Layout Design Review

[SilverSpike]

I am planning a two level HO scale layout in 3rd PlanIT. The latest version of the lower level is display for your review. The grayed track lines are hidden, and the double-track along the perimiter is a 3% to 4% grade to the upper level. The double-track bridge is a 3% grade starting from the passenger terminal and meets up with the perimiter double-track at about 6" above the benchwork. Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks,

Ryan

[cwclark]

looks like a nice layout..is there a chance that you can "dogbone" the section to the right instead of the duckunder?...duckunders are ok if you are young but become a pain (literally) ..especially when you get to my age and your knees (and just about all of the rest of your body) go out on you...Chuck

[SilverSpike]

Chuck,

I am trying to keep the minumum radius to 24" and I have attempted the full "dogbone" on the right side but would have to bring the benchwork out into the aisle to accomodate the track, it always results in an "S" curve that is too tight of a turn. The duckunder section you refer to is going to be either a lift out or hinged bridge for easier access.

Thanks,

Ryan

[SpaceMouse]

I have a similar situation. A bridge would make the layout much easier. Do you have plans for a lift bridge or a pullout?

[cwclark]

hinges are really hard to build...they are always far enough out so that the track doesn't line up perfectly everytime when it's closed causing derailments...a lift out bridge is probably a better deal...there was an article in MR about three or four years ago on a hinged walk thru gate, but it looked like it was really hard to build and it required a lot of precision cuts of lumber...like i mentioned..a hinge or a duckunder is ok if you're young and can squat down low enough to get under it...i'm almost 50, played way too much football, and crashed way too many motorcycles in my younger days that my body is suffering for it now, and for me, it would be like doing a limbo dance with the pole too low..LOL...Chuck

[Anonymous]

I use a swing gate at the doorway to my train room. Its interlocked with a proximity switch on the bolt-type lock that secures the gate. When the gate is opened track power is killed for about 4 foot on each side of the gate. How far apart are your levels spaced? I have an area that I may add a level over. They'll be spaced about 15" apart on mine.

[cwclark]

I don't have plans for a lift out bridge but have seen one built...you'll need to mount a section of subroadbed, cork roadbed, and the track into the length you'll need for removal..then mount a board at each end of the layout that the section of track will fit in...you'll have to cut the lumber to form "slots" on the section of track and the two ends so that when you put the bridge in, the track will line up perfectly with the two ends (kind of like how teeth on gears me***ogether but only square instead of round)...you'll also have to wire quick connects on one end while the other end becomes an "insultated "block" to power the lift out section of track...Chuck

[Anonymous]

Ryan, my only comment is that your grades are pretty steep. If you are running high-quality diesels and plan on relatively short trains (or multiple-engine lash-ups) you can get away with 3%, but you likely won't be able to run steam. Even with the diesels you should avoid exceeding 3%; this will just lead to frustration.

[SilverSpike]

All the comments are great, and thanks for reviewing my layout. In answer to the questions:
On the bridge, I was trying for either a lift out bridge section or having it hinged on one side. The hinge implementation does have limitation issues as mentioned above. And Chuck, I like your ideas on the lift out section, that may be the viable option.

My levels will be a minimum of 18" apart from the lower level to the upper level.

Rails5, I was originally looking at a maximum of 3% grade, but the length of the track became an issue with the 18" rise from lower to upper level. I have considered a hidden helix, but space limitations seem to prevent that option.

- Ryan

[SilverSpike]

I now have the upper level design completed. I am still torn between the decision to add benchwork to the area where the bridge sections are shown. My other decision point is determining the height of benchwork from the floor on both lower and upper levels. I know the space between levels will be around 18", but still not sure about the distance from floor level.

Thanks,

Ryan

[CBQ_Guy]

Here's some inspiration for you in the mean time:

http://community.webshots.com/user/hunter48820

Andy may even check in on this Forum from time to time. I'm sure he'd be willing to answer any questions/problems/concerns you may have with building your multi-deck layout.

Good luck!

[SilverSpike]

Wow!

The Nashville Railroad Layout with three levels, amazing!!!!! Talk about inspirational!!!

Makes me want to add a third level for my designs.

Thanks for the web link CB&Q Guy!

- Ryan

[eng22]

CBQ-Guy

WOW! Just curious, how many railroads have you built?, or, how long have you been in the hobby?

[Anonymous]

Man that is some serious model railroading with that huge roll of cork up on its own framework.
man my next layout is already in the back of my head

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by eng22

CBQ-Guy

WOW! Just curious, how many railroads have you built?, or, how long have you been in the hobby?

Hi Craig,

Well, doing a quick count I've put together at least eight layouts in O, HO and N scales.

I'm currently doing basement room prep for the "dream layout" which will cover a roughly 22 by 38 foot area, single deck mostly. I'm toying with making part of it on a second deck which will feature the Rock Island. The layout will be proto-freelanced based on the double main line of the Burlington "somewhere" in the rural area between Chicago and Galesburg, IL. The freelance part is a rural branchline around the center of the basement I'm calling the Illiniwek River Branch. It will serve a couple towns and a coal mine. There will also be interchanges with the Rock Island, CNW, ATSF/TP&W, IC, PC and maybe Milwaukee Road.

I've been in the hobby on and off since 1956. That's when I got my first train, a Lionel set around the Christmas tree at age three. Hoping to at least be able to drive a gold spike in my new mainline on Christmas of 2006 marking my fifty years as a train nut!