phase 3 could then be built independent of the other 2 phases so long as provisions to support the Mezzanine were made in phase 1 or it was constructed with the building. This would allow for wider aisles on all phases as parallel scenes could be built back to back instead of having to allow for an aisle between the back drops. Anyone who has visited the San Diego Model Railroad Museum has seen this approach put to good use by the La Mesa Club on their Tehachapi layout. It has allowed them to have a longer mainline run with out many of the drawbacks associated with other multi-deck methods. The biggest draw back to this approach is that it requires extra tall ceilings. While this is easy to plan for in a dedicated structure it effectively rules out a basement build as the minimum 20 foot ceilings in the basement would be hard to come by in most houses. While it is obvious that this approach would yield greater quantity of run, the final question is would all this be worth it in regards to quality of run? I feel as if that question can only be answered through experience and the purpose of the layout. In my situation I have always been a builder and model railfan. This layout is being designed with operations in mind only to make it interesting at ops sessions. So by that reasoning as long as I have room to keep building I will be happy and that is the ultimate criteria for this project. I have seen too many quality layouts disappear because the owner finished it and had nothing more to build. While I am not completely sold on this approach considering it has given me a great chance to think outside the box which has been liberating. As they say it is the journey not the destination.
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