New layout in the works – opinions ?

Hi Mike, the first question you need to ask is; do you plan on running in Command Control? If so spend some time on the site that caters to your system of choice, Lionel or MTH, ect,ect. 

I would also spend some time deciding what track system you wont to work with.

It might not be a bad idea to check out some books like the O-Gauge Primer just as a how too refresher.

As for your passenger station I kind of like the area in the lower left of your drawing. It looks as if the green track is elevated because of the bridge you show. How about a plateau on the drop side of your bridge. The green track could pass right through, but a pair of switches could provide access and regress to a double track station that could live over the gray track on the far lower left.

I think you have a great looking track plan and it looks like it will be a blast to operate.

Have Fun and keep us posted as things develope. Later!

gg1man, your so right. My last track plan was very simple, then I got Command. Suddenly it was great fun to run trains, switch in the small yard, make up trains. I expanded my yard just for the system. It was suddenly a different world. This time I'm doing sidings for passing, an engine helper area and a large yard area. I don't want to double track the entire layout so I can use the sidings. Don

Mike,

I started my layout a year and a half ago, retired last December, and I am having a ball building it!

In addition to the sound advice above, consider a few other factors.

• Use the largest curves you can fit in your space.

• Provide access to reach every area of the layout. Reaching more than 30” can be difficult, so access hatches may be in order. Initially, to lay the track, you may climb on top of the layout. But after you add the buildings, the scenery, and trains on the tracks, you will likely not want to climb on top.

• Two complementary reversing loops are much better than a single reversing loop.

Good luck!

Alex

Thanks for the replies and the sound advice.  Mario, I neglected to mention a few things that might have avoided some of the comments.  I plan to use Atlas track with Ross switches, along with MTH DCS.  You kind of lost me on that plateau with a pair of switches idea.  Anyway that can be explained or drawn more simply ? 

Alex, I'm using the largest curves I can in the roughly 18' x 28' space I have.  I get you when it comes to the access hatches.  I'm hoping 2 will be enough.  I never thought of 2 reversing loops.  Lets see if that can be fit into the plan. 

Don, we emailed earlier today and I'll finish that tomorrow from work.  Sounds like your new layout is really something and lots of planning and thought went into it.  Can't wait to see it when I'm in Maui next April.    

Thanks to you all,

Mike       

A comment and question based on replies to my post.  The passenger station I had in mind is from Crescent Locomotive Works.  It's a straight and/or curved model that I think would fit in nicely in that lower left or bottom of the layout.  It is available in straight or 072 curves or custom to fit any curve.  I also thought about putting it somewhere in the inner loop. My question.  Is there any problem with mixing Atlas track with Ross switches ?  Since they are different materials, any issues with signal quality or conductivity problems between the 2 ? 

Thanks,

Mike   

Mike,

Atlas with RCS turnouts? No problem. I cut off about 1/16” from each end of the Atlas joiners and use them to connect the RCS turnouts to Atlas track and Atlas turnouts. I have 45 Atlas and 12 RCS turnouts on my layout.

Have not had any serious issues, but the Atlas turnouts have been more trouble-free than the RCS; both in operation (switch machine operation) and derailing. The only consistent and predictable problem I have is derailing of two steam engine tenders when backing up over two or three of the RCS turnouts. However, all the RCS I have are curved, and that may be a factor.

In any case, I have not had any problems in months, except for the predictable problem noted above, and I run the trains daily without issues.

A couple of examples: (Click to enlarge)

 Atlas 6021 #7.5 LH and RCS 230 #6 RH curved

RCS 240 #8 RH curved and Atlas 6025 #5 RH

Good luck!

Alex