Rough draft of layout in a 12x13 room- tell me what you think

Maybe consider some switching options?  I like what you have so far.  Very similar to what I am working with on my around the room 17x11 layout.  Just finished the bench work and have basic track on it.  As many say "trains need to have a purpose". I'm sure you have some industry planned that is not in the basic plan. 

Jim 

Not sure what switching options I should consider? I do want to add more accessories and that might be tough to plan. Thoughts? Could you share some pics of your setup? What type of track are you using?

I used Fastrack just because I had a TON of it.  Had I not I would have used Gargraves with Ross switches.   Nothing wrong with any of the major track types.  GG/Ross looks the best IMO.  And is the hobby standard.  I hope to be servicing coal. Some type of wood industry.  Electric.  And some others.  Just have to figure out how to sneak them in.  My outer loop is 072 or bigger and my inner is 060 or bigger.  Unreal the difference in the look and performance of the trains on the bigger radius curves!  

Jim 

Cool thanks. Told wifed I was building a layout- she was ok with it. Told her I was buying all new track- she was like 'whaaat? what about all those boxes of track' (lionel tubular). I pointed out her shoes and jewelry. Oh well- gonna buy all new track- either ross+ gargraves or atlas+ross. Don't think atlas itself will suffice.

Looks good!   There is a reverse curve coming off the switch at the top leading to the right that I would fix.   The curves are O-72, which is good.   I would look to see if using O-72 half curves you can have a smoother curve eliminating the revers curve.  There appears to be adequate space.

You might even be able to take the angle from the turnout and run straight over to the right side before curving down.   That would be even better if there is space.

You need to look at the design and operation of your yard.  Right now you cannot build or tear down a train without fouling the main.  At a minimum you need to add a couple of switches in the lower left  to give you another entrance into the yard.  Also move the storage ladder to connect to it.

Would you post your SCARM file?

Jan

Thanks for the feedback- I'd certainly welcome any modifications. This is my first real substantial layout (last one was a copy of a lionel display layout I did 20 years ago). I'm attaching the scarm file- thanks!

I changed all the corner curves to O72, O81, O90, and O99.  The curve diameters in the Atlas track system are designed to maintain the 4.5" center-to-center track spacing.  I used all four diameter curves in the upper right corner.  O72 and O81 are used everywhere else.  You could replace the largest curves with lower diameter curves if you want.  You'll just need to add a 4.5" straight for each diameter you come down.

The real changes are with the yard.  The #4 turnouts and double crossovers eliminate the the "S-curves" at the entrances.  There are two parallel tracks in the yard which are the Arrival/Departure (A/D) track and a run-around.  The Lead allows you to cut off or put on cars at the end of the train.  The engine can escape from either end of the train and return to the service area.  The Rip Track is where you can put cars to be repaired (or you could use it for caboose storage).  You will need to identify where you will want to put uncouplers.

You can have three operators running at the same time; two running trains and one working the yard.  Since your original plan had a turntable I felt that you wanted a working yard.

Jan

Lots of options.  I found out my planning went out the window when I finished the bench work and started putting down track.  Change after change after change.  I'd start with the basic loops and go from there..  

Jim 

Jan- thanks a ton for those modifications. I really like them! Think it makes the setup more flexible all around. One question- the #4 will be ok with large engines (particular concern is my 3rd rail big boy...)? From what I'm reading yes- #4 is acceptable for sidings/yard work, but not main line for large engines- sound correct?

A #4 is the number equivalent of an O72.  It is intended for low speed operations like entering a yard or switching.  The #6 and #8 are for mainlines.  If an engine can negotiate O72 curves it can negotiate a #4.

Jan

Jan, very nice job on your revisions/re-alignments!   Perhaps you might consider a locomotive escape track in the yard/run-around track.   Perhaps in the two longest middle sidings.

Ken, that is a possibility.  Another might be between the storage track and the adjacent yard track.

I've been thinking about where to put an engine service area (coal, water, fuel, sand) since there usb;t room on the turntable lead.

Jan

Forgive my ignorance- I've looked and can't figure what you guys/ girls mean- can you show me? 

I don't see any way to change the direction of running trains.  You might consider adding an S-shaped track or reversing loop to enable trains to change direction on the fly.  It seriously mucks up your standing/operating space in the middle of the room, but for me at least, the added flexibility is worth the hit to open space.

An engine escape track is just a crossover between to adjacent stub tracks near their end,  It will allow an engine leading a string of cars onto one of the stub tracks to uncouple, transfer via the crossover to the adjacent spur, and then exit down the other stub.

A stub track has an entrance but no ext.  Its end is protected by a bumper.

These are most often seen in a terminal to allow passenger engines and switchers to escape.

Ken was referring to the two center tracks of your 8-way yard.  I was referring to the long storage track and the leftmost stub of the 8-way. 

The green crossover is the engine escape route. I used a 96"/72" curved turnout to lengthen the storage track.  This makes it more useful as you can park a full train there.  I added a Caboose track.  This is were the caboose and train crews wait while you build or tear apart a train.

I had to cut a 2" straight to make it fit (red). 

Jan

Jan, that is a pretty awesome design!  Great work!  Many really good features and optimizations!  -Ken

Smart positioning of the locomotive escape track.   But I wonder how long an engine can fit at the end of the turnout?   Might be a bit short for practical use?  What do you think?  It looks like the left-most stub/spur could be deleted, and with a realignment, the cross-over could start a bit higher, resulting in a longer track/stub at the end of the escape track.

Thanks a ton GUYS. Looks really awesome. So I’m defintieky doing Ross switches- just not enough variability with atlas switches. I’ve read a few posts here about track selection. The question in my mind is atlas versus Gargraves versus Ross track. Price is only a minor consideration. The attraction with Ross is that all the track will match and will connect perfectly. Plus I like that it’s spiked. I’m less enthused about gargraves- had some bad experiences bending it as a kid (although that was in a much tighter 0-36 layout)- maybe it’s worth tying again? I think atlas looks the best and I like that it’s solid- just a little worried about good solid connections with Ross and also the tie difference. Lastly, at least in my mind, if (when) I end up changing the layout, I have more faith in atlas track to be sturdy and last for future layouts.