(Yet Another) New Layout up for Comments

[stokesda]

This is my first attempt at designing my own layout. I’ve read (most of) John Armstrong’s book and several others, and I’ve been picking at this for the last several nights. My brain is going numb, so I thought I’d go ahead and toss it out there for feedback. So… (deep breath)…. here it is:

http://www.danielandyoshie.net/NEWLAYOUT5.bmp

As you can see, it's not very big nor overly-complicated. Some notes:

* I have a lot of Atlas code 83 sectional track and turnouts that I want to re-use, hence the use of the Atlas RTS software. I plan to augment with new flextrack where necessary. This plan uses all but one #4 RH turnout, so if anybody has an idea where to place it…

* My goal is to have a decent smallish-size layout that is satisfying to operate. I only have an 8x10 space to put it. It must be able to be moved and reconfigured to fit in just about any space in the future, so I’m making the benchwork in 2’ wide sections that are 2’, 3’, and 4’ long (the red boxes on the drawing). To adapt to a new space in the future, I can insert extra transition sections or whatever.

* I like to just watch trains run sometimes, hence the continuous loop. I tried to include plenty of sidings and spurs for industries, etc. to make it fun. I also tried to separate the mainline from the two bigger yard/industry areas so I can run one train continuously while switching with another.

* The sides at the top and left will be shelf-type, and the 3 remaining sections (bottom and right) will be table-type.

* The 2’ wide single-track gap on the right will be a liftout/swing bridge for entering and exiting the center of the layout.

* Minimum mainline radius is 22” with a few 18” in a couple of spots on spurs, etc. All track is level.

* Most turnouts are Atlas Custom Line #4, except for four #6's: the two in the crossover entering the yard, the one coming out of the single staging track at the top, and the "top" one on the right side

* Basic idea is to have 4 distinct “sections” or “towns” on the layout – one on each side. The sections will be partitioned by some kind of view block.

* Geography and scenery will represent somewhere in the west (probably a short tunnel or two somewhere). Not picky about a specific time, but generally in the “transition era” (I have some 70’s era diesels and late-model steamers). No particular “theme,” or industry plan, but I’d like to have at least one of the “usual suspect” generic industries (to go with my rolling stock, of course!), such as a passenger station, freight house, grain silo, small coal tipple, fuel/oil dealer, maybe a small ice platform for wooden reefers, etc.

That’s about it… I think you get the picture. I’m looking for any feedback that will help me improve the design. Any thoughts or comments? Remember, it’s my first time, so don’t beat me up too bad! [:)]

If there’s any questions, just ask. Might take a few hours (or next AM) to answer, as I’ve got other stuff going on – can’t babysit the forum all day, you know! [:)]

Thanks in advance!

[fwright]

One thing I saw in the plan - the track crossing the swing bridge is curved at the end while still on the bridge. This may be a problem with the bridge joint being on a curve. You might want to "cheat" a little by straightening for a couple of inches either side of the bridge joint. A modest curve on the bridge would be OK, but should be straight at the joint.

yours in straight tracking
Fred Wright

[Tom Bryant_MR]

Dan,
That extra #4 turnout you mention could be used on the left side immediately below the turnout entering the "south" industry area. This would allow you to add one more staging/interchange track running down the left side and allow you to bring one more train into play. Since the #4 is a right turnout you would have one train running in the opposite direction and add to the fun. [^]

[selector]

Now that I have been running my layout, not dissimilar to yours in footprint, for about eight months, I have really begun to appreciate the ability to turn trains around. Too bad I didn't design that facility into my layout. I have a turntable and a roundhouse, a most useful diversion, and the table is great for turning locos....but not trains. As it appears in this version, you must run your trains in one direction all the time. I means handling them continuously in order to get relief. Not by any means ideal. So, if you don't want to take the pains to design a different configuration for your bench that will permit a wye or a turning track, please at least build in an engine servicing facility with a turntable. So far, the best location seems to be centre left, at that lone spur.

[dehusman]

If you make the sections with a 1x4 frame, you can set two matching length sections on the floor on their sides, sceniced sides facing each other and screw a piece of 1/4 in plywood to each end, then masonite or thin plywood on the sides to forma box that can be shiped very easily and is very sturdy.

Dave H.

[stokesda]

Good comments - thanks for all the feedback, guys!

Re: curved track on bridge - good catch, Fred. I think I was aware of it but it never dawned on me. I don't plan on using an "actual" bridge, though, just a board with a hinge on one end, so it may not be an issue... Then again, if I go to a minimum 18" curve in that corner with easements on either side, I might be able to "cheat" and get the track to cross the line at 90 degrees - I'll have to play around with it to make it work out.

Re: extra #4 turnout - good call, Tom. I think I'll try that, maybe sneaking it behind the backdrop along the left side.

Re: turntable/reverse loop - "Selector," I had planned on using the 0-5-0 switcher (i.e. my hand) to reverse the directions of my locos. Based on your input, however, this might get old really quick. I like the idea of putting in a turntable to add operating interest, but would prefer a reverse loop, which I don't have room for right now. In the future, if I have space, I'll build an extra section w/ a reverse loop. In the meantime, I'll consider doing the turntable on the left. I agree, it would make operations more interesting anyway.

Re: "shipping box" - Dave, that's exactly what I planned to do! I guess great minds think alike [;)]

Unless I get any more significant feedback, it sounds like I have a fairly decent plan, so I'll make the adjustments noted above and keep charging forward. Thanks again for your help!

[Anonymous]

Dan, as a shelf layout guy myself, I think you are on your way. If you are modeling 1st generation small diesels, you really don't need a turntable since they were built to run either nose first or tail first. You could get away with a wye for turning a diesel if you had room. If you are running steam then a turntable or wye is necessary.

Also you could increase the curve size by putting angled pieces in the corners connecting two corner sections of shelving. I think its important not to try to include so much that you take away from the whole layout. Instead, concentrate on a few large or small industries or both and detail them. I presently have a powerplant that stretches down one 10 foot side of my layout that is the focal point.

Keep supplying pictures!!

Larry

[fwright]

The track on the joint of the liftout or hinged section does not have to cross the joint at 90 degrees - although that is easiest. The problem lies in the precision of the alignment of the 2 benchwork sections that you can achieve on a repeated basis. The more precise the repeated alignment, the more complex the trackwork across the joint can be without causing derailments - and possible floorings :-).

Straight track at near 90 degrees across joint with rerailers is the most forgiving of alignment flaws.

Next would be straight track at much less than 90 degrees.

Then would come large radius curves, with small radius curves being more critical for benchwork alignment.

Finally, most demanding would be a turnout over the joint.

How daring are you, how precise is your alignment on a repeated basis, how many derailments are acceptable at this location are all questions that establish your tolerance for risk. Once risk tolerance is established, you can decide whether the gains to the overall plan are worth the risk.

yours in risk analysis
Fred Wright

[Anonymous]

My layout is very much like yours. My comment is in regards to the swing bridge. I also use a swing but at each end I used a re-railer. The split is in the middle of the re-railer.
In other words where your track ends meet my bridge uses the center of a re-railer. I simply cut the re-railer in half at the swing split. I have had no problems what so ever with this arrangement. I acknowledge it affects appearance but hey, it is reliable. A good trade off in my opinon.