Ready to start Section 1 of my layout design.

Ok made some fine tuning to the layout (I imagine there will be a lot of this as time progresses). I have now made some changes to the layout. I expanded the 2 spurs in the yard to include longer parking sections. Also on the 2nd level I added "bridge" feature to where the tracks will be with piers, trestles or an actual bridge. The one small area between the 2 bridge spots will be built up. I also broke the entire layout down into modules for construction purposes. My first construction will begin later this week on Modules 1-3.

Check your layout design against module sizes closely.  For example, it looks like your Streets-railroad crossing will fall right on a module joint.  That seems like a recipe for everyday disaster.

Chuck

Chuck thanks for thr input. There is enough room on my design to move the layout up or down. That should help with having thr crossings on a seam

Moonman has helped me tweek Module 7. O36 curves have replaced O31 in the turnaround and the 2 dead end spurs are longer now.

Here is an updated draft of the layout. The yard now contains 4 spurs for parking trains in addition to the 2 spur loop around the yard.

Just curious, what will your grade be from the last switch in your revised Module 1 to the bridge over that track at the bottom of Module 1?  Also, how do you plan to segment that bridge and maintain reliable operation over the several modules?

Chuck

Planning to use the MTH for Fastrack Pier set with a 4.7 grade. The Modules are being joined together with 1/4 inch carriage bolts. A combination of trestles and maybe a large bridge will be used for that long stretch.

After reviewing what PRR1950 (Chuck) had said, I went back and studied the incline. It was too much and I had to make some drastic changes to get the incline down to a respectable 3.8%. Here is the diagram as it stands now.

How high is the 3.8% grade track when it passes over the fist set of storage tracks on the left?

Dave it is at 6" on that last O36 curve and hits 6.5" on the first of the straight section.

Tom

Think about connecting the reverse loop in the yard to the left siding instead of the third siding from the left.  That will reduce the total curvature of the loop. 

Jan

Thanks, Tom. I assumed you had the clearance covered, but couldn't tell from the photo and I wanted to check just in case.

After some measurements in my garage, I have had to shrink the layout size. The main line will now be 144" x 60" with the left yard remaining at 4x8 and the right wing at 5x8. I also changed the incline to the back of the layout and added a wye turnout on the inner loop.

First module is done.

2nd Module completed

Temporary set up of inner loop

Here is a look at what will be the final layout. The main section is 3 4x5 tables. The 2 wings are 4x5 tables with added 1x4 addons to accommodate the track design. The layout will feature a Superstreets layout which will go through a town as well as rural area. There will also be an elevated trolley line.