Howdy,
Well I'm actually going to start building my first HO scale layout this week and I thought I'd take you all along. I've made a few decisions already, (1) since space is an issue my layout will be only 24" by 96", (2) due to its size my railroad will be a branchline supporting several industries in a small town. Basically, it will appear to be an elongated "Timesaver" but its design will reflect Operations instead of a puzzle only. Since I'm new to the hobby I'm sure to make a ton of mistakes along the way but the idea is to "have fun".
I will start adding photos of the buildings as I get them made, once I get a few done I'll start actually constructing the layout.
Feel free to comment on what you see and how I can make it better but please don't laugh to loud Ok?

I did forget one thing, all my buildings will be made using Cardstock, either Clever Models design or scratch built using Model Builder Software. This is going to be fun.......... at least for me!

For many of us space is indeed a problem. My layout is 3' X 16' HO scale. 15 inch radius curves. Buildings are metal (Woodland), wood by Fos, Rusty Stumps and others. And of course PAPER! Most of the paper kits are by Clever. A few are scratch. All track is Peco. To conserve space I use a three way swith and a double slip and a "Y" with no 4's. I also utiliz several curved turnouts, again to save space.

Oh, did I mention, at this point all bridges and tunnel portals are card stock.

The theam is back woods type railroading. To include logging, minning and fishing. I am currently working on a seaport.

The time period is 1940.

As for the coal mine I am at a lose. I am hoping for Clever to produce one soon. :))

Currently the road is DC but I am slowing converting to DCC

The Mine is coming John. Please be patient. Although I have bashed parts of one from our Rusty Corrugated with our Industrial windows set into openings in the walls.
Dave