Outsailing86i stumbled across your plan for the Virginian (link below) and was thinking it would be a neat coal hauling Conrail 1990’s plan. I’ve got some questions about the plan, if you wouldn’t mind answering...
If your space is 14X20 (I'm still confused about the actual space), re-working it for the full space would be a huge improvement in terms of broader radii and easier grades. Especially for more-modern rolling stock, the broader curves would help a lot -- and overhead clearances might be too tight for 1990s-era equipment as-is. [This seems like a major departure from your earlier concepts -- but that's up to you, of course.]
The folks who have actually built versions of this all had spaces larger than the nominal 8X10.
There's nothing magical about any published plan -- a different track plan (or modification of this one) might suit your space and interests better.
Outsailing86What layout height would you recommend for the plan? Do you have to drop the height lower when working around the larger sheets compared to a shelf layout?
The folks who have built versions of this layout so far chose to build it fairly high (base elevation at 46"+, I think) This makes it easier to negotiate the access spaces.
Outsailing86Would you put in the siding on the left side?
I probably would, especially if built in a larger space where that could be more level.
Outsailing86 Are the Peco C75 turnouts still available? Or would you use Insulfrog turnouts?
PECO Code 75 is still available. Personally, I like electrofrog. But the PECO Code 100 is also still available with the same geometry and Insulfrog as an option.
The PECO Code 83 others have suggested is great track, but it would not fit the plan as drawn in the 8X10 space (but would be fine in a new plan to fit your larger space). The C75/100 is much more space-efficient due to the (somewhat unrealistic) curved diverging legs.
Outsailing86Would you put the track scale on the Arrival/Departure track in the yard?
Personally, I wouldn't bother with the system that the Model Railroader magazine builders chose for the 4X8 version, but a simulated scale track/house might be OK somewhere. I don't think it would be on the double-ended siding/A-D track in real life. And I don't think there is room on the plan as drawn for a scale house between the yard body tracks, but one could modify the design to incorporate it.
Outsailing86How would you build backdrop/scenery for the access areas?
In one version in a slightly larger space built by custom builder Rick Fortin, there is a hinged drop-down town scene behind the yard. One builder used lift-ups on rails that latch above head height. Others have just left the area open.
In as large a space as you have, one could leave aisles around the "blob" turnback curves and so avoid one or both of the access hatches altogether.
Good luck with your layout.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Outsailing86Are the Peco C75 turnouts still available?
Yest, they are, but please note, that Peco code 75 and code 100 track follows European tie spacing and arrangement. Peco code 83 is better suited for a US-themed layout.
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
As far as the access areas, you could leave the holes in the benchwork open and embed the hole and surrounding track in a tunnel, leaving access to the track from below. What Byron was pointing out about the lack of turnouts, I think, means is that you really need only to be able to get a hand comfortably up into that area to pull out a derailed car off of a single track. There doesn't look to be a need to get your whole head and shoulders through the table.
- Douglas
Outsailing86What layout height would you recommend for the plan?
I'll be interested in Bryon's experience with his customers. When we have had this discussion before, there are those who sit at their layout and prefer around 30" and those that stand and prefer 48 -60" 60 is on the extreme side.
Here is a link to a google search of this site on layout height
Howard Zane has pop-off access hatches where he can grab a building and lift it and a underlyiing hatch, straight off the layout. In tribute to Howard's construction, he does not do this delicately and nothing falls off the building.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Byron (and forum):
i stumbled across your plan for the Virginian (link below) and was thinking it would be a neat coal hauling Conrail 1990’s plan. I’ve got some questions about the plan, if you wouldn’t mind answering...
What layout height would you recommend for the plan? Do you have to drop the height lower when working around the larger sheets compared to a shelf layout?
Would you put in the siding on the left side?
Are the Peco C75 turnouts still available? Or would you use Insulfrog turnouts?
Would you put the track scale on the Arrival/Departure track in the yard?
How would you build backdrop/scenery for the access areas?
Thanks!
Dan
https://www.layoutvision.com/waterwings-8x10