My Initial Design for the Barn

Would you be interested adding 4 more switches so that the inner folded dogbone loop could be modified to also serve as 2 revering loops?

It appears this could be accomplished without reducing the functions you currently have in this layout.

As long as you are not interested in reversing direction or operations, and are satisfied with just enoying the trains running around, I like it.  It allows for 3 trains.  It allows for trains to 'switch' tracks they are running on.  Those BIG open areas are ripe for a great scenic expression.

I also like @SteveH's idea.

my thoughts as a Christmas layout only guy.

- walt

As I'm new to this design theory,  where would you suggest setting up a reversing function? If necessary a paint edit photo will work and I'll take a stab in software.  Thanks

Eventually I want an elevated line as well. I'm definitely going to use some of that amazing stuff from East Coast Enterprises

Cheers

@CLH7508 posted:

As I'm new to this design theory,  where would you suggest setting up a reversing function? If necessary a paint edit photo will work and I'll take a stab in software.

Just off the top of my head, using 4 turnouts and 4 double slips, you could join the tracks together. A train could travel between all loops and you'd get your reverse loops built in.

I won't have access to my computer for a few hours. What track are you using and what is the minimum curve required?

There are a few ways to include reversing loops.  Since the current plan has all switches on the same side, I went with that.  Here's one possibility using Ross track, O72 curves and #6 switches*.  *Note that for design simplicity, I substituted a #175 double crossover at the bottom in place of the arrangement originally modeled.

Not having Anyrail, here's what it would essentially look like in SCARM, though not exact.

This SCARM file is attached and SCARM is a free download if anyone wants to see this approximation in more detail.

Here's one with a passing siding.

These are very insightful.

I'm using Atlas. Min Curve is 72 (Big Boy)

The White cutout is stairway min clearance for a 6ft 3 dude to come into the space. So the double line track on the east side of the layout will be in a pop out bridge or a lift bridge.

I'm now going to look for staging,  industries,  sidings,  and see if my attempt to keep it all min 72 is feasible. 

@CLH7508 posted:

I'm now going to look for staging,  industries,  sidings,  and see if my attempt to keep it all min 72 is feasible.

Would you consider uploading your Anyrail design file?  I believe it would have a file suffix .any

I'm assuming that you're including some access hatches in the interior.  Without them, you'll have some impossible reaches.

Whether or not the design is good depends on your objectives - running long trains, creating scenic vistas, gritty urban areas, etc.

@CLH7508 I found your earlier topic, Link here> It's finally happening! Request Help which may be helpful to others wanting to help.

From that Topic, it appears that the Barn's dimensions are approximately 12' or 13' x 28'.  But in your 2 different SCARM plans, the "baseboard" showing the wall locations are a little different.

What are the actual inside dimensions of the upstairs including dimensions between the walls and the 2nd floor walls enclosing the stairway?

Since walking around the layout wouldn't be possible, are you thinking about a walkway in between the lobes of the folded dogbone?  Maybe something like this?

Steve,

The dimensions for this latest post are accurate. My table height will be 42 inches. As you've indicated for the benchwork, I'm planning interior access paths as you've depicted. Sorry it's been a **** of a week and I've hadn't the chance to take another swing at my design.

Please see attached file

Thanks

VR

Chris

Just to bring folks up to speed.

I'm enjoying learning the fundamentals of railroad design and functionality. I'm also learning how to finish the interior space of the loft. I'll be running 50amp service, doing all the insulation, electrical work, and permitting. I will set lighting so that it can simulate the sun at different times of day. Initially I'm thinking about LED drops controlled via a phone app. The outer loops I desire for large, longer train runs of varying speed. Think of these trains as high-speed passenger for example I have the beautiful NYC Empire Set with the streamlined Hudson that came out last yr and the two diner cars. I also want to try my hand at different sceneries. I want a desert scene, snow, fall, and summer, with the trains just traveling through. I intend to spend a considerable amount of dough on the products offered by East Coast Enterprises. Their magnificent bridges and flat buildings will come in handy. I have to contend with an outer wall that pitches in above the set. Check out this video of the space I made after it was completed.

The tan area above represents the plain a height of 42 inches in the loft. Total clearance above the outside line to the roof as it pitches in is 8 inches than it gets higher pretty quickly.