@andy b posted:A few details about the track plan:
- The concentric squiggles are mountains.
- The boxes attached to the mountains represent tunnel portals.
- The boxes labeled "Operating Accessory" are going to be used for some operating accessory- which one it will be is unclear. They may also rotate from time to time.
- The black tracks are going to be set about 6.5 inches above the orange ones.
- The plan is drawn using Lionel FasTrack- minimum curve O48.
- The switches are approximated.
- One square on the graph paper equals 6 inches.
- The strange-looking yard is John Allen's timesaver.
- The strange peninsula is an alcove at the bottom of the basement steps. The idea is to use it for staging. The angled section near the peninsula is the only entrance to the room. The intended method of entry is a duck under.
I'd drop the upper loop down to board level
Lose the reverse loops - They are hard to do well in a small space (I'm in the same boat), and it would free up the interior space.
Reaching over the upper loop to get at operating accessories will be a problem. And you will need to get to them all the time.
Add cross-over switching between both loops- this will add operating variety being able to switch trains between tracks. I'd put them on the left and right of the plan.
Modify the yard lead into a wye to turn trains.
Like you said- getting trains up off the floor is key. Build what can be done quickly that will keep the boys happy.
Just my $.02
Bob
