REV 1 ready for flames

[claycts]

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

I think it looks fine, without knowing how you intend to 'populate' the layout with intersting vistas, structures, etc, to make it look like you really are 800' up in a hot air balloon looking down on it all. I think you have some good ideas. One I am reserved about is the end of all the main yard tracks running right to the end of the layout (the ones nearest the turntable). I would counsel you to move them inward about 100 scale feet, if you feel you can, and put some interesting items, scenery, or whatever, closer to that edge. It will 'frame' the tracks nicely that way.

Fact is that I was looking at max track length before I trim
The plans call for an elevtaed street over that end with the view into the yard under an overpass. I was going to use glass as a bumper for an over run of the track end, and keep out little hands.
Thank You.

[selector]

I think it looks fine, without knowing how you intend to 'populate' the layout with intersting vistas, structures, etc, to make it look like you really are 800' up in a hot air balloon looking down on it all. I think you have some good ideas. One I am reserved about is the end of all the main yard tracks running right to the end of the layout (the ones nearest the turntable). I would counsel you to move them inward about 100 scale feet, if you feel you can, and put some interesting items, scenery, or whatever, closer to that edge. It will 'frame' the tracks nicely that way.

[claycts]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dtbowyer

One last question: Are you building this in South Carolina or Florida? Or maybe a "hidden" run that connects those two operating areas? [:D]

Seriously - can't wait for some pictures.

Good luck!

David

At my retirement house is S.C. Florida is my residence and I am restoring a 5,500 sq ft house in S.C. Like the S.C. weather and am ejoying getting this project under way. I have a car show that we promote www.seecarr.org in November so my time is getting thin.
The "BRANCH LINE" from F;orida is called "THE ON LINE BANKING EXPRESS"
Take Care [:D]

[dtbowyer]

One last question: Are you building this in South Carolina or Florida? Or maybe a "hidden" run that connects those two operating areas? [:D]

Seriously - can't wait for some pictures.

Good luck!

David

[claycts]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dtbowyer

Claycts,

I still like the plan. Of course, I have had the advantage of seeing the original, along with the terrain features and industries painted in, as well as having read the several pages of description for the background, design concept, and operational ideas. It's not as modern as we all strive for these days, and there is a lot of track, but it separates reasonably well when it's finished. The key is whether you are looking to run trains, or if you want to prototypically operate the railroad. Both ways are "correct".

All of the comments are valid, of course, but it's still viable, especially if it is what you like. If I could, I would have already built this one because, well, I like it!

David

You are 100% on the money, I had to move a few things since the original plans had stub switches and was for hand laid in a few places. As long as Walthers gets there crap together and gets the track in stock I am fine.
Yes it is very old school but so am I, 1/2" plywood with cork road bed, ground throws where ever I can. The loop is set to be DC and DCC with the balance all 100% DCC. I have brass and AHM from the 1960's and 70' and will not try and convert them. I was all worried about running the "Big Boy" since it says it needs 32" min to operate, I can run it on the loop If I want but of th 30 plus engines most are 4-8-4 or smaller with just 4 mallets. The passenegr cars and all rolling stock is UP to 1958 because that is what I liked as a kid.
This will get a LOT of pictures on my websites as it is built. I have an old school frien in New Jersey taht wants to stay up with this thing. He is a Vet fron NAM and a quad in a chair, his wife runs the comptuer for him so he can see.

[claycts]

QUOTE: Originally posted by IRONROOSTER

I think I understand your levels now. It looks like you have a point to loop plan with a cut off for continous running and and then in addition you have an oval that goes around the room. This should allow you to run two trains unattended while you switch the yard, plus have some operating fun and switching out on the line when you want to.

The only suggestion I have is to relocate your lower return loop a little bit so you can move the leftmost access hatch up and left (as I look at your plan on the screen) about a foot. Otherwise that turnout 7 squares down from the top and 1 square from the left is a pretty long reach.

Enjoy
Paul

Good find, DONE!

[claycts]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

Pardon me if this has already been asked. What is your interest in model railroading. Is your layout about railfanning, operating or scenery. I know you said that you were the only one who was going to operate. That is good because you have very few passing sidings as compared to the amout of track. With the mountainous areas there is little room for towns, but I'm assuming you will spot isolated industries. Likewise placing roads will be difficult.

What will you get out of this layout?

Chip, the fun of building it. In VR land you can run 2 on a loop and then make yp trains and move goods from area to area. This is an undertaking that will never be done in my lifetime. If I can get something running before it is my time I will be happy. No one elses in my family could care less about this. My wife cares enough to be supportive of the hobby since it is the least pressure I am under in a given day. All the males in my family where dead or in a nursing home by 65, that gives me 5 years at best to get this running.
Thank you for the input.

[dtbowyer]

Claycts,

I still like the plan. Of course, I have had the advantage of seeing the original, along with the terrain features and industries painted in, as well as having read the several pages of description for the background, design concept, and operational ideas. It's not as modern as we all strive for these days, and there is a lot of track, but it separates reasonably well when it's finished. The key is whether you are looking to run trains, or if you want to prototypically operate the railroad. Both ways are "correct".

All of the comments are valid, of course, but it's still viable, especially if it is what you like. If I could, I would have already built this one because, well, I like it!

David

[IRONROOSTER]

I think I understand your levels now. It looks like you have a point to loop plan with a cut off for continous running and and then in addition you have an oval that goes around the room. This should allow you to run two trains unattended while you switch the yard, plus have some operating fun and switching out on the line when you want to.

The only suggestion I have is to relocate your lower return loop a little bit so you can move the leftmost access hatch up and left (as I look at your plan on the screen) about a foot. Otherwise that turnout 7 squares down from the top and 1 square from the left is a pretty long reach.

Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

Looks like a can of worms to me....................

[Derailedtoosoon]

Atlas has layout design software, which you can purchase, or use a free download. Even though their software crashes a lot if you pretend the wiring tool is a graphics program to draw your bench work, you will still have a 50-50 chance the design will actually work.

Crash, save, restart! [#oops] [censored] Crash, save, restart! [#oops] [censored] Etc. Etc. Etc.

Next time I’ll purchase a quality software package.
Does anyone have a library of track symbols for AutoCad?

Best of luck with your layout designing.

Roy

[Anonymous]

Dude if you moved away from the loopie-mania you have going you could have a nice, no very nice linear layout in that space, plus you'l get it done faster.

[SpaceMouse]

Pardon me if this has already been asked. What is your interest in model railroading. Is your layout about railfanning, operating or scenery. I know you said that you were the only one who was going to operate. That is good because you have very few passing sidings as compared to the amout of track. With the mountainous areas there is little room for towns, but I'm assuming you will spot isolated industries. Likewise placing roads will be difficult.

What will you get out of this layout?

[claycts]

OK, I looked at the books and took all the comments and went to VR land. What next?




Dark squares are hatches. The highest point is the mine at plus 14", low point is the harbor track at 0-0. Yard and engine terminal is at plus 4.5". Min rad is 24", Vert min is 3.75". Bench 0-0 is 42" making the mine at 56". I am 68" tall. Duck under is 52" clear. But that is a working bridge so there are no ducks.