After many many years out of the hobby, and with limited space, I've decided to build the Rio Grande Southern RR 4 x 8 published in the March 2011 Model Railroader magazine by Dan Sylvester. This plan has a little bit of everything.
http://mrr.trains.com/-/media/Files/PDF/trackplans/2011/03/MRR-B0311_TP.pdf
The author states there are 2 reverse loops; one on the hidden lower level and the other visible on the main level. (In another publication I found online, the author states the second reverse loop is the one camouflaged by a tunnel). I believe there is a 3rd reverse loop; the loop on the left involving the passing track. Please comment. Also not sure where to isolate the loop for auto reversing. Can anyone help. Thank you.
Welcome to the forum. Your first few posts are moderated, so they may take a day or so to show up -- but this passes quickly.
Because this is a narrow-gauge HOn3 plan, it means that the curves are sharper and the clearances are less than would be needed to build it in standard-gauge HO.
Are you working in HOn3?
In addition, Dan hand-laid the turnouts with curves through the frogs to get everything to fit.
If you aren't building in HOn3 and aren't handlaying-to-fit but intending to use commercial HO components, it might be impossible to make this work reliably in 4X8. Expanding to 5X9 or 5X10 would certainly help.
Good luck with your layout.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I read the article in Model Railroader, and was absolutely amazed at the craftsmanship displayed in this layout.
I would say however, that this is a very challenging trackplan, to say the least, with its grades, clearances between track at different level, tight radii, need to fabricate custom track, etc. Even if implemented in HOn3, building this layout is a serious challenge.
Obviously, I do not know your skill levels, but you may be taking a bigger bite with this layout than what you can chew.
If that plan is out, take a look at the HO Railroad That Grows book by Lynn Westcott, if you can locate one. (There are a number of used available online) Uses sectional track so realtively easy to put the track plan together, and looks very similar, but lacks the staging underneath. Includes a good write up of how to do it, and can be built in stages (hence the name), so you don't have to do it all at once.
Mike
I appreciate all the feedback. I am going to try to work the plan into a 5 x 9 or 10 to ease the rise, widen the radii, and enable the use of regular switches. Funny thing, I ordered that book and am expecting that delivery today. That plan is similar to the Western Maryland Ry Blackwater Division by Ken Kyser in July 2004 issue, another one I'm considering.
http://mrr.trains.com/-/media/import/files/pdf/a/2/3/re0704_a_blackwater.pdf
Too funny. I was going to mention that one to you, but ran out of time. Glad you found it.