Santa comes to visit the UP

Don:  very much enjoyed your layout in both OGR and CTT.

Very much look forward to seeing the new layout!

Nice photos Donald.

Are you willing to provide some details around your new layout? size? Track plan? Reason for starting fresh?  After all, your spread in the magazine looked great! Thanks!

Looking forward to the progress photos. 

Would love to see the new track plan.Nick

Here you go.....basically the whole layout is designed. It is close to twice the size of the old one.

Compared to the old "round the wall" layout, it will be pretty exciting to actually have a train go "somewhere" besides chasing its tail. It is a folded dog bone design, double track all the way. Contains a large yard area along with hidden staging and of course the prominent roundhouse area. Like my old layout, a 3rd separate level will circle the entire basement and not be connected to the rest of the layout but will be part of the overall concept. I like to use that separate level to run my "older" stuff without interfering with the rest of the layout. 

Hardly any switching, this layout will be built for the "rail fan".

Donald

Looks great!

Mind if I ask what size curves you'll be running on the two main lines?

Sure BP, no problem.

On the main layout for the double track main......"096" for the inside curves and "108" for the outside curves. This gives me a center to center spacing of 6" which is plenty of room for trains with 89' trailers or 86' hi-cubes to pass a passenger train with scale cars.

You did not ask but the top level is a minimum "072".

Thanks for your interest.

Donald

Donald,

I enjoyed your layout in OGR a few years back.  It was why I bought the issue~!

Can't wait to see the new layout come together.  

I love UP also, but model a different era.  Look forward to seeing your modern diesels on the new layout.  Keep us posted!

That big UP steam will sure look nice on those wide curves.