In addition to using RR-Track software for my layout design, I decided on using a CAD type program for the real 3D effects and other details. The program of choice is Google's SketchUp Make which is free. The Pro version is $695, but the free version is quite adequate for my needs. SketchUp cannot do things like rapidly build a layout like RR-Track, nor are there any track libraries. In fact I had to scratch create Atlas "O" track for curves O-36, O-45, O-54, O-63, O-72 and straights of 4.5, 5.5, and 10 inches. There are still a bunch of others to do and it is no easy task.
My modular subway layout design has 15 sections. What I decided to do is focus on Section 7. This section has a subway station (the new Baltic Street Station) and the beginnings of a subway tunnel. Additionally there is an elevated line on two levels above it. What I will illustrate structurally is the subway only. The electrical components are shown for all levels, sort of building everything underground to meet the needs of both the subway and anything at or above street level.
SketchUp really brings the design to life. Here are screen shots of the design in various layers.
1. Benchwork - These are the actual lumber pieces and hex bolts used in creating the benchwork for this section.
2. Track, Ballast, 3rd Rail - Atlas "O" Track for 3 lines each with 5 10 inch straights. The ballast is basswood cut to form a 1 1/4 inch median. It is removable with the exception of the glued guides. The 3rd rail is a combination of Plastruct parts, screws, and staples.
3. Platform - The local Baltic Street Station is 96 inches long (48 inches in this section). It is basswood supported by cut lumber. The effects of cement slabs and edge treads are painted Plastruct sheets and strips.
4. Station Walls - The station walls reuse some of the old layout. The station entry modules have been redesigned. These can be illustrated as a separate SketchUp component. Their internal design is hidden in the photo.
5. Station Beams and Supports - This is shown from 2 ends of the section. The pillars are constructed from Plastruct parts.
6. Station Lighting - The wiring for the LED lighting is hidden in the Plastruct atop the platform pillars.
7. Subway Roof Beams and Roof - This is the subway roof and its support system. Above this a street will exist.
8. Signals - The base signal can be illustrated in a separate SketchUp component. These will be constructed with aluminum tubing, Plastruct parts, lenses, O-rings, and LEDs. The wiring will be housed within the structure which basically measures 1/4 inch square.
9. Switch Panel - This switch panel controls the 3 switches on the elevated structure.
10. Electrical - The circuitry and wiring is located under the table. The wiring is basically hidden by flex tubing. These circuits detect trains in blocks, control signals, and control switches. Both subway and 2 elevated levels are controlled by these circuits.
11. Elevated Structure Controllers - As stated before, everything is controlled "underground". These terminal blocks are part of the "sub-stations" leading to the blocks, signals, and switches on the elevated structure.
12. Flex Tubing - This is a closeup of the flex tubing and their descriptions.
13. Sectional Interfaces - These Cinch Jones connectors interface with adjacent sections. Their plugs and wiring description are shown.
This is not pie in the sky.
I have started a while ago by construction a new layout. This is section 7 and 2 of the circuits that will go under the table.
I have started on building the platforms. They differ from my old Baltic Street station in that they have better detail and are built closer to scale. The old platforms are 16 scale feet wide. These are 12 feet 3 inches wide. This not the actual placement of the platforms as this is for structural testing only. They will be placed in Sections 6 and 7.
This is the shell for the station entry modules. They can be illustrated as a separate SketchUp component.
I have started on the 1 1/4 inch ballast. Here are the pillar supports. Instead of attempting to glue an H-Column directly to the median, they will be nested inside the square support. I will build a jig to keep height uniform. Also the median is made of basswood glued on its sides, unlike the old medians which were a combination of plastic and chalkboard glued atop one another having a tendency to warp. Still the fact that the basswood is glued on its sides to get the 1 1/4 inch width is a downside.
