I’m going to redo my layout. My goals are to get O72 curves and more yard storage. I also want a double main. I’m changing to go around the room of a spare bedroom. Below is design but I would like to hear any ideas. I realize there is a lot of track in my design. I’m struggling with meeting my goals and also having room for scenery. Using Ross and Gargraves.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Jim, have you considered utilizing the height tool in SCARM to use some of the space above and below your current 2 dimensional plan?
Steve
i did consider that when I built my current layout but decided not to because I didn’t have enough space for a 2-3% grade and be able to clear the tracks above/below. That was then. I would consider it again. Having a yard below the mains could be cool. I’d love to hear any ideas you have.
It would be helpful for you to be very specific about your scenery and sidings goals, objectives, and sizes. Also, the SCARM file you're working with would be helpful.
I don't have any specific scenery plans. I want O72 curves on my outer loop, double mains and yard storage. I want to be able to run 2 trains and have the option of one doing yard work while one train runs on outer main. I would like at least 2 sidings 10' feet long for cars and a few shorter sidings for engine storage. Attached is my scarm file that shows sidings that gives me storage I am looking for. I ran out of track on the free version but hopefully you can see what I was trying to do.
Which control method(s) are you planning to use (conventional, Legacy, DCS)? Either way, you'll probably want to isolate some sections to avoid powering trains while not in use.
Suggestions:
1. Spend the $40 to upgrade to the full version of SCARM. It will get you past the 100 piece track count limitation of the free version, potentially saving you the additional shipping costs on unforeseen orders, and possibly errant cuts from misaligned track or unused track. Being able to go above the 100 piece limitation would allow you to more easily and accurately explore the third dimension and would account for the shortened runs caused by the inclines.
2. You might also want a couple of reversing loops.
Hi Jim,
Your overall dimensions are quite similar to mine. I've attached an image of my track plan in case you wanted some additional inspiration. The outer line has O-81 curves, while the inner line is O-72.
Your plan as shown does not really account for the alcove area very well.
I would probably draw two six-foot circles in the corners of the room to the left and right of the door and develop a layout between them wrapping along the far wall.
Thanks for all the ideas and feedback.
I get what you are saying about the 72" circles only giving you that 18" walkway between them. The circle to the right of the door doesn't quite fit all the way into the alcove, but it looks close. One option to consider would be to cheat some sections of track with something tighter to achieve a teardrop-shaped turnaround on that side. This would be done in the very back of the alcove and the dirty work could be hidden in 101 ways. The more you cheat that turn and use the space in the alcove, the better your access becomes. It is a game of inches. Of course, the turn would in fact still be somewhat tighter than 72", I'm just pointing out that nobody would need to know.
@Long Hair posted:I get what you are saying about the 72" circles only giving you that 18" walkway between them. The circle to the right of the door doesn't quite fit all the way into the alcove, but it looks close. One option to consider would be to cheat some sections of track with something tighter to achieve a teardrop-shaped turnaround on that side. This would be done in the very back of the alcove and the dirty work could be hidden in 101 ways. The more you cheat that turn and use the space in the alcove, the better your access becomes. It is a game of inches. Of course, the turn would in fact still be somewhat tighter than 72", I'm just pointing out that nobody would need to know.
That is a good thought but the O72 is functional and not cosmetic. I ordered an engine (veranda) and my understanding is O72 is absolutely required. I would hate to redesign and rebuild my layout with less than 72 curves only to not work with this engine.
OK - So what exactly is in the space to the right of the door? That corner of the alcove is jamming up your dogbone shaped layout and your around-the-room layout. I'm wondering about putting a tiny piece of track right through that corner. You don't need much.
That 6 ft alcove is a closet but I removed the bi-fold doors so I could use that space. The corner you’re referring to is the corner of the wall. Even if I cut a notch out of the corner, I would then have the swing of the door to deal with.
@Slugger posted:Hi Jim,
Your overall dimensions are quite similar to mine. I've attached an image of my track plan in case you wanted some additional inspiration. The outer line has O-81 curves, while the inner line is O-72.
I like several design features of this layout.
-It has loop running as well as operations capability.
-The yard has a lead track (could also be an arrival/departure track) so you can classify your freight cars without fowling the "main line". (I'm assuming that is a freight yard and not an engine yard.)
-There are two industrial areas or towns for switching operations with a run around track.
Nice.
@Slugger posted:Hi Jim,
Your overall dimensions are quite similar to mine. I've attached an image of my track plan in case you wanted some additional inspiration. The outer line has O-81 curves, while the inner line is O-72.
That’s really nice.. what are the Dimensions??
@Snkbittin posted:That’s really nice.. what are the Dimensions??
He said my overall dimensions are quite similar to his. Mine are in the original posting.
To me, similar is not the same. A few inches difference in room size can be the difference between able to use O-81 curves or stuck with O-72 curves.
@CAPPilot posted:To me, similar is not the same. A few inches difference in room size can be the difference between able to use O-81 curves or stuck with O-72 curves.
Comments like this discourage me from sharing. I was trying to be helpful by sharing what I can. Since that’s not good enough then wait to see if/when Stephen responds.
@Tanner111 posted:Comments like this discourage me from sharing. I was trying to be helpful by sharing what I can. Since that’s not good enough then wait to see if/when Stephen responds.
Was very helpful.. I didn’t see the numbers till you said .. don’t be discouraged
@Snkbittin posted:That’s really nice.. what are the Dimensions??
Here are the outer dimensions:
Thanks for the kind comments. There's a duckunder at the top of diagonal. The layout was designed to incorporate both loop running and a little bit of operations. You can use the outer track as staging; I've found I can fit 3 decent-sized (for the size of the space) trains along it, and the crossovers support trains coming "on stage" eastbound and westbound. Before the lock downs started, I tested it with 3 engineers running trains and me acting like dispatcher/trouble shooter.
I, too, found it difficult to incorporate any grades in a space such as this. The best I could come up with was introducing an additional outer line that would start on the right wall, run counterclockwise downwards, and terminate under the right side industry area in a stub-end storage track. But doing that cost me the outer O-81 curves (which was fine) and storage space underneath (fiance wasn't fine with that).
@Slugger posted:Here are the outer dimensions:
Thanks for the kind comments. There's a duckunder at the top of diagonal. The layout was designed to incorporate both loop running and a little bit of operations. You can use the outer track as staging; I've found I can fit 3 decent-sized (for the size of the space) trains along it, and the crossovers support trains coming "on stage" eastbound and westbound. Before the lock downs started, I tested it with 3 engineers running trains and me acting like dispatcher/trouble shooter.
I, too, found it difficult to incorporate any grades in a space such as this. The best I could come up with was introducing an additional outer line that would start on the right wall, run counterclockwise downwards, and terminate under the right side industry area in a stub-end storage track. But doing that cost me the outer O-81 curves (which was fine) and storage space underneath (fiance wasn't fine with that).
Very cool..Im redoing mine soon and it will be 12x13 ..same shape..so far with an upper level ..My wife likes the upper level i have now and asked for another one ..I REALLY want a turntable..and it needs to handle the big stuff..O84 outer loop O72 next 2 in with a mixed O60/O36 loop inside Thanks for the Dimensions!!
Dave
Hi Jim, you might get an idea or two by visiting www.shelflayouts.com
Lance Mindheim is well known for constructing layouts in all scales. He has published several books plus is a regular contributor to the model railroad magazine circle.
@Trinity River Bottoms Boomer posted:Hi Jim, you might get an idea or two by visiting www.shelflayouts.com
Lance Mindheim is well known for constructing layouts in all scales. He has published several books plus is a regular contributor to the model railroad magazine circle.
Hi TRBB
Thank you I’ll check that out.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
