Good morning. I will comment on a couple items right now.
Second passing siding - Yes for my prototype there were actually several passing sidings. The one on the plan right now is in exactly the right position at a relatively flt location just outside of Parsons. There are a couple others, one at a water tank just before the grade starts to go up. There is also one near the top of the grade and it is still on the hill running between 1% and 2 % grade in real life. I showed a spot on the plan that would stagger the passing sidings so they aren't right one above the other.
The 054 loop on the right - The table measures 60" wide, so the reach is 30" from either side. That works fine.
Dave, I like where the cassettes are if I would go that route.
Helix to the staging yard below. - That is a great idea certainly could be done. There are two things I need to think about. First, I have looked with interest at different articles and forum posts about building a helix. There are many ways to construct one of course. I am not sure I am up to the challenge. I would need to sift through many examples to find one I think I am capable of building.
The second is the yard itself. I think the only way to know if I think that idea would work for me is to mock it up full size. I will have to get two shelves of whatever, could be sheets of foam which I have, and position them on supports, could even be just cardboard boxes. If I make them at the heights and depths we have in mind, then I could roll a chair around and simulate reaching into the far track if I had to and also reaching up in case I need to fix a wire above.
I don't know when I would get time to come to a conclusion on either of these, so I think that part of the design needs to be put on hold until I have time to research. So for now, we could try fitting in a second passing siding, then I need to do some homework.
John, You mentioned somewhere about looking at something on your latest video. I was looking at your list of You-Tube videos, but don't know what you are referring to. Could you give me a date or better still a link to it?
Thank you!
