Garage Layout Gone Mad

Merlin1280,

You've uploaded pictures from SCARM, so, why don't you also upload the actual SCARM (FILENAME.scarm) file so that those of us who use SCARM can propose modifications.  In addition, a few questions:

1. Do other uses of the garage limit the layout design to what's seen?

2. Will any sides of design rest directly against a wall?  Any doors or windows to worry about?

3. Is the turntable / roundhouse just for storing / displaying other engines not running on the loops?

4. Purpose of purple line off of turntable? (Doesn't seem to connect to anything else?)

5. Why two separate entrances to turntable from same loop?

With the file and answers to questions, someone here might be able to make some good suggestions.

Chuck

Chuck

Thanks for the quick reply here are responses and requested file.  Sorry didn't know how much to write.

1. Garage is wide open but trying to keep a some what L-Shape design to the north and east of garage.  Overall garage is 32' W x 24" D

2. Currently the North and east of the layout would be against walls.  Table to have a couple of removable access patches for work and derailments.  No doors or windows to contend with on those walls unless I get way to big.

3. Turntable is for Engine storing and displaying, hoping to use from time to time for switches of engines and fun.  (looking for guidance here on set up or configuration for fun use)

4. Purple line is a elevated loop to the south east of layout where I could show/store a train with cars that is pitched down to the turntable for possible use onto large loops.  Does this make sense or is it possible?

5. Two separate entrances to turntable were for if I ever wanted to run the train through the turntable as bypass to the whole loop.  Does this make sense and/or is this possible?

Sorry very new to the turntable and functionality of it and how it can be best used.  Overall goal of layout is run trains have fun, make it somewhat easy for kids to operate and over time really work on scenery and display. Any preferences on track or control is also welcome.  I have no preference at this point.

Also random gray track running vertical will be a subway running end to end.

Merlin1280,

Let me address your new points 4 and 5 above.  Turntables are generally not built or used for "run-through" activity.  Depending on the size of your equipment and table, it is not usually possible to put more than an engine and one car on the table at a time.  Thus, no way to get train from purple line to loops.  I will address more later when I have more time.

Chuck

Thanks understood.  So turntable is really for engine change and yard.  Anyone have any alternate some what "L" that incorporate a Turntable and the ability to run several trains at once.  I have a 20' x 17' usable space.

Use the whole 32 X 24 space!!!

Merlin1280,

First, I would suggest you search this forum for mentions of SCARM and/or SCARM files.  Many of the submitted layouts can give you ideas, and don't be afraid to take a long and narrow layout, put a bend in in to create an L shape, and then widen the ends of your new L shaped layout to allow for loops at the ends.  A lot of these layouts allow for running two or more trains.

Next consider trying to place the turntable, roundhouse and engine house as part of a small yard.  That way, you can pull the train off the main line, disconnect the engine and move it for "servicing" without a train blocking one of your loops.  This could be done by extending a small island off of your loops into the middle of the garage.  Further, you could put a few additional tracks in the yard to hold pre-made trains so that once the engine is serviced (or, if you choose, another ready engine comes from the service area), you can hook up to a different train and run.

I know you want to avoid switches because of the kids, but their use makes things a lot more fun.  To avoid "issues," you could electrically isolate the yard and turntable area and then hide the isolation switch so your kids can't enter the yard/turntable area unsupervised.

Another area of concern is grade climbing.  You seem to like multiple levels which is fine, but just make sure you have enough of a track run, between starting point at one level and top point of another level, to keep the grade less than 4%.  Somewhere between 2% and 3% is usually best.

Finally, kids like action, sound and lights.  A few grade crossing signals, a few train control signals, and a few operating accessories near the front edge of the layout will help hold their attention.  Accessories should go on sidings, requiring more switches, but you could just put them along the mainline and allow the train to stop to load or unload.  Also, your current plan has a lot of hidden track.  Consider opening that up with trestles and/or bridges so the kids can see more of the action.

Good luck,

Chuck

Great advice thanks again.

All I can think of is when you build it make sure you have anti-derailment switches, for what few you use it will make life much easier. Having a reverse loop also sounds good to me, so trains can be reversed with out picking them up, and some layouts have a plexy glass or similar barrier to catch engines that derail helpful no matter the age of the operator(s).

Seems like the helix area will be a very tight squeeze too.

Gonna get some sleep, and ask Deep Thought if 42 is the answer to that also.