Feedback on My Layout

You have 7' spans for reach on the legs of the U, and even more on the curved portions. Do you have access planned?  I have a similar span that I can reach, barely, by using a platform to stand on, so I have a town block and work on buildings on the bench. Looks like a great layout for running.

Dear SMEDS:

The outer two loops are not connected to the inner track and there is no directional change.  You are "STUCK" traveling the same direction.  

The inter-track also has no directional change and not physically connected.  There are only two spurs.

The most major issue and question is: The layout is way too wide for reach to access.  You do NOT want to climb on top for any reason.  Far too inconvenient.  You will hate yourself later.  Trust me.  Been there done that have the T-Shirt.  Can you access from all sides?  Can you reach everything without climbing?

If you arrange the track in this manner do plan to where you will cut out access holes so that you may reach ANY point on the layout within 30 inches maximum reach.  This is the most over-repeated mistake in O scale.

Please watch this video:  

https://youtu.be/2ebtbblFkeA

In addition, there are several layout design tips on the Glacier Line YouTube channel woth watching.

You have a GREAT area, larger than most folks have, and have the potential to have a really great layout.  I believe that you may discover that you will be bored with this one because it doesn't do much more than circle.  If you just want to sit back and watch them loop, this will work.

If you want some interaction and railroad operation this is not a good plan.  Ultimately, it is entirely up to you as to what you want to do.

Do you want strictly a toy layout?  Do you want a realistic layout?  A combination of the two?  Does your railroad have a theme?

The most important element missing from a vast majority of layouts in my 45 years of experience is interaction with the trains.  It is much more fun and interesting to actually be part of the operation than just be a idle bystander.  Maybe you just want to watch?

The three major elements in layout design are: Plausibity, Purpose and Participation with the last being the most important.  It is what keeps any layout fresh and interesting.  The fact that it's missing from far too many layouts is exactly why many are dissatisfied with their layouts.

I'd say that my two cents but its more like twenty bucks worth!  :-)

Are you up against any walls?  Your blue line will need 3+% grades to clear the lower tracks.  There is no connection between the inner loops to the outside loops.  Are you planning any reversing loops?  The track spacing at the center of the U between the innermost tracks looks to be less than 4.5".

How big a room are you in?  Did you consider around the wall layout in full or part?

Jan

PS. Would you post your file?

Jan/John C/John H,

Thank you for the valuable feedback.  I'm going to continue to play with the layout to incorporate some of your suggestions.  I am concerned with access, so I need to work that hard.  I'm able to do an around the wall layout on the two walls noted, but not anywhere else due to windows, doorways and needed access to other rooms in the basement (which can't be incorporated into the layout).

Jan -- I've attached the RR Track file.

Smeds

I played with your plan this morning.  I added two reversing paths; the one on the right is all O72.  I didn't realize that the blue line was elevated.  I also adjusted track spacing where it was too close at a curve.

Jan

Jan,

Thanks for doing this.  I've been playing with the layout off and on today and I did add a reversing loop.  I like your changes and I will incorporate into my revised layout.  I really appreciate the help.  I'm truly a novice at this and will certainly reach out on this forum as the layout progresses.  I plan to use DCS and I've been doing a lot of research on this to include buying and reading Barry's book (3rd Edition), but still lots of questions to work through in addition to be very nervous about this portion of the build.

Once again thanks.

Smeds

This is an useful document when you are designing with Atlas track.  I closed all the gaps and removed all your cut pieces of track.

Jan

Jan -- very helpful.  Thank you.

Smeds