I am returning to the hobby with a renewed vigor after a long hiatus. I have done the old Lionels around the Christmas tree which were fun for a few minutes. (the circular layout just left too much to be desired) I had an old HO scale DC system layout that was "basic" in every sense. This was fun and less toy-like than the Lionel 3-rail (Yes, I still have it), but something was still missing. I have dismantled my 4'x'8' HO layout and plan to start anew, this time with a heavy focus of craftsmanship.
So, to make a long story short... I am going to try to build a modular layout that is multi-level. My intent is to have computer controlled DCC, (with operating signals, switches, crossings, etc), hand laid track, and moving vehicles (like the Faller Car System or DCCar system). Ambitious, I know but since I have seen several parts of this in action I know that it is possible.
My focus will be on engine servicing facilities and rail yards. I have already bought the Walthers Turntable, roundhouse, and roundhouse add-on. I am now awaiting the Walthers transfer table and pit extension. The turntable and roundhouse will provide a challenge to making it modular while retaining more than 120 degrees of active stalls. we'll see how this works out.
At any rate, I plan on freelancing the B&O & C&O.
While the keyboard is still hot...
The only track plans that I have come across show very few roundhouse approach/service tracks and even fewer active service bays. I would like to make a near 360 degree roundhouse, however this presents a challenge to portability. My whole purpose for a modular system was for portability should I have to move. I think that I can stick to the modular approach if I can determine where to make the segment breaks.
Has anyone modeled the Walthers 130' turntable and roundhouse? If so, how many stalls did you make active and on what base did you support it?
Thanks in advance,
I don't think the roundhouse/turntable combo would be the most difficult in a modular. Sure the module might be a little bigger than the others, but keeping them together because of the radial tracks would be the most reliable IMO. If you are going to have a decent size yard with lots of parallel tracks, that could get interesting, mostly hiding/disquising connector tracks and having all the tracks line up. You didn't really say how big this is, but I'm just taking it for granted its bigger than the 4x8 it's replacing.
Thank you for your response.
I can "cheat" in a way with the radial track by insuring that the modules fit together with precision. In that case, if there are odd angle cross cuts to the tracks, they will still line up and loco movements shouldn't derail. The big challenge will be to align the roundhouse and any cut sections so that they match (as close as possible) to the module lines.
You are correct in assuming that the new project will be larger than my old 4'x8' layout. I am not sure how big this concept will expand, however, I am hoping that the modular approach will remove any size limitations.
Jay
I see you squeeked a post in before mine went up. You might need a 5x5 module but it should be pretty light as long as you remove all the engines first. You can make as many bays as you want "active" but make sure all the tracks are lined up and you have a good indexing turntable. Are you prototyping or freelancing? As for the seperations, realistically the module can be as big as what will fit through a door and fit in your choice of transportation. Given that you can tip the module on its side, you need to keep either the height or depth under 30". 30inches is also a comfortable depth for having to reach over cars n buildings during operations when needed. Length could be 8ft if you can protect it in the back of a pickup. The largest you could comfortably fit in the truck is 5x8, going over the wheelwells, which would work great for a roundhouse if you can get access to the tracks that far back while operating.
The problems with having radial tracks split over a seem are expansion/contraction of the benchwork and trying to disguise the connection. The modular isn't so modular if you glue the track and ballast down, and I have not seen any that cannot be redily identified in person. (pics can hide a lot). You also speak of almost a full circle roundhouse, so any split would bisect the roundhouse and turntable. I don't know if I'd want to chance implications with the turntable reliability because of the seam, and a roundhouse of that magnitude WILL be a major focal point. You can eliminate the irregularities from the seam by keeping the scene as a unit
I guess I am on a roll
Everything will be freelanced and take the hindsight is 20/20 perspective so hopefully nothing will be missing or lacking when it is truly operable.
I am going to do a few design intents on AutoCAD to see what I will be working with in real space. That way I can test the waters on where the divisions could/should be. The structure should prove interesting in that it will have to be easily removable but be able to mask the attachment points.
With a module being that large, would it have to have a rolling base like on a blackboard?
In the mean time, I have a have a Digitrax DCS50 Zephyr that I am going to upgrade to the Super Chief. I am also looking to get Rail Road and Co. software to run everything - including both the turntable and the transfer table. Having movement on both units and in the yard at the same time should be sort of prototypical (and finally fun). Hopefully, the mechanisms in the Walthers units are truly as good/reliable as I have heard or I am in big trouble. My track work is going to have to be perfect but I am not in a rush so I think that if I pace myself the results should be good.
Now that you mention it...
My initial approach is probably a headach in the making. Like I mentioned, I will play around with AutoCAD and find out what I am looking at with a near 360 degree roundhouse vs. anything smaller.
Obviously, it would be nice to have a near 360 roundhouse as one doesn't see very many of them on layouts, but the reality of available space has to kick in at some point - just like the prototypical railroads.
Either way, I have got to make a place to store my Alleghenys and T-1s.
One approach you might want to consider:
Make your turntable a separate module, about 27" square. Surround it with a 'donut' of modules holding the roundhouse, approach tracks, servicing facilities... If that turntable module can be made to drop down, it can serve as an access hatch as well.
I have two removable yard throats in hidden staging, with a total of 16 tracks that cross from removable to fixed structure, most of them at angles, most of those on curves! Even in an environment that is prone to rail expansion/contraction, those joints have proven totally reliable in operation.
You might want to look at Scranton, PA, in your favorite satellite viewing program. Steamtown has a roundhouse/turntable combination that sounds very much like what you have in mind - plus back shop buildings. The long pedestrian ramp-bridge that croses the main tracks is built on the footprint of the original coal service trestle.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - in un-climate-controlled space in the dessicated desert)
Another idea to consider for a 360 degree roundhouse and help with the module width and reach, would be to allow a portion of the roundhouse to blend into the backdrop. A few of these stalls would be useless and left either empty or set up w/ static display. The area needed for a full 360 roundhouse would be pushing more to about 5ft plus. This concept could allow a width of about 4 ft. Not a comfortable reach by any means, but workable.
I understand the modular design is for disassembly for any move, some here are thinking of a portable layout. If seams of some of the modules end up with curved or angle crossing track, some track removal may be needed in the event of any disassembly. I don't see this as a real problem. Those sections of track/ scenery can always be replaced. If this is the case, I would allow track to span those breaks. The roadbed of coarse would end at the seam.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
Chuck,
Thanks for the reply.
If I understand your design concept correctly... I can make a group of modules (four) that would surround the turntable module and then have the turntable module to "pop up" in place, in the circular opening.
If I square the turntable module for strength and leverage I imagine that I could elevate the the pit and bridge somewhat on the module so that when in place, the top surface of the four corners rests on the bottom of the other modules and the lip of the pit and bridge rails match the height of the radial track rails. If I put dowels or pins in the tops of the corners, then when the module is raised and locked into place the optical sensor will remain in the same place and hopefully there will be no need for reprogramming all of the bridge stops.
Now I need to focus on designing some sort of light weight but efficient lift mechanism that will be linear at least on the vertical axis so that the pit aligns with the radial tracks when it is lifted into place. This would require that one of the four main modules would have to support the the turntable module (and its lifting and aligning device).
The fun begins...
bogp40Another idea to consider for a 360 degree roundhouse and help with the module width and reach, would be to allow a portion of the roundhouse to blend into the backdrop. A few of these stalls would be useless and left either empty or set up w/ static display.
Another idea to consider for a 360 degree roundhouse and help with the module width and reach, would be to allow a portion of the roundhouse to blend into the backdrop. A few of these stalls would be useless and left either empty or set up w/ static display.
This is the best answer for a modular layout.
Why mess around making a HUGE module that doesn't fit anywhere and is too big to work on/run on? You could make a roundhouse, and lose about 6 stalls, but the rest would be fine. This would allow for a good view of the turntable/roundhouse because it would be possible for the turntable to be only a foot back from the front of your module. I designed a module like this once, but moved away and never got together with a new club.
The grid is 6" squares
Thanks for your response Bob
Your point on possibly blending a section of the roundhouse into the backdrop is well taken. I have also looked at possibly exchanging a few stalls for an attached machine shop and have a few tracks open to house wheel sets etc.
My goal is to make a transition era service facility so the transfer table will be coming into play soon. That will be a whole lot easier since a basic rectangular module can handle that.
Another challenge will be to determine what roadbed material to use. Wlathers used 2" foam but I fear that the foam will take damage from the assembly/disassembly process and eventually look ragged
I still have a lot of homework to do but I should have some decent design intent drawings for the support structure in a few days (as time permits).
Thanks NW Fan,
Believe it or not, I started out looking at a design somewhat similar to what you have. I saw the beer line modules and figured that its concept was the way to gain depth and retain portability. I don't have a "complete" picture of what I want in the perfect layout just yet but I want to start with at least one idea and let it grow over time.
I am not thrilled at the idea of seams running through the scenery but I also know that it is more fun playing the game than sitting on the sideline thinking about it. Besides, I have way too many "pieces" that need to touch some track soon.
The module design is almost complete. I just need to tighten up a few things and make sure of some dimensions and I am good to go.
Has anyone set up a walthers turntable? What did you use as a base?
I too intend to do exactly that. Using the NYC and the B&O as the focus. I've just purchased the 20th Century Limited from Walthers and am getting it a car at a time - painful. Anyway I have some old Steam power for the B&O and will try and convert to DCC. I also have the B&O passenger line "The Capitol". I want to use the atlas Midland Central as the starting point. I've also purchased the Prodigy Advance 2, and will now look to build the ftamework and then lay the track and wiring.
Well that my plan anyway.
I just picked up my Transfer table and pit extension - yessssssssssss!
I am almost done with the "basic" module layout. All I have to do now is add the dimensions for the transfer table, verify the clearances and begin work on the CDs. I'll have to post it when I am done.