Information, Ideas and opinions please.

[Anonymous]

I have posted this on the general descussions forum but thought I would branch out for more help.

Ok guys here is my questions of the day!

In the June 2004 issue of MR starting on page 48 there is a beautiful
layout shown the Emporia Subdivision modeled by Stephan and Cinthia Priest.

My question is this: I have a room for my layout that's approx 16 X 24 I
want to set up a Little empire of my own in the space but since my
space in far smaller and I want to run Point to Point operations with the
ability to run continuous operations for the kids. I further don't think that I
would need a second level since I don't want a helix either. Is this plan a
good one to modify to my needs I know nothing of planning a really good
layout my others have all been 4x8 or 4x10 so this is a new frontier for me. I do
not want to copy exactly what the Priest have done as that wouldn't be the
right thing to do.

I really like the Idea of a shelf layout since it allows me to limit
how much scenery I have to build and maintain plus it lets me concentrate
on the big picture the trains. I also do not want a large staging yard as my
operations will center on my fictional road and it limited customer
base with some through freights from other roads who have trackage rights.

I have a 16-foot x 2-foot area started but after looking at this layout
in MR I really like the continuous running possibility. That leads me to
another question, If I want to have a minimum radius of 36" will that
mean that I will have to use an area of 6 feet to make this turn around
possible like the diagram on pg 51 shows? I think the larger radius would look
better for me as I have a true love for the large modern diesels like SD40-T,
Dash-8, ACC4400CW, SD70's and my newest favorite is the GE ES44AC (THE
GEVO). So in order for these large 6 axle engines to look right I think
the larger radius would be better right???

I feel like an idiot since I am unable to come up with a plan with out
having to modify somebody else's work, since I am so artistically
challenged when it comes to putting pencil to paper I have no choice.

I am sorry for the long winded and part rambling post but I have come
to trust all of the wisdom that you fine Modelers will bestow upon me
whether I want to here it or not.

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by polizi
I really like the Idea of a shelf layout ...I have a 16-foot x 2-foot area started but after looking at this layout in MR I really like the continuous running possibility. That leads me to another question, If I want to have a minimum radius of 36" will that
mean that I will have to use an area of 6 feet to make this turn around
possible like the diagram on pg 51 shows?

Yes if you are just turning around back to the same 16x2 foot layout. Why don't you just take it 2 feet around the entire room instead?

QUOTE:
I think the larger radius would look
better for me as I have a true love for the large modern diesels like SD40-T,
Dash-8, ACC4400CW, SD70's and my newest favorite is the GE ES44AC (THE
GEVO). So in order for these large 6 axle engines to look right I think
the larger radius would be better right???

As they say in Fiddler on the Roof, "Of course right". The bigger the better. As I recall off the top of my head (and I am certain someone will correct me if I don't remember right), 44" radius is about a prototypical 10 degree curve, which is still way tight. 60"+ radius would be getting into normal prototypical size curves.

But of course this is another argument for making the layout go all the way around the room instead of trying to make it loop back onto the same table. The curves can be much bigger without consuming so much space.

[orsonroy]

with a 16 foot wide space, you can have a whole lotta layout. For example, a simple around the walls with a center, double-sided peninsula will yield:

(at the "fat" turnback end) 2' shelf, 3' aisle, 6' turnback loop, 3' aisle, 2' shelf.

So you're looking at about a scale 1.8 mile long mainline for a single level, or roughly 108 linear feet. Not bad!

One thing to keep in mind about model RR curves: there is operability radius, and scenic radius. The operability radius is the important one. Look at the longest equipment you'll be running, and figure out what sized curves a train of that stuff will need to operate reliably. If all you're running are GP7's and 40-foot boxcars, you don't need curves any larger than 22". Sure they'll LOOK better on 62" curves, but who's got the space for them? If your primary goal is to run trains around in circles, opt for the less layout/wider curves; if you want operability and longish mains, go with the smaller curves/more layout.

[Anonymous]

great points Zepher, Going around the room could be better but I still have a section that I cant build in front of since its a part of the stairs leading down to the basement thats the big reason I was looking at doing the loop. Ithink the 2 feet around the room and then going into a loop and inclining back around the room to the upper lever might just have some promise of course it may have to be a 3% grade but hey if you have big diesels I say use them.

[pcarrell]

Zepher,

Actually you use the same amount of space to turn 180 degrees, you just get to spread it out more!

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pcarrell
Actually you use the same amount of space to turn 180 degrees, you just get to spread it out more!

hehehehe, true. I guess the one way you just get to use the space inside the loops!

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by polizi
Going around the room could be better but I still have a section that I cant build in front of since its a part of the stairs leading down to the basement thats the big reason I was looking at doing the loop.

A most common problem.

QUOTE:
I think the 2 feet around the room and then going into a loop and inclining back around the room to the upper lever might just have some promise of course it may have to be a 3% grade.

So you're thinking two levels. But I guess I don't understand where the continuous comes from without two loops. Or are you thinking to helix up over the stairs? I thought an earlier note indicated you didn't want a helix.

[Anonymous]

Texas Zepher,

I was thinking a loop on the lower level and 2 track mains then another loop around on the upper level at the opposite end kind of like east bound travels up and west bound travels down. no helix I want to see trains at all times. think of a large G shape in my room. Just an idea still working on the logistics. 3 pencils down 8 more in the box.