SCARM Layout

@Baconator Southern This is an interesting layout so far.  Would you consider posting the SCARM file?  This would make it easier to see more details of your plan, including grades and individual track piece labels.  Others could also suggest changes using an actual SCARM file.

From what I can tell, the reach distances from the front left (bottom of the picture) to the back wall would be about 5 feet.  The reaches there and  to the back right corner to fix derailments or work on scenery would either require climbing onto the layout or making an access hole in the back.

Here’s that file .  New to SCARM, in my mind I know what I want to do, but hard getting it all down on the file!

I do have one existing pop up hole in the corner near the walls

That's a very steep grade.

I plan to stretch that out as far as I can, hopefully to end up at 3.5% max.  

Here are a few things to consider:

• If the grade only runs in between switches and the switches are all at zero (benchtop) height, then grades would be close to 6%.
• If the grade begins upward on each side of the underpass and switches are within an existing grade, the grades could be built closer to 3.5%.  However, SCARM doesn't permit switches to be inclined within an established grade, it requires them to be level.
• Vertical easements at the beginnings and ends of grades help the train more smoothly transition from one plane to the next , versus an abrupt change in vertical angle.  Abrupt vertical angle changes can cause binding, stalling, wheel spin, and/or derailment.  So even with enough hypothetical space in SCARM for say a 3.5% grade, additional linear space should be allowed to transition between grades.  How much length to be allowed depends on the length and type of trains/locomotives planned to be run on the layout.
• With the FasTrack O-72 Wye, SCARM doesn't automatically add the 1-3/8" half-roadbed fitter pieces that come attached new in the box.  These pieces allow the Wye switch to be fitted into a track plan without the need to cut adjacent track.  Here's what it looks like without the fitter pieces,

In the first image below, the red track's grade begins at the lower right switch.  This would be a 5.9% grade without vertical easements.  Note: to reduce the grade a bit and allow inclusion of the 1-3/8" fitter pieces with the Wye, I've swapped out the O-72 curves with O-60.

In the second image, the grades are closer your 3.5% target and begin their incline on either side of the underpass.  Switches are only removed so that the grade can be shown continuously within SCARM.  These also don't yet have vertical easements.

For your consideration, the SCARM file with these suggestions is also attached.

Thanks greatly!  I think the vertical easement is a great idea I had not considered.  I’m using the Lionel graduated trestle, and keeping the vertical elevation up along the long wall.  Being new to SCARM it’s difficult to show all that.  That 048 curve is another consideration, with the switch coming out of the curve.  Thanks for the guidance, it is appreciated!

Your layout is a good size and I like your design. But I have several suggestions.

1. Save all the O36 for the railyard only.
2. Make O48 your minimum radius for the mainline.
3. There are three O36 "S" curves on the mainline (counting the siding). Try to make O72 (or larger) the minimum for all "S" curves on the mainline.
4. When possible, allow one car length of straight track in the middle of an "S" curve.
5. There is a single reverse loop so you can reverse the direction once. Then if you want to reverse again, you must back the train through the wye. There is nothing wrong with this, in fact it is great that you have that wye. But you should be aware since this will affect the way you operate.

Yeah I found the 036 I got with the LionChief set and the ton of 048 too small for anything but some sections of main line where I was out of space, or rail yard/ siding.  I have 072 and trying to blend into this ever expanding layout.  Originally I hoped to model after Saluda grade- just too big of a task to squeeze into the garage.  Thanks for the tips!  Going to tinker a bit more in SCARM

You have a nice space and a nice concept. I always like a nice viaduct running over a railyard and industry. The issue you deal with in you limited space is the mainline is always on an incline, making it hard to add turnouts and sidings.

Here are some other ideas:

The first plan creates a second loop and makes the layout a twice around. The inside loop is flat, solving the incline problem. I also show where you could put connectors for a reverse loop. It does require a little more space on the front left side.

Plan 2 just pushes the mainline into the corners, to open the space inside the loops but you have to deal with the incline problem. Enjoy...

You know I was thinking plan 2 on the way home!  I don’t get my wye, but that idea enables the vertical easement leading to the viaduct.  With that opened, the rail yard / industry could be expanded!  Going to begin measuring for the foam board elevation .  Thanks greatly!!

If I'm understanding the color pattern of plan #2, it looks like your first yard switch (in the dark blue / purple track) is near the start of the incline on one side of the major bridge.  That may be within your vertical easement area which is a definite no-no.  Even if that particular switch is "level," you still don't want to start your incline with the next attached piece of track.

I have a few ideas for improvements (including relocating your wye), but you didn't attach the SCARM file for plan #2 so anybody could work with it.

Chuck

PS  As I was typing this, I found out the my 5th grandchild is being delivered sometime tomorrow (planned delivery).  Hope somebody else can help you with this.

All the plans are in the same scarm file posted. Look under the layers tab. The original layout is under the layer 0 tab, plan 1 is under the alt1, plan 2 is under the alt2 tab.

The location of the entrance to the yard is just for an example.

A couple of questions:

How close to the edge of the platform do you want your track?

Is it different on the wall sides versus the non-wall sides?

can we bump out the front left area of the layout to stretch the far left curve to O60?

does the bridge really need to be 7 inches high?

The problem I see with your layout is that there is not enough room for the trestle to go up on one side and then down on the other side of the layout. Would you consider just one track going up and then have a reverse loop for the return? I have attached a picture to show how it might work. I assumed that the elevated part is not mainline so I could use O36 track and I elevated a section of the mainline over a hump around the railyard so there could be a higher elevation to start the trestle. I have shown all elevated track in red.

well i was going to run the mainline up the vertically elevated easement and trestle...im still disassembling to old layout and organizing.  i was going to begin the easemrnt along the wall, just as you have it.  i like the idea

edwardg i think i'm going to run with that alt2 design you posted.  is there a way to get a copy of the SCARM file? I think it will work well and have potential to add a bit. Thanks!

You all ready have it…see my post above…the plans are in the same scarm file posted. Look under the layers tab. The original layout is under the layer 0 tab, plan 1 is under the alt1, plan 2 is under the alt2 tab. Double check the need for 7” of rise, if that can be lower, the track under the bridge can go to 0” longer, making it easier to add sidings…

I measured my tallest diesel at 5.5”, so I think 6 will work.  The lower track is on foam and could be lowered 1/4 or 1/2”…maybe.  I’m excited to start working it tommorow !

When the bridge is lowered to 6" most of the diagonal goes to 0. A good thing. Now you just need ways to fill up that space!!

I didn’t show the pop up hole over by the left wall.  Might do a hole where the rail yard sits and scoot that a bit lower.  Pretty excited to start on it!

Ok I’ve layed most of the track.  How far apart should I run power wires?  It’s conventional now, planning for DCS.  Advice?