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After posting a layout design several months ago, I decided that I wasn't thrilled with it.  I wanted to see if I could get a longer main line, ideally w/wider radius curves, while still having reversing capability. This is what I've come up with, using the same 12' x 18' space.  Thoughts, opinions, tips & suggestions are most welcome.  I've included my SCARM file, as well as some pics.

 

Picture 1 shows the concrete walls of the basement (gray).  These are transparent in subsequent pictures for ease of viewing.  There is a stud & panel wall (non-load bearing) that is transparent running along the left side of the layout.  I plan on going through this for "Phase 2" of the layout, eventually (i.e. when I have money & can convince the wife), which is why the baseboard continues but the track does not.  Along the front of the layout I've incorporated a yard lead into the reversing loop.  The yard lead itself is the only O-63 area of the track - everything else is at least O-72.  Opposite the yard & within the yard lead track is the engine service area, featuring a 28" turntable.  There is an elevated reversing loop to flip trains back again.  The grade is 4% and allows for at least 6" of clearance track to track for the tunnels to "Phase 2" (I'm modeling eastern Ohio 1930s-1950s, so I'm not expecting any exceptionally tall cars).  I'll prob. do a girder bridge for the elevated sections not on ground, with a Pratt truss bridge for the 40" section over the yard. There are a few sidings top & bottom for commercial/industrial activity. The teal squares are where I'm thinking of putting access panels.  I'm also planning on having access in the corners of the recessed section on the R of the layout, but they're not marked yet.

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Last edited by Fridge56Vet
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It appears well thought out.  Plenty of interest without cramming every square inch with track.  It's great that you've designed with he ability for future expansion in mind.  The yard and engine facility is wonderfully ample ...loads of space for slow moving operations.

 

One consideration if I might.  The grade could be reduced if you re-route the merging track connected by that curved switch.  If you tied it into the inner track at about the same spot on the layout, the double crossover will take care of any switching further down the line.  This will allow you to extend the graded outside track, reducing the 4% and/or gaining a little more height on the top level.  Believe me, you can't have enough height between levels, especially once the scenery is finished.

 

Bruce

Fridge56Vet,

 

Only one concern to express; your yard lead, to the extent you have one, fouls a reversing loop and has to run through the turnout side of at least one switch before possibly "ending" in a tunnel, depending on the length of a cut of cars being switched.  Maybe try starting the yard off of the other side of that inner loop with a nice long unencumbered lead and curving it around to near its present location.  Switch move derailments, and more so in a tunnel, will soon stop the fun of yard switching.

 

Chuck

Originally Posted by brwebster:

The grade could be reduced if you re-route the merging track connected by that curved switch.  If you tied it into the inner track at about the same spot on the layout, the double crossover will take care of any switching further down the line.  This will allow you to extend the graded outside track, reducing the 4% and/or gaining a little more height on the top level. 

If I'm understanding correctly, you're suggesting I move the switch from the curve to further down the main straight to just before the double crossover.  If I have enough room between the outer main line & the post I'll prob. do that. I may be able to create some space.  The support post is encased in wood paneling that matches the rest of the wall on the layout's left.  When we re-do the room (necessary before construction may begin), tearing out the paneling should hopefully give me an extra inch or two to extend the ramp. 

 

 

Originally Posted by PRR1950:

Fridge56Vet,

 

Only one concern to express; your yard lead, to the extent you have one, fouls a reversing loop and has to run through the turnout side of at least one switch before possibly "ending" in a tunnel, depending on the length of a cut of cars being switched.  Maybe try starting the yard off of the other side of that inner loop with a nice long unencumbered lead and curving it around to near its present location.  Switch move derailments, and more so in a tunnel, will soon stop the fun of yard switching.

 

Chuck

I'll see what I can do space-wise - I think I prob. designed it that way to give me the longest yard possible.  The tunnel will not extend as far as in the initial diagram (I've since shortened it up a bit).  However, I'm not sure there's a way for me to totally separate the yard lead & tunnel or yard lead & rev. loop & still have a large enough yard to make it worthwhile.  Was sort of a compromise to maximize use of space.  I'll also try to research yard function a bit (haven't had time at this point) to see if I get any ideas.  Again, I'll see what I can do.  Thanks. 

Last edited by Fridge56Vet

brwebster:

 

Is this what you were suggesting re: that turnout?  Managed to give myself an extra inch of clearance over that 1st tunnel.  If I put the turnout further up the straight I'll likely have to wrap the track around the pole.  Also added a turnout on the back of the layout extending into "Phase 2," which I've included in the files. 

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Sorry about the delay in responding.  If it's doable, putting the turnout further up the straight, as you say, would accomplish what I was proposing.  I see now how you're trying to keep the 2 inner loops relatively independent.  Lengthening the grade will provide a smoother transition on the throttle.  You avoid extreme "full out" when trying to climb the grade and also a run away train when descending.  It also allows longer trains to climb the grade.  It's all about ease of operation without taxing your engines to the limit.

 

If you could run the track around that pole it would give you an even lesser grade percentage or a higher second level.  Might make for an interesting layout feature too.

 

 

Bruce

Originally Posted by brwebster:

Sorry about the delay in responding.  If it's doable, putting the turnout further up the straight, as you say, would accomplish what I was proposing.  I see now how you're trying to keep the 2 inner loops relatively independent.  Lengthening the grade will provide a smoother transition on the throttle.  You avoid extreme "full out" when trying to climb the grade and also a run away train when descending.  It also allows longer trains to climb the grade.  It's all about ease of operation without taxing your engines to the limit.

 

If you could run the track around that pole it would give you an even lesser grade percentage or a higher second level.  Might make for an interesting layout feature too.

 

 

Bruce

 Bruce:

 

Thanks!  Seems like we're on the same page. When I re-do the basement before layout construction I'll pull the paneling from around the pole & see how much room I have.  I don't want to encroach too much on my wife's side of the room.   I agree that longer is better. Not sure I want to take the 2nd level much higher anyhow, as it will wreck the grade in Phase II, so additional length would all help the grade.

Last edited by Fridge56Vet
Originally Posted by Fridge56Vet:

 Bruce:

 

Thanks!  Seems like we're on the same page. When I re-do the basement before layout construction I'll pull the paneling from around the pole & see how much room I have.  I don't want to encroach too much on my wife's side of the room.   I agree that longer is better. Not sure I want to take the 2nd level much higher anyhow, as it will wreck the grade in Phase II, so additional length would all help the grade.

Good thinking!  Number 1 priority when planning a layout....clear all expansion proposals with THE higher authority.

 

Good luck with what you have designed.  It should provide for some fun operating sessions.

 

Bruce

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