I am taking a short break from my HO layout and am thinking of doing this N scale switching layout.
Track is Peco Code 80, and the exterior dimensions are 44" by 10" although I can go to 48" X 12 ". I have included some proposed structures just to make sure that they will fit. If anyone has any suggestions, I am all ears/eyes.
Track is Peco Code 80, and the exterior dimensions are 44" by 10" although I can go to 48" X 12 ". I have included some proposed structures just to make sure that they will fit.
If anyone has any suggestions, I am all ears/eyes.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
Gday Bearman...
Looks like your gonna have some fun with that lil layout...The only thing I can pick (and I am far from an expert) is the lead track...will it be long enough ? (the one next to the freight house).
Keen to see what you come up with. Enjoy
Cheers...
Chris from down under...
We're all here because we're not all there...
The lead should be long enough at almost 5" long, although, as I indicated I can add up to 4" in length to the layout. the other modification I am considering is another turnout before the Sunrise Feed Mill spur for storing the switching engine.
I like the idea of storing a local switcher, a spur for a small engine depot...it is an idea I have been playing with for a while everytime I look at my own lil layout. looks like there is plenty of room in that area.
There is definitely enough room for a length of track to store the switcher. The question is, if I can find a single stall engine house (or bash a two stall engine house) that will fit without having it butt up against the feed mill.
I am not a fan of any layout that incorporates a switchback. I find the process extremely unfullfilling and downright annoying. Might as well take up golf.
Anyway, I think that little tail track above the freight house is extremely short, especially considering the length of the track it supports above the feed mill. Being in HO I have no concept of the length requirements of N, but will the track plan require that you switch out the cars to the feed mill one car at a time?
If so, I think I'd rather learn to play golf.
I am one step ahead of you Maxman, I already play golf. Yeah, that has to be fixed, cuyama also pointed it out.
Round 2...
bearman Round 2...
maxman If so, I think I'd rather learn to play golf.
Rich
Alton Junction
Golf is just as addicting as model railroading.
It's improving. Now you have TWO short tail tracks. Need to look at the cut you put in that golf ball and see if it is smiling or frowning at you.
The track off the runaround turnout is for storing the switching locomotive. The track just below the freight house spur may be eliminated. The long track at the top is the interchange.
I think the only problem that remains is that the spur serving the lumber yard may not be long enough when the runaround is being used.
Whenever I put a cut in a golf ball, it is always frowning.
The Walthers lumber yard kit can be built as two separate sheds. This would reduce the width and give you more options (even just using one of the sheds instead of both).
Since your design is approaching the form of Linn Westcott's "Switchman's Nightmare", I'd take advantage of ideas from that plan to extend the tail tracks to the ends of the board as well as lengthening the runaround.
I'd also consider at least one flat instead of all 3-D structures.
Good luck with your layout.
Edit: In overall form (but not the details), it might be something like this 1½' X 7½' HO engine service switching layout. That's just over 4' long when converted to N scale, so a minor tweak would make it fit. I'd think about using one side as the interchange yard and the rest for industries.
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I have succombed to the inevitable and only one of the lumber yard sheds will be used. the grain elevator is a place holder for now.
The tail track at lower right is still pretty short, it seems too short to switch Central Gas and Supply. A better bet would probably be to extend the tail track to the end of the benchwork, as in the example I posted. I'd suggest that if you can, make it do double-duty by serving as a switch lead and the tail track for the central runaround.
Sorry to be redundant, but again I'd also look at flats to replace at least one of the 3-D structures.
Byron
Here it is the newest and hopefully more improved N scale switching layout plan. I am currently researching flats to replace one or two of the structures identified on the plan.
The Central Gas and Supply will take a beating when you reach over it to align all those turnouts along the back. I do like the plan. I've built a 2 x 10 switching layout that I just love working on.
I have never worked with N but I'm always whacking any structures near the front edge of my HO layout. Even my tiny yard shack. Just a thought.
Pat Bandy
Ignatosky The Central Gas and Supply will take a beating when you reach over it to align all those turnouts along the back. I do like the plan. I've built a 2 x 10 switching layout that I just love working on. I have never worked with N but I'm always whacking any structures near the front edge of my HO layout. Even my tiny yard shack. Just a thought.
Which leads to the question are you going to power the turnouts?
One of the issues I have run into on the new SIW is whacking structures when reaching for ground throws. I am glad drilled holes for possible future installation of toutoise machines.
BTW I like the idea of having a spur to service the dedicated switcher. Everyone even locomotives needs a home :)
Joe Staten Island West
If powered switches is used there will be no issues.
I have use low(no more then 6") industrial buildings on front of several of my ISLs with manual switches with no issues.
I would redesign that layout since it looks like a time saver on steroids..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I am not planning on powering the turnouts, at the same time I am not concerned about battering Central Gas. It is only a 10 inch width, plenty of room.
Another idea I am mulling over if I dont find an acceptable flat or two, is to make the layout free standing, an island if you will which would also deal with any reach over issues.
Another alternative is to can Central Gas and substitute the Sunrise Feed mill, then can the grain elevator and find another small rail served industry.
The main reason for locating structures on the plan is to make sure that there is enough room for them.
Layout looks nice. Now if it was mine, I would make room for a small turntable on the left side to fit two or three locos. I guess I'm not a big fan of switching. On the other hand, a few Atlas shays would look nice there... just a thought.
Simon