I'm thinking about taking down my current layout and building the Red Rock Northern which appeared in the June 2007 issue of MR. My question concerns the lower staging level. I do I determine how many inches below the upper level it is, (also grade %). I would actually like to make the lower level a complete lower level extension of the upper level. If you have the June 2007 issue please take a look and tell me what you think. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks
Earlier discussion of this layout: http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/106033/1241229.aspx
Smile, Stein
nice plan ,I like the changes made by jerry in above link.....its also in the 102 track plans that came out recently If I remember correct,I printed our a while back as a favorite very nice plan ...
yes its in 102 track plans and to anser on grades .....it states 2% max grade .....
You'll find this link helpful
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/134579/1518430.aspx#1518430
ratled
Modeling the Klamath River area in HO on a proto-lanced sub of the SP “The State of Jefferson Line”
hi Mike,
mike33469I would actually like to make the lower level a complete lower level extension of the upper level.
To build a lower level extension, your grade has to overcome about 12" at least in heigth. With a 2,5% incline(average) it will take 40 ft lengthwise. On the original 11x9 ft pike it is more then one time around; or you have to find place for a helix or a vertical switch. (length = 100 x diff. in heigth / perc)
A difference in heigth between two levels usualy is between 15"and 18"; keep in mind also the woodwork under the tracks costs you about 3".
To maintain the original concept both ends have to do so, i would think twice. But not knowing the space you have and how much you want to keep of the original design, I can only give you my first thougth's.
Paul
I am building a layout based on the design of the Red Rock Northern. My room is larger 15'x16' and I have some doorways to contend with. I found that the horizontal separation between the tracks especially the upper and lower levels makes realistic scenery somewhat difficult. Making the layout larger allowed me to separate levels both horizontially and vertically to a greater extent and use a wider minimum radius. This one of my preliminary trackplans, it has a gate across the corner which handles my doorway issues. I have made some changes to sidelings but the approach is as shown below.
I would suggest you do something like I did and draw your plan in one of the track planning CAD programs. I used XtrkCad, because it was free, though not necessarily the easiest to use.)