in need of encouragement

[cwclark]

Hi guys,....i'm about to start a new section of my layout and really need some encouraging words and good ideas from ya'll...I'm about to embark on a three tier raised track plan in the space of 12' x 6'.....the track is a double main in which the east bound track will rise 4" to connect to an already constructed 4" level and the west bound track will go over the top to 8" above the 4" rise and back again in a figure 8 pattern to meet at ground "0" again....there will also be an area for prototype docks (Barbour's cut - Houston ship channel) I'm using 1" x 4"'s and 1/2" X 3/4"'s lumber and 3/4" plywood for my subroadbed on L girder benchwork....I'm really getting worried that i'm not gonna pull it off and there are a zillion track plan designs going off in my head right now on how to do this the best way possible I have to keep at least a 26" radius on all curves with the biggest curve a 36" radius...thanks for your support...Chuck[:D]

[FThunder11]

More power to ya!

[tstage]

Chuck,

My opinion? A tad bit ambitious and you are going to end up with some fairly steep grades. By my calculations, in order to rise your first 4" in the 12' length of table that you have, you will need a 2.8% grade. A bit steep but managable. But you expressed that the you wanted to go another 8" above that then down again. (Or is it only 4" more with an overall total height of 8"?) Unless you use a helix, you're going to have an awful lot of raise and fall of trackage, without much room for your dock - which I assume will be at 0 elevation.

Quesions
1. What scale will you be running? Key factor! (You didn't designate which one in your post.) With N scale it's probably more feasible. With HO, with the size table you have, your double main layout is going to look like a pretzel on steriolds.

2. What kind of locos will you be running? Diesels? Steamers? Shays? Also, what kind of industries? Freight? Passenger? Logging? I'm assuming with the double main idea, you aren't going to be running Shays.

3. Have you thought about simplifying your track plans? Do you really NEED all of that grade or are you trying to squeeze in as much track as you can? The reason for asking is that I'm of the mindset that "less is more" and more is less realistic. Determine what track and industries are necessity and what are "Oh, that would be really cool!"

Chuck, I do like the fact that you are trying to put as BIG a radius on your layout as possible. Where will you put your 36" curve?

Well, Chuck, I don't know if this will be a help or a hindrance to you. My thoughts: Stick with a simplier plan, lessen the grade, and your layout will look (and run) great!

Only my opinion...

Tom

[der5997]

Chuck: Sounds like you've got quite the project. You didn't mention Scale. From the radii I'm guessing HO. I like you choice of lumber sizes. I think that you should be able to adapt well with those. I'm thinking the ply, at 3/4 inch may be a bit heavy. Is the largest yard area, or 3 tier stack going to weigh too much? (and what too much might be who knows?[:D])
I guess the grades are going to be the limiting factor. I've found that trying to puzzle out exactly how something is going to be done prevents me from getting started. Things have a way of coming together almost "by themselves" if you know what the end result should be and do. I think that it has to do with the nature of creativity, and may even have a tie in with the way the Universe is put together!!![2c]
Carpe Diem!