Feedback on new layout design

It's hard to provide meaningful comments at this stage of development, but here's a few that apply now.

1. If using track plan software, let us know which one and provide/attach a copy of the latest plan file.  However, continue to provide images of the plan, as well, for those who don't have the same software.  That way, everybody can participate.

2.Consider having 3 tracks to the turntable (since you have plenty of space); one for entrance, one for exit, and one for coal deliveries and ash removal.

3. Your yard needs to be reworked to have a yard lead that doesn't interfere with main line running and that is at least as long as your longest yard track.

4. In your image, there seems to be a lot of space available and not being used.  If you don't want suggestions to fill it with improvements, leave it out of your plans.

5. Are you going to build a layout with "purpose" for your trains to run (industries, interchanges, multiple passenger stops, etc.) or just to run your trains through scenery?  If for purpose, read Armstrong's realistic operations planning book and add those to your design now.  You might also search out and read information about Frank Ellison's Delta Lines model railroad.

Good luck.

Chuck

Chuck,

Thanks for the feedback. I'm using Railmodeller Pro as on a Mac. I will post the file after I get in and clean up and add the track heights to the plan.

I do have Armstrong's book on operations and do plan to have a RR with a purpose. that also runs few trains continuously . There are some additional branchlike tracks that I need to add, but have some good thoughts on this.

I made some revisions to the plan to simplify and make the slope reasonable. Attached are a jpg and the railmodeller pro file. I'd like to keep the size the same so that I can have access to utilities in the basement and also to have walk around access for most of the plan. Appreciate any comments.

George

I suggest moving the mainline tracks to either inside or outside the engine house/yard so not to foul a main with movement of locomotives.  Or you could put both between the mainlines which will allow taines traveling in either direct to enter and exit the yard.

Jan

Sorry, but you are using the least common software on this forum.  Looking at your "picture" doesn't tell us radii being used, the distance between levels, or the actual grades.  However, I am concerned about the wye which appears to be on a grade (switches on a grade are never recommended) and which seems to need a much tighter curve to get started off the main line.

Chuck

Jan,

Attached is a revision. I do think moving the yard inside the main is better. I was concerned about reaching the switches but can still do that with this configuration to operate ground throws. Thanks for the feedback.

Chuck,

Sorry for the software but I just use Mac OS and haven't had the need to load windows so I started on Railmodeller pro.

The wye and that branch is a standalone run that will be elevated around 19-20" The middle of the wye will be a hilltop. I'm going to run a shay withe a few cars back and forth, so the radius is smaller here. The plan will be to connect some industries (probably coal or timber)

The rest of the track is min 72 diameter. The elevation for the crossovers are 8" clearance which allows for a 2% slope in most cases.

George

George,

How does a train running clockwise on the outer loop enter the yard and return to the outer loop while minimizing the fouling of the inner loop? You will need to position appropriate crossovers close to the yard entrance and exit.

Jan

Looks like a bowl Of spaghetti.

You have all of this room....Make grand sweeping curves...go for more realism

That much space for an O gauge lay is uncommon....use it wisely

Some more basic thoughts.

1.  All of that track, and all of that space, and all of that money, and you will only have two mainlines to run your trains?

2.  I know that this is very strictly a matter of taste, but upon completion, you are basically going to be looking down on a massive trainyard, with little room for scenery, and again, only two mainlines.   Do you really love switching that much?   

Just some things to consider.

Mannyrock