Small Switching Layout - Critique

Can't open the file. Can you save it as a PDF and re-post?

Here it is.

Thanks CAPP!

I like it. Maybe I would add a turnout from the middle spur on the left side to the lower spur.

RSJB18 posted:

I like it. Maybe I would add a turnout from the middle spur on the left side to the lower spur.

Actually, that blue line addition is not optional! It isnecessary  because it forms what is called a "run around". That is how you get your engine on the other end of the cars, so you can push them into their spurs and still get your engine out. Then it looks good!

Much better !!   Now it looks like an official Timesaver layout.

Good point Elliot. Hadn't thought about that aspect of a switching move but it makes perfect sense. I was just looking at that long spur and thought that one more turnout would help.

RSJB18 posted:

Good point Elliot. Hadn't thought about that aspect of a switching move but it makes perfect sense. I was just looking at that long spur and thought that one more turnout would help.

Seeing that stuff is kind of second nature to me as an operator. You definitely nailed it.

Oh, and it's two turnouts.

You won't be able to couple/uncouple on those curved tracks on the right. Need to either straighten them out or extend the straights longer so you have working room. 

The March 2016 issue of Model Railroader focused on "small layouts" and that is where I found one of my favorite shelf layouts.  Page 38 has a wonderful HO layout and the article discusses "How to operate a small switching layout". 

The article goes on to explain how to switch the layout's various industries.

The "Falls Creek Branch" layout was designed to be a traveling modular layout, taken to train shows for the public to operate.  Similar in concept to many versions of John Allen's Timesaver...an opportunity for "the public" at a train show to efficiently switch a layout rather than just watch other guys "run laps".

No, A 30"x24ft O gauge version of The Falls Creek Branch will not fit EMD's available space of 2x12.  But, it is very similar in purpose and trackplan.  Falls Creek Branch has a main, with a runaround.  The runaround has a facing point spur, and a trailing point spur.  On the opposite side of the main is a switchback. 

With the exception of the switchback, AND with "that blue addition" (two switches and track), EMD already has  the other tracks in the layout EMD has designed.  Perhaps he can find a copy of the magazine and check it out if he is interested.  I can't post a copy of the trackplan because it is copyright protected....and I respect that.

We all have to deal with the space we have available.  But sometimes, we can negotiate access from the local land owners (the family)...for example, you could have the main, runaround and all the switches on one 8ft section  (that all fits on a 48inch section in HO, so it should fit 8ft in O gauge).   The other track could then be placed on "as needed-temporary shelves" for when you run the train...or simply make do with the modified layout (including that blue addition).

I have a friend who was forced (for space) to put the primary portion of his layout on one wall shelf...and had two custom built "folding tables" that had the staging tracks and a couple of the industries on tracks that connected with those on the fixed location layout.

Good luck with whatever track plan you decide to adopt...and remember, you can certainly change your mind every few years...its all part of the fun of model railroading.

Me?  I am about to start the track laying on my 5th layout in my back yard building.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

RSJB18 posted:

Good point Elliot. Hadn't thought about that aspect of a switching move but it makes perfect sense. I was just looking at that long spur and thought that one more turnout would help.

Seeing that stuff is kind of second nature to me as an operator. You definitely nailed it.

Oh, and it's two turnouts.

yes two turnouts.

I will defer to the master of 300+ turnouts - BOW!

With addition, I REALLY like it.

Before you start construction, It may be a good idea to Google  "Inglenook" or "Timesaver switching puzzle".  

I think a real railroad would replace the "B" wye with a double slip switch.  Unfortunately you don;t have that option.

You might want to reconsider the way you make the two curved sidings on the right.  Try making the top one straight and splitting the bottom siding on the curve to make the second siding.

I've had to get a new computer and haven't reinstalled RR-Track yet.

Jan

Gentlemen,

Many thanks for the feedback. I shall make some modifications and re-post.

Again, very much appreciated!

Again, thank you all for the replies & critique

Elliot, you are absolutely correct on the need for a run around track

Boilermaker, you are correct about the curved spurs

Here are two additional switching layouts (both 2 x 12) (which is the maximum space available).

The top layout uses Wye switches for the 'run around' and the bottom layout is a re-worked version of the original layout that I had posted.

Any feedback/criticism is appreciated.

Here they are

Of the two plans in your latest post, I would lean toward the bottom one. Just one thing to look out for, make sure the tracks on the ends of the run around are long enough for your engine and one car minimum. Two cars and the engine would be even better. Your spur tracks are long enough to hold multiple cars.

I like the one on the bottom best too.   And the cautions above are very good.    One additional thought, run one of the main tracks to the end of the bench on each end.    then ballast it to look like the main line and the other tracks as secondary.     Also, that way if you ever want to expand and add fiddle yard off either end, or a real extension for staging, it will be easy.