From the inputs on my anniversary thread I've decided to go with point-to-point and larger radii curves. I'm going to run diesel 2 axial trucks and short 50' or less cars mostly freight. Test curves below in corners are 24 rad and inside are 20 rad. Thinking about extending Taylor yard anoher 6 inches. Will use as short fiddle/staging.
Comments are welcome and encouraged of course. Thanks. Tom
Tom
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
I see a lot of "wasted" space inside that footprint. One possibility is to narrow down the width of those two sides from 30" to 24" and then create a middle section by turning up the Taylor Yard end of the point-to-point. That newly created middle section could also be 24" wide, leaving enough aisle space to provide a 3' wide aisle all around the middle section.
Just a thought.
Rich
Alton Junction
I have designed a lot of layouts in my 55 years at this, a number of them for other modelers.
I like what Rich suggested for a benchwork arrangement.
I will say right now, I have NEVER been good at this idea of simulating actual locations with model track plans, so I doubt I can offer much help.
But I do have some universal rules for track plans.
Good luck with your plan.
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRALI have NEVER been good at this idea of simulating actual locations with model track plans.
I know the whole idea of LDEs to represent actual locations is quite popular now, but I would rather design a layout to maximize fun and play value.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I'd agree with Sheldon about using larger curves. Minimum radius becomes a big issue on a layout with say a return loop or other continous running, where for 30" radius curves you need at least two places on the layout that are 65" wide or wider. On a point-to-point, you can use broad curves without that problem.
The first part of my current layout that I built was an L-shaped section about 9' by 15' on 16" wide shelves. It uses a 30" radius curve at the corner of the L, and no.6 switches. Yes I could have squeezed in space for a couple more freight cars or another industry by using tighter curves and turnouts, but it's nice to have the realistic appearance and be able to use any equipment I want, like 85' piggyback flats.
I'd also look at doing just one 'mainline' track rather than two, maybe run it down the middle with industries on either side.
I'd probably change one of two "cities" into Taylor yard, and have the extension where the yard is in your plan be just an industry or two - or maybe an engine servicing area? Perhaps change LaGrange into the main yard, and make it an interchange yard. You could do staging / fiddling there - say that the 'other' railroad delivers cars to a track in the yard overnight, and you are the day crew coming on to sort the cars out and get them into trains to Smithville and wherever. Taylor yard area could be a turntable / service area, if you decided to run steam you could turn them there for heading back to the yard in LaGrange.
Hi there. I would go for a radius of at least 22". I understand that 4 axle locos can handle tight curves, but you might want to expand your rolling stock one day and 22" is pretty much the minimum for anything modern. Or for larger steam.
If it was my layout, I would build a liftout to simplify operations. I would keep that option open (in my plan) if I changed my mind in the future. I would use part of the West side (La Grange) for staging tracks. if the liftout is a no-go, I would do a return loop at the south-east side.
The peninsula is an interesting idea, but 3' is not a lot of walking space, especially if you have visitors, but also for doing work underneath the layout.
Simon
Rich, thanks for the plan with the island. I've my first plan for Smithville in another thread. Will try your suggestion. Thanks.
Sheldon, thanks for your suggestions. Larger curves are always better. I may be able to squeeze a couple more inches.
Stix, I like the idea of a mainline down the middle. This would fit what I'm thinking in La Grange. La Grange was a smaller railroad town but had connection to Galveston area and oil refineries.
Simon, I'm leaving the liftout as an option - but no duck under :-).
A lot of good inputs here. Appreciate you sharing your experiences.
Thanks all, Tom