HO 15x19 Version M - the builder arrives in December

[Tom Bryant_MR]

Back in early Oct I posted a thread requesting inputs on a 10x12 layout in a spare bedroom. After many good inputs, 1/2 the garage was cleaned out and layout went to 10x19. After several more rounds of really excellent inputs, I kicked the car out of the garage and now I'm at 15x19 with a work area and on version M of the layout design I started in Oct.

Actually, I think this was a slick ploy from my better half ... kidding ... my wife has really supported me and has actually done all of the work to date on the garage ... now, I need to get my b_tt out there and get started [;)].

I've got vacation two weeks in Dec and am now starting work on infrastructure (lights, power, organization etc) in garage. I am the builder with an electrician son-in-law (I got my grandson started in trains [:D] )

General:

1) Modeling (not totally to prototype) the MP and KATY in Taylor Tx between 1980-1988.
2) Model depicts RR from HWY 95 in Taylor south through Elgin and the Smithville sub.
3) Staging is on lower level.
4) Love the operations aspect (switching etc) but have it designed so that the grandkids and relatives can watch the trains go round and round on occasion)

I really believe that no matter how much one plans, it is true - the thing is never finished. There are many things I still need to do, but I think this is enough to get started with.

Welcome your inputs. They have all been really great and have taught me a lot.

11/14 - Changed to rev N
Upper level:
http://home.austin.rr.com/tomsandy/Garage_n_shinorar_upper.pdf

Lower level:
http://home.austin.rr.com/tomsandy/Garage_n_shinorar_lower.pdf

Thanks

[ereimer]

well it looks like you've done a great job on the plan . nice long continous run to amuse the grandkids (or yourself when you just feel like watching a train run!) , decent sized isleways for access , run around tracks where needed , and plenty of industry for switching .

the only thing i might do differently is to convert the staging yards into a single double ended yard with one end simulating tracks north of your modelled section , and the other end simulating tracks south , so a train heading north starts in staging , rolls through your layout , and continues north into staging again . you'd have to add another way in/out of staging though .

it works your way of course , but you end up having to back up trains to get them out of staging . other more experienced (just about anybody!) folks may have different opinions on this , but i really like the idea of through staging , it's a bit less complex than your method

your 2 staging yards are different lengths , you're going to have to be careful not to buld a train to fit fayetteville and then try to park it in hearn after running through the layout [:D]

[selector]

Here is what I see: the two-rail shed at "3" should be set back on another length of rail. The car on the rightrail will barely squeeze past the car on the left due to the angle track coming off the turnout. This is give or take, but I would move the shed back 25 scale feet.

A double-slip switch would be a great piece of eyecandy, plus handy, just above that orange loco symbol at "Taylor".

The inner curve at lower left seems very tight at its apex. I haven't figured out what the radius is, but you could widen it nicely by bringing the apex back toward the facing aisle and rounding the curve more. Lots of empty space in there, anyway.

I really like your intechange at centre-right. [^]

Otherwise, I think you are going to enjoy this immensely. Good show!

-Crandell

[NZRMac]

Room for more staging lower level right hand side? You can never have enough!!

Ken.

[Tom Bryant_MR]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ereimer
the only thing i might do differently is to convert the staging yards into a single double ended yard ...

I am going to look at your idea. I don't like to have to back in and even worst do not want to use my hands. So that part of the plan will still be looked at. Good input.

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

Here is what I see: the two-rail shed at "3" should be set back on another length of rail. The car on the rightrail will barely squeeze past the car on the left due to the angle track coming off the turnout. This is give or take, but I would move the shed back 25 scale feet.

Yep. A wee bit too close; moved back another scale 45 feet or so.

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector
A double-slip switch would be a great piece of eyecandy, plus handy, just above that orange loco symbol at "Taylor".

You mean to the left of the double crossing?

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector
The inner curve at lower left seems very tight at its apex. I haven't figured out what the radius is, but you could widen it nicely by bringing the apex back toward the facing aisle and rounding the curve more. Lots of empty space in there, anyway.

Again, good catch. I don't know what I did. Cleaned it up.

QUOTE: Originally posted by NZRmac
... You can never have enough!!

Agree. I have often seen modelers say "#1 thing I would do different is to add more staging."


New upper posted http://home.austin.rr.com/tomsandy/Garage_m_shinorar_upper.pdf

[Tom Bryant_MR]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tom Bryant_MR

QUOTE: Originally posted by ereimer
the only thing i might do differently is to convert the staging yards into a single double ended yard ...

I am going to look at your idea. I don't like to have to back in and even worst do not want to use my hands. So that part of the plan will still be looked at. Good input.

ereimer, I really like your idea; I've changed to a double ended yard. This helped drop the grade from 2.4 to 2.1% [:)]. My only concern right now is that the TOs in the bottom left are about 28-30" from the layout edge and will be about 44" off the floor and 10" below upper deck; still reachable. I guess in an emergency, I could lift the garage door and access from that side [sigh].

Revision N on line.
Lower level - http://home.austin.rr.com/tomsandy/Garage_n_shinorar_lower.pdf
Upper level - http://home.austin.rr.com/tomsandy/Garage_n_shinorar_upper.pdf

Also, constuction has started !

[selector]

Yes, left of the dco, but maybe to include the two upper tracks that are not mated to the dco. Just a thought. I think it would look bit**in'.

I have not looked at the lower level. I'll add my comments on that level later today.

[ereimer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tom Bryant_MR

Also, constuction has started !

fantastic ! photos please [:)]

[selector]

Not much happening down below...is there? Not being snide, just making an observation. However, I think you will be very weary laying that big yard after a few hours. Do you really need all of it? Maybe, as a plan, it is perfect, but execute it in stages...add yard as you need to with the room you have already allowed.

[Tom Bryant_MR]

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

Yes, left of the dco, but maybe to include the two upper tracks that are not mated to the dco. Just a thought. I think it would look bit**in'.
I have not looked at the lower level...

Maybe my drawing was not clear. There is a scenic divider (red line) between the two upper tracks that are not connected to the double crossing. While I agree that a double slip would look cool, I do not see where the functionality is for one now (I had one in an earlier version when staging was in that "FUTURE" area) [:)]
Drawing re-posted with labels hopefully a bit more clear
http://home.austin.rr.com/tomsandy/Garage_n_shinorar_upper.pdf

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector


Not much happening down below...is there? Not being snide, just making an observation. However, I think you will be very weary laying that big yard after a few hours. Do you really need all of it? Maybe, as a plan, it is perfect, but execute it in stages...add yard as you need to with the room you have already allowed.

Good observation. You are probably right. I've not thought much about the construction stage beyond getting paint, power and lighting. I think I can safely leave off the lower (towards the edge) four yard tracks until later. I'll only have 10" to work in. What do you think?
http://home.austin.rr.com/tomsandy/Garage_n_shinorar_lower.pdf

Again, thanks to all your inputs, I can see where this layout has improved.