New House New Project

Try #2

You only have 1 crossover. Once you switch from the outside to inside (or vice versa), the only way switch back is to back through the crossover. It's the same with the single reversing loop. Once you reverse, you have to back through to change direction.

What software are you using?

I am using railroad modeler on my Mac…. What do you think I could do to solve these issuers considering i need to stay as close as possible to the outside of this room. 

send me the file to cmontagna12@gmail.com. I use model railroader also, not many of us on here that do!

To fix the crossover problem, you need to add another crossover. The location can be anywhere, I just put it symmetrically with the other one. The reverse loop problem is more difficult without more information. However, given that you want to maximize the available space inside the room, and I'm sure there are valid reasons for that, I would consider changing the spur into a passing siding by adding a switch on the other end. I'd then eliminate the single reversing loop and simply run trains in opposite directions, switching from inside to outside and back, to give the illusion of changing directions. I'd use the passing siding to stage/run a 3rd train. I'm also wondering where the entry to the room/layout is going to be and what you are going to use, duck-under, lift-out, etc.

Excellent suggestions, I think I will add the extra cross over. However I think I would like to leave the loop in order to turn the trains around even if I do have to back them up in order to make it happen in some cases.

The entrance to the layout is in the grey space on the original photo…. it is a small hallway to the laundry room and I was thinking of doing a hinged bridge so to speak.. Similar to the one I saw Eric from Ericstrains.com do. That is why the siding stops where it does. 

loving the feed back, Thanks,

Tim

No mac here. What size curves are you using on the mains?

I may have set the layout height at 40" with the flying debris that will eminently happen. (I see toys). Is that where you have it?

Curves will be 0-72. Layout height is around 40" Toys will be limited to non projectiles!!!

Timothy Earll posted:

Curves will be 0-72. Layout height is around 40" Toys will be limited to non projectiles!!!

I have 5 and 4 year old grandchildren. Sibling disputes have led to things flying on to my layout.

All O72"? or larger outer ?  What brand?

I have a 2 and 6 year old so I can relate to the flying objects. Both the outer and the inner track will be 0-72. I currently have fast track, however in time I plan on switching out with Atlas O. I prefer atlas because I think it looks more realistic. IMO

T.E.,

I don't know the length of the ends, but here is something to consider for a reversing direction option. You would need almost 12' on the end. This would protrude into the room space about 70" on a diagonal, depending on the setback of the curve. 4 switches and 2 wyes.

Adds a nice area for some scenery.

Carl, I love the idea. It is something I will have to consider.

Funny photo! One can only imagine what little guy is thinking. He's heard the noise, see's the giant tools and Dad paying attention to something that's not him.

More Work Going On.

DoubleDAZ posted:

 

I would, at the minimum, add another crossover in the opposite direction to the right of the one in blue, for a total of three crossovers.  That would allow you to reverse the direction of a longer train on the outer loop and go back to the outer loop.  You might have another train on the inner loop and be unable to make a full clockwise circle around the inner loop to get back to the outer one.

As shown in the diagram, if you were running counterclockwise on the outer loop and wanted to reverse direction, you would have to cross over from the outer loop to the inner loop, make a complete lap around the layout, and then go through the reversing loop.  If you have a crossover in the opposite direction next to (to the right of)  the one in blue, you can reverse the direction of a train more easily.  You have plenty of room to use long crossovers (the numbered ones).  The longer the better.  Reverse curves should always be as long as possible, to eliminate derailments, especially when running long cars or engines.

You could make your siding or spur much more useful if you make it double-ended, i.e., add a switch on the stub end.  Also, you might consider lengthening it. for more usefulness.  That way you can run around cars or stash a train with can proceed from the siding in either direction.  Long turnouts cut into your available straight track, but, again, use the longest turnout practicable, consistent with how much straight track you need.  These are reverse curves.

A final comment:  as it is drawn, you can only reverse the direction of a train once, from counterclockwise to clockwise.  If you reverse the direction of a steam engine to clockwise running, how do you plan to turn it to run counterclockwise again?  You really will not want to be picking up your steam engine and tender to turn them around.   Carl's modification to your loop would fix this potential problem.  Just something to think about.

One final thought:  If the curves on both loops are O72, the intervening straight track could be hard to rig to the correct length on one loop, and they will look much neater if you can take a deep breath and make the outer loop O-81 and the inner O-72.  You might want to run an articulated steam engine someday, and you need to check your clearances -- both inside and outside -- on your curves for inside and outside overhang of articulateds.

This is a lot to think about now!!!

The BNSF coming around Saw Blade Curve