I finally finished the layout on the computer. Let me know what you think!
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I am not much of a layout designer, but it looks like in might be difficult to reach the tracks in the West yard with the Passenger station loop in the way? Also access might be difficult on the right side in some areas. Everyone always says access it important. I am old and can't crawl around under the layout so I really watch for accessibility. The experts also always suggest run around tracks in the yards. I don't currently have a run around, but am going to try and install one when I do some expansion. I am fairly new to yards and switching, I still have a lot to learn.
Sorry I don't have any suggestions or recommendations for revisions to the things I mentioned, they were just some thoughts. Maybe someone more experienced will comment with some helpful advice. Otherwise I think you are off to a real good start. Looks like you have a nice big room for a layout and a nice interesting plan to keep interest levels up while running trains. Good luck with your layout.
Originally Posted by JRud:
I think it's a cool layout but here's something to consider. On the right side you have some reverse loops that are redundant and pointless, looks like you tossed them in there just to fill space. A better use would be to create an "East Yard". That would take the burden off your middle yard. Honestly that middle yard has I guess what is called "switching on the main," so that to use it pretty much all other traffic has to stop. I'm a fan of independent running so I would like to be able to do the switching while the mainline is still open to traffic, but that's me. You got a lot of space on the right, could maybe shoe-horn a roundhouse over there, or at least some industrial and/or maintenance yard. The thing is, you could easily put a third mainline in, that way the middle yard could function while traffic is diverted. The small reverse loop on the left, instead of going into the one line (why? right now it's not necessary) have it continue parallel, go under the grade (lengthen the raised section and push your grade around the curve at the bottom, plenty of space) and it connects to the large middle reverse loop on the right. A couple more tweaks on the right and there you go, plus enlarge that small loop and fit some doo-dads into there. SO MANY POSSIBILITIES!!!!!!
Dom has made a number of excellent points critiquing your design. You're new to the hobby and it shows. There's nothing wrong with that. Actually you're ahead of the game by asking for help before construction.
Let's start at the beginning. It looks like you have a very nice space to work with.
What are the dimensions?
- the long wall
- the side walls
- the bay
- the turn arounds
- and how far out from the walls
I see that bay as a mountain that serves as a natural break, and a good opportunity for bridges and tunnels. Yard on one end, maybe a town on the other.
What kind of features do YOU want? How many trains?
Originally Posted by Big_Boy_4005:
I see that bay as a mountain that serves as a natural break, and a good opportunity for bridges and tunnels. Yard on one end, maybe a town on the other.
Now that's a cool idea. I love a good grade and a nice mountain, a couple tunnels even. It's not my layout so it don't mean much, but it is a nice design idea.
