Any thoughts and or suggestions, Updated layout pictures

WIth just a quick look John, it appears quite good. Lots of running possibilities with all that trackage!

Do you have the track itself on hand?  If so you are indeed fortunate 

..and WELCOME to the Forum!

caljah can you post the SCARM file I would like to tinker love the concept as well.  looking to build something similar with yard and turntable/roundhouse.  Here is the one I have been tinkering with.  Trying to decide between all Atlas and gargraves with Ross switches.

C.Sam, thanks

Merlin1280, please let me know if you can view the new file.

no luck was it drawn in SCARM by chance.

caljah,

I can't see where your turntable is on the 3D drawing, so this may not be relevant.....make sure if you are going to go to the trouble of a turntable that you allow for more than three trains to stage there. Try to make room so you can get at least 8 or 9 tracks off of it so you can add a roundhouse or repair shops later. Also just make sure, if possible, that you minimize access hatches. As you get older crawling underneath the layout will get old....and trust me....you will have cars derail or things happen that need attention. This layout looks awesome! O72 minimum curves will make for a great track! Post pics when you start building!

Merlin, it was done on rail modeller. I will try again tonight.

Virginian,

Thanks for the feedback. I will post a 3d version later showing the turntable. My plan is to have as many tracks off the turntable as possible. I currently have about 30 Premier engines ( Yes, I am obsessive), will like as many as possible on the layout. 

Thanks

From what I see it looks great. Your off to a good start. Keep us posted as you progress.

Sorry, but I'm a little confused.  In one picture, it looks like you have the orange and grey yards together with the turntable / roundhouse on the other side.  Other picture seems to show grey yard under turntable / roundhouse with orange yard on other side of layout.  Finally, what's that big area in the upper left-hand corner of the first picture (yards together) which doesn't seem available for the layout?

After all that, your layout seems designed to watch trains run, but most of them will only run in one direction.  Is that your intent?  Can't offer many suggestions (other than avoiding duck-unders / hatches) without knowing all your desires and restrictions.

Chuck

Prr1950

first picture shows the layout with the turntable. Second picture shows the layout in 3d. Same layout, I was just trying to show the double yard area on the left. Turntable is between the main tract and the yard. Blacked out space is none useable sections. Not sure what you mean by trains running the same direction!!

Looks good to me, I think you have a well thought out plan, can't wait to see it once you start construction.  The only suggestion I would have, and it's already been stated, is to ensure you have access to all the areas, makes everything from construction to operating easier.  Keep us posted.

Darren

I'm assuming he means it doesn't look like there are any reverse loops, but he might be missing the green tracks which do serve as reverse loops.  Following your track plan, with a little creative switching from one loop to the next on the orange line and then taking the green tracks that you built in, that provides for reversing the direction of any trains.  I think it's a brilliant design and very effective use of the space.

What are your grade %'s and how high are your clearances for the overpasses? 

How are you going to gain access to the back parts?  Access panels?  Will you have to crawl under your layout?  Think if that is something you want to do.  In my late forties and I don't want to do it now.  I certainly don't want to do it when I get older either.

I assume the black area is "off limits" for trains?  So you don't have a true 20x26 to work with?  Something this large would be nice as an around the room for a folded dog bone.

I did a lot of research when planning and worked with various designs for over a year.  My three main goals... Stay off my hands and knees, no duck unders, and I have to be able to reach everything with my own hands from a standing up position.

Good Luck.

Ron

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I have attached 2 pictures. One showing the grades and the other a 3D look. please keep the suggestions coming.

John,

Impressive design.  I have a few questions for you to consider:

1. What are the goals of the layout? For example, unattended running, switching industries, both?  Does the layout satisfy those goals, whatever they are?  Have you worked them out in your mind?
2. Does the layout depict any particular area or prototype?  Are there scenic aspects you want in the layout?  Does the layout satisfy those?
3. Think about how the layout will be wired.  With something that complex, you're going to have some large amount of wire beneath it.  Attention to the wiring plan and power distribution layout will save you major headaches later.

Your design seems to make great use of the available space.  I get the sense that it is a runner's layout.  I would give you the same caution as Ron.  A duck-under or 1.5' square access hatch that seemed a good idea at age 40 will look pretty stupid at age 60.  And don't ask how I know. 

Please keep us informed.  Best,

George

George

Thanks or your thoughts, response...

1) will love unattended running, not sure what you mean by switching industries?

2)looking to so two sides, one side industrial and one side rural.

3) Just started thinking about wiring, ( one stop at a time). Thats my next thing to be reading about.

4)Turning 50 this year, and I know, parts of my body hurts that I forgot where there. So, yes I get the caution about crawl space, I have 30 inch plus around the entire layout.

1) will love unattended running, not sure what you mean by switching industries?

If you want trains running just to watch for a while or even run in the background while you do something else, then "unattended running" is for you.  However, for some people this can get boring really quick.

"Switching" is the movement of rail cars to various industries, yards, etc.  It forces you to be involved by stopping and starting trains, putting cars on sidings and figuring out how to deliver the freight car in the middle of your train the most efficient way.  It can be challenging and cause you to think a little bit.  I do enjoy that.

I remember my parents built me an HO layout as a kid and it was 2 ovals.  It was nice, decorated great.  But that's all the trains did.  I lost complete interest in less than 6 months.

The layout my son and I are building has lots of sidings, a freight yard an engine yard with turntable, round house and a small branch line with more industry and a city.

I challenge him to set up and move all of his trains without using his hands (The dreaded 0-5-0 switcher).  We have fun trying that.

Good luck... I hope that explanation helps you.

Ron

Cool.  Ron did a good job of explaining switching.  So you have lots to think about.  The good news is that many people have dealt with all of these things in building their layouts.  Take a look at some of the build threads on the forum.  My PRR Panhandle Division (in the Photo forum) is a running diary of decisions and experiences that might be useful (or boring ).

George