layout plans tweaked yet again ! I thought I was done planning; but...

[chateauricher]

After some more thinking, I've re-designed the layout a bit. I hope that the changes will make operations more interesting. The changes have eliminated a 3% grade; and have incorporated trackage that offers greater visual appeal and scenicking potential.

To recap ... some basic information about my layout...

Name : IslandView Railroads, a fictitional railway company that owns and maintains tracks, leasing trackage rights to operators like VIA Rail, GO Transit, etc.
Scale : N
Room size : 6'-9" by 8'-3" (205.7cm x 251.5cm)
Design origins : freelance
Layout type : 2-deck around-the-walls with a 2½-turn "no-lix" (or room-sized helix).
Minimum curve radius : 18" (45.7cm); except the reversing loops which are 15" (31cm).
Maximum grade : 2%.
Turn-outs : Atlas Custom-Line with under-table motors.
Control system : DCC controls are planned; but the actual system has not been selected.
Theme : contemporary Canadian passenger and commuter rail (1990-?), with the possibility of some tourist steam trains.
Benchwork : 1x4 ladder-frame (or equivalent) with extruded foam deck (minimum 1" thick).

Notes :

The elevations shown are as measured from the lowest point on the lower deck.

The benchwork edges, for the most part, have not been determined yet.

Due not just to a lack of space but also of interest, I have not included any staging.

The swing-away section does indeed have the tracks passing on it five (5) times at five (5) different elevations. This will require some careful engineering and benchwork; but I believe I have a solution. The swing-away section will be like a screendoor with "shelves" attached to it, on which the tracks will be laid.

On Level Two, the plans indicate a curved turnout; however, I have since changed that to a standard turnout.

Additional information can be found on the web site ... http://www.railimages.com/gallery/timothyjohnston

Level One (Lower Deck) :

http://www.railimages.com/albums/timothyjohnston/aag.sized.jpg

Level Two (first half of the no-lix) :

http://www.railimages.com/albums/timothyjohnston/aah.sized.jpg

Level Three (second half of the no-lix) :

http://www.railimages.com/albums/timothyjohnston/aai.sized.jpg

Level Four (Upper Deck) :

http://www.railimages.com/albums/timothyjohnston/aaj.sized.jpg

(I apologise for the poor quality of the images. I will try to get better photos as soon as I can.)