Train Room 04/18/2022 update

Dave, I like that 'double reverse with a twist' you have created there. That's a pretty neat idea for reversing both ways and not using a ton of space. Probably more space than it appears I guess, but I still think it's a good idea. 

I'm just thinking here, but it would be neat of that could be tucked below somehow where the train goes down and reverses and comes back. Maybe something I could incorporate here as well?  Ok, now I'm going back to my observation post in the back...to continue watching and stop commenting.   

DoubleDAZ posted:

Elliot, that design is still in play, he's just looking at alternatives trying to reduce the size of the bump-out, add a TT with yard, etc.

Here's a version with the double reversing loop and a wye going outside. I just threw it together, so it needs some work to make things fit and reduce the lower right grade to less than 4%. As it is now it won't fit through the window. Plus, since it's outside, the loop outside won't be available at all times.

Here's my latest attempt at adding the TT, outside wye as well as the upper reversing loop.

 

The bottom one works well Dave, but it's not my layout. Let's see what Mike thinks.

With the outside reverse loop, do you even need the inside one. My opinion is, that it's just clutter. Removing it cleans up the bump out.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

With the outside reverse loop, do you even need the inside one. My opinion is, that it's just clutter.

Not in my opinion now that I made the outside a double reversing loop using Ross O72 Wye switches. To be fair though I don't know when or if that outside loop will be added or how the weather is going to affect it. I'm not even sure how Ross switches will mate to ScaleTrax. A lot of that design hasn't been considered by Mike yet either and there are several problems with it. Reach is an issue as is the grade in the lower right. I'm waiting to see what Mike comes up with, so I have a better idea of what direction he wants to go.

I’m still here watching along for the exciting conclusion to the show!!  

DoubleDAZ posted:

Mike, there is no option for a roundhouse. Here's a file with just a roundhouse. I made it a "Group", so all the components can be selected with a single click.
1. Download SCRAM file.
2. Open SCARM file.
3. Click on the roundhouse.
4. Right-click and select "copy".
5. Open your SCARM file.
6. Right-click anywhere in your design and select "paste".
7. Move and rotate the roundhouse so it lines up with the TT. This takes a little hit&miss to get it just right.

If you have trouble, post your latest SCARM file and I'll add the roundhouse for you and post the new file.

Thanks Dave, what I was trying to say is there is no place to select roundhouse in my SCARM program. I don't know it there is spose to be one there or not. I have the paid version !

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Sorry I haven't been following along Mike.

Whatever happened to the early plan with the double reverse loops on the bump out? I really thought it was a unique feature.

As for turntables and roundhouses, They are fun, but take up a lot of space, and frankly aren't really worth it when you're limited. I have them just because I've been carrying them around for the last quarter century (literally), and I had the wasted space inside the helix.

I see what looks like a lead going outside. May I suggest that you turn that into a wye. That way if the outside extension has a reverse loop of some sort, you could change direction at will. Doing that would make the reverse loops on the bump out unnecessary.

Hi Elliot, just that your fallowing my build is an honor to me thanks! 

As for the layout I was out in the train room the other day after getting all the top put down, I traced the main lines out and then started setting buildings out to see what it was going to look like. 

To be hones I am not sure where my head is right now, after looking at things I need to work out how I want things, I am a person where it is much easier for me to comprehend if I see it out on the table. 

Who knows things may change or may stay the same. As for having the loop out the window, it is not a option as we way to much rain here and during the winter some time 2 feet of snow. I am sure things will work out! I will let you know when I get back from banging my head against the wall for awhile! LOL

If you need to clear your head Mike- set up some track and run a train. Works every time

You could always build an addition on the train room for the outside loop. Even just a roof over it.

Wait....did a frying pan just fly by my head???

Bob

Mike,

AFAIK, there is no library for roundhouses in SCARM, so you have to either design your own or use one that someone else designed, like the one I posted. RR-Track has a roundhouse in their MTH Accessory library, but it's a simple 2-dimensional set of rectangles/polygons, not very useful for anything other than a placeholder. The problem is the size and number of bays is usually specific to a particular layout. The one I posted is based on the Atlas 3-bay model kit that can be expanded up to 21 bays, but it requires a 40" x 40" space for just the 3 bays and is too large for your layout unless you free up the needed space. I made it smaller, but have no idea if your largest engine will fit the smaller size. Like Elliot said, they look nice, but take a lot of space to keep prototypical and that doesn't include all the other buildings, etc., that make up a complete facility. Having a TT to turn engines it one thing, but adding a roundhouse and other facilities is a whole new ballgame.

https://shop.atlasrr.com/p-243...-rail-operation.aspx

RSJB18 posted:

If you need to clear your head Mike- set up some track and run a train. Works every time

You could always build an addition on the train room for the outside loop. Even just a roof over it.

Wait....did a frying pan just fly by my head???

Bob

Bob I love how you always bring thing to light! I thought about a run along the outside, but I am pretty sure the same frying pan flew by me! LOL

Mike, I know just how you feel right now.  I thought you got a lot of rain, but wasn’t sure about the snow.  The outside thing certainly would not be practical for me except in the summer.

 I agree with Bob, setup some track, make a turntable and round house out of cardboard and move stuff around.  For me, the 3D view on scarm only gets me so far.

Watch our for flying frying pans!!!

 I’ll check in later after church!

mike g. posted:

Who knows things may change or may stay the same. As for having the loop out the window, it is not a option as we way to much rain here and during the winter some time 2 feet of snow.

So, are you saying I should delete the outside loop from the designs? If so, that will help a lot with the grades.

      hello Mike,  here's a couple train room extension ideas for you...

                                 above pic... use for yard tracks...

                        could add this off the back of your train room...

                                   a 8"x8" room for your reverse loop,

         or add a helix and make your layout a double decked layout...

DoubleDAZ posted:

mike g. posted:

Who knows things may change or may stay the same. As for having the loop out the window, it is not a option as we way to much rain here and during the winter some time 2 feet of snow.

So, are you saying I should delete the outside loop from the designs? If so, that will help a lot with the grades.

Hi Dave, I need the track to go out the window for future, I have it on this scarm plan here but it doesn't show the rise. It is at 1% just to get me out the window. If anything that will stay the same as will the bridge.

Brian is that first picture your house? If so do you have a pic of the inside! LOL

Mark Boyce posted:

I’m still here watching along for the exciting conclusion to the show!!  

You and me both, Mark. 

mike g. posted:

Brian is that first picture your house? If so do you have a pic of the inside! LOL

          no this isn't mine, it is a very cool idea though !

mike g. posted:

DoubleDAZ posted:

mike g. posted:

Who knows things may change or may stay the same. As for having the loop out the window, it is not a option as we way to much rain here and during the winter some time 2 feet of snow.

So, are you saying I should delete the outside loop from the designs? If so, that will help a lot with the grades.

Hi Dave, I need the track to go out the window for future, I have it on this scarm plan here but it doesn't show the rise. It is at 1% just to get me out the window. If anything that will stay the same as will the bridge.

Good morning, Mike! If you can’t build out your option is to build up (or down).

 How is Tank doing?

Moring Pete, Tank is doing just great! Just some kind of colitis that the vet gave him some meds for, Seams to have cleared things right up for him! He is doing what he does best right now sleeping in my chair! LOL

I hear what your saying about building up or down. But it still leaves the idea of a revers loop.

        double deck it Mike...     upper level would have the reverse loop...

Maybe down the road, but one level at a time LOL!

I think I have come up with an idea, I am working on it now!

Ok Guys, here is what I cam up with. 2 reverse loops that are hid mostly under the mountain. I know 0-54 is small and doesn't always look right, but I think by having most of it hid under the mountain it will be just fine! Please everyone give comment! But I think this frees up area for my other wants!There still needs a lot of work on grades and sidings for service and train station, but I am working on it!

Up Date! I think this is it, once I get the yard placed and the grades done!

Mike, I like the changes and agree the smaller loops will look okay since most will be hidden by the mountain. However, they cannot be on the same inner run unless you want to combine them like we had in earlier versions. and there are other issues I've been working to clean up.
1. I moved 1 loop to the outer run, elevated it and added switches to both for straight-thru operation.
2. I moved the crossover from the curve on the left to join the crossover on the right, so there would be room for a grade going up.
3. I swapped in O72 switches for most of the #6 switches so you can use full O72 curves and get enough separation.
4. The run going outside is too close to the mains, so I fixed that too.
5. I haven't figure out where to put the river yet, but it will need to move or be changed because of the switch.

I'll incorporate the other changes as you post them, but I'm going to use my file because it took a bit of work to fix things.

Hi Dave, thank you so much for working on it. I just been doing a little more. if you would like I can post the file!

Circle in the lower left corner looks like a nice place for a cushy 'Tank' bed. 

rtr12 posted:

Circle in the lower left corner looks like a nice place for a cushy 'Tank' bed. 

LOL sure there you go! First he gets my Chair and now you want him to have my layout! LOL He is always welcome in there when he wants to come and visit! But for some reason he likes the She Shed better!

I was thinking below the layout for the nice 'Tank' cushion. If he can hop up on top of the layout you might be in big trouble, he'll be napping up there like cats do and halting all train operations!    He'll get tired of all the foo-foo stuff in the She Shed one of these days, and he'll realize he's missing the smell of cold beer and train smoke!    (He said while watching for flying, frying pans! Those really do hurt too!)

rtr12 posted:

I was thinking below the layout for the nice 'Tank' cushion. If he can hop up on top of the layout you might be in big trouble, he'll be napping up there like cats do and halting all train operations!    He'll get tired of all the foo-foo stuff in the She Shed one of these days, and he'll realize he's missing the smell of cold beer and train smoke!    (He said while watching for flying, frying pans! Those really do hurt too!)

 

I know, I have a bed in there for when he needs a change of pace, but he like the idea he lay in the she shed and look out the sliding glass door and see the whole front yard! Just to make sure nobody is sneaking into his yard! LOL Plus it doesn't help momma has a bag of treats and he know that! LOL

Here's what I've got so far.

Hi Dave, Its looking good! I extended the bench work to 36" cause that is what I have. I am thinking I would like the service track apart from the inner loop like the plan I sent with 2 service sheds. I think I will lose one yard track for a station location. I will repost when I am done!

Everything looks great! Thank you so very much Dave!

Sounds good, Mike. I missed those in your last post thinking it was the same file I already had.

Ok Dave, I am done screwing with it! I feel this is what is going to best work for me! I would have never got this far without your help! Thank you so much once again!

One thing I couldn't figure out was how to put the floor in the 3D section! LOL

 Not to worry, Mike, I'll work on that and clean them up.

Looks great 👍🏻 Maybe an opportunity for a trestle in the lower left with the reverse loops. 

See how you like this version.

Dave, that's it we have a WINNER! Thanks for all your help! I will be out in the train room today tracing lines the best I can! Wish me luck!

mike g. posted:

I will be out in the train room today tracing lines the best I can! Wish me luck!

You don't need luck. I'm sure you'll do great.

Really looking forward to seeing the progress!

Thanks Guys!