I learned a lot from my previous three layouts. For this layout I wanted to make sure not to repeat the same mistakes again. My biggest focus was ergonomics, i.e. how to build and operate a layout without constantly hitting my head against benchwork, straining my back, and winding up with daily scrapes and bruises! The following list spells out the requirements I had set for the layout.

Room

• The room will be finished and look appealing.
• Aisles must be at least 24-inches wide.
• There will be toggle switches near the room's entrance to turn on/off the entire layout and the lights.

Design

• The layout will be a shadowbox style, museum-quality, diorama layout.
• Layout style will be an around-the-room shelf layout.
• The layout will be only one level (no double-deck). The track will be at 62 inches from the floor. I'm 6'4".
• There will be no duck-unders.
• There will be no mainline grade, but rather have the scenery move up and down.
• All track must be accessible from the front of the layout.
• The track plan will be true point-to-point to give the railroad a sense of purpose.
• There will be spurs, branch lines, and run-around designs incorporated for lots of switching.
• There will be one major yard at each of the two end points.
• No multi-person operating sessions are planned, but impromptu sessions can be held.

Benchwork

• Overriding philosophy: layout benchwork must be preserved; track and scenery is disposable.
• The benchwork must be semi-portable.
• All wiring and Tortoises must be easy to install, adjust, and access from the front of the layout.
• There must be storage space under the layout.
• Turnout positions must be visible from the front of the layout.
• The benchwork must provide temporary storage space for throttles, mugs, and tools.
• Dedicated wiring for DCC track, signals, Tortoise control, 110V, 12V, and LocoNet.
• A workbench must be integrated.

Track

• The track will be Micro Engineering code 40 rail, and all scratch-built.
• Actuating rod for moving turnout points will not be visible from above the layout.
• The sub-roadbed will be composed of 1/8" thick, 3/4" wide pine board splines.
• Track must be quiet.

Control

• Turnouts will be controlled via stationary decoders that control Tortoises.
• The layout will be remotely controlled through Digitrax DCC (radio receiver and throttles).

Scenery

• The scenery will be set in central to western Pennsylvania.
• The time period will be July/August 1953.
• I will strive to model the prototype in all aspects.
• The layout will be proto-freelance (create a believable model based on a prototype railroad).
• The scenery terrain will be predominantly mountains and rolling hills. Keep flat terrain to a minimum.
• All equipment must be stored and be visible on the layout.