multi level layouts

[Anonymous]

When i went from flatland layout to a multilevel layout it was a big learning experience. The use of a spirit level and gradients become very important. Has anyone else experienced this.

[tangerine-jack]

No, my layout currently is flat as a pancake. I do plan on creating an elevated trolley line to give a little visual interest, but that will be completly separated from what I have now. I think if I had it to do over, I would look into escavating/filling to create some type of topography.


[oX)]

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by iandor

When i went from flatland layout to a multilevel layout it was a big learning experience. The use of a spirit level and gradients become very important. Has anyone else experienced this.

Ian,

Most of us have experienced that, it is just a question of how long ago.

I attempted to build a replica of the loops at Wassen in 1958/59. Well it didn't take long to figure out that the grades need to be easier in the curves and having abrupt changes in inclines is not a good idea. In short the "Have several straight boards, will build Wassen" idea didn't pan out.
Of course I knew all about the cookie cutter method, since I had built a layout using that method in 1956/57. Worked really well, but then we moved and I didn't have the plywood ready at the new place.

There was a poll on another forum about what really got you interested in model railroading. There is no substitute for living close to a rail line and being able to observe, ask all the questions you can think of and be a "general nuisance" at the station. [;)][;)][:D] My railfanning career started at age four, as luck had it my dad owned a few shares in a local line and got free passes.

As I'm sure others will attest, as you get older it is just the observations and questions that get more specific. I had one very fine time railfanning in Oz! You ask a few pertinent questions and people just keep talking.

[ttrigg]

Currently the Rosebud Falls Scenic Ry is single level. It is not flat by any means. Future expansions include a line to the top of the Falls. Built the waterfall with the sole intent of building a nice big bridge to the top.

Amended Comments, 8 Nov.: SWMBO has granted "conditional" approval, for expansion by a "Cog Rail" line to the top of the falls. Thereby negating the three and half percent grade rule. Off hand does anyone know (off the top of the head, I could look it up myself) what the max. grade for "cog rail" is? (10-12% maybe????)

Of course it will take at least three years to meet all of her conditions, but that is what the GRR is for.

[Tom The Brat]

I built flat, just to avoid headaches. I cause enough of those for myself.

As a kid, Dad always wanted multi level, and we always had spots where the N gauge trains would derail every time around. Just wanted nothing of that sort of headache now that I'm older and less patient[:-,]

[vsmith]

Flat,

Outdoors area next to our patio, indoors on the benchtop. Just dont have to room or topography to go multi-layer.

When I started in LS I wanted to do a figure 8 type layout but was quickly amazed at how much space I would need to keep the grades reasonable (3-4%) Didnt have the space so I gave up that idea.

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Flat right now, but placed 9 truckloads of dirt to make mountains. Now, just have to figure out retaining walls and get track down. Then it will be move waterfall to fit trackage, plant it and enjoy!

[Anonymous]

It is good that we all realise that going multi layer or even double layer is hard worjk and as well alot of planning and what Vic says is quite right to have an overpass of any kind takes a lot of room.

I have actually put in a double dobone and i got 60 m (200 ') into 21 sq m (230 sq ft) and it was the hardest thing i have done in this hobby to get the levels correct and of course the gradient..

there is so much in doing this and it is sointeresting i find it hard to get much interest in just talking about stuff and not doing it or at least planning a more complex layout

Rgds ian

Nice comment Torby mate.

[whiterab]

For our second layout we decided to go big time and build in a limestone ravine in the back of the property. The limestone ledges were just too good looking to pass up for replicating Colorado Narrow Gauge. A natural choice since Wanda's father worked for the D&RGW.

The most difficult work was the initial surveying to fit a track plan to the topology. One discovery was that cheap laser levels are not worth the money. We have had two that were NOT level. Finally invested in a good one when I got to phase III and found that the far end of the layout was several inches higher than the first survey. A little error in level makes a big difference over 150 ft. When you are working to keep your grade below 2 1/2%, a one percent error in your laser level can be a killer.

I now have a new laser and a very big, expensive rock drill. It all works out though. The cut through an ancient limestone ledge should be a fine addition to the layout. I am finding out that keeping a steady grade on a cut is far more difficult than trying to keep a steady grade on a fill.

[RhB_HJ]

PS to earlier post

Since I model the Rhaetian Railways' Albula Line I would be hard put to create it on a flat. Luckily our garden had contours to start with, shovelling tons of dirt is not my favourite job.

[Anonymous]

Joe mate;

I agree with you about the unworthyness of cheap lasers, I bought one and it has never worked properly as well. It wasnt that it was inaccurate i didn't get to theat it just didnt line up properly on its tripod and this may well be where youtrouble lay, I really can't see how the laser itself could be innacurate after all it is only a beam of light and it is hard to bend one of those in the atmosphere.

To me 50 mm in 45 m ( we are not allowed to make non metric statements) is not worth talking about but i do not know your ecact circumstances.

I only had 7.2 m length to work with and i had to go to 4 % gradients and I wish i could have avoided that but i couldn't it has changed my entire view on the type of locos I must use!


Rgds Ian

[Rastun]

There Ian,
Now there's 17 and yes I'm the one that voted no layout at all. Now does this really mean I have no experience at all with gardenrailways? Maybe. Does it mean I have no experience in landscaping or gardening? Maybe. Does it mean I have no experience with electrical and electronic components? Maybe. Does it mean I have no experience in construction or building? Maybe. But I wouldn't bet on any of those maybes being true. You never really know what kind of experiences another person has until you've really talked to them and really discovered it for yourself.

Regards,
Jack

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Rastun

There Ian,
Now there's 17 and yes I'm the one that voted no layout at all. Now does this really mean I have no experience at all with gardenrailways? Maybe. Does it mean I have no experience in landscaping or gardening? Maybe. Does it mean I have no experience with electrical and electronic components? Maybe. Does it mean I have no experience in construction or building? Maybe. But I wouldn't bet on any of those maybes being true. You never really know what kind of experiences another person has until you've really talked to them and really discovered it for yourself.

Regards,
Jack

Thank you Jack!!

Concise, direct English!

Let's see if it will penetrate![}:)][}:)][:(!]

[Puckdropper]

ttrig, the cog railway that goes to the top of Pike's Peak is 25%. I'll post a few pics of the prototype I took if you want. I suppose in theory you could hit a 100% grade (45 degrees) with a cog railway, but you'd run in to big problems keeping freight and passengers anywhere near comfortable!

[Curmudgeon]

Well, since I've been told I don't even have a Garden railroad, I guess I can't vote.

If I did have one, it would have 5 distinct levels, with 4% grades, one grade being 150' long........several over/unders, 75 switches and over 1400 feet of track, but, hey, that can't be right since I don't have a railroad, right?

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Curmudgeon

Well, since I've been told I don't even have a Garden railroad, I guess I can't vote.

If I did have one, it would have 5 distinct levels, with 4% grades, one grade being 150' long........several over/unders, 75 switches and over 1400 feet of track, but, hey, that can't be right since I don't have a railroad, right?

Hey Dave,

You really shouldn't pay attention to "The Expert" [;)][}:)][;)]!

Since he decided that learning was an experience best handled in solitude without outside interference, I'm sure we'll see plenty more "funny things" before the curve matches the average on the forum. In the meantime we collect more of the "very quotable bits of wisdom from the Sunshine Coast". [;)][;)][:)][:D]

[Curmudgeon]

Yeah, and I was wrong, it's 4 distinct levels.
Can't keep track of it.
Hell, I can't even get the switch count right.
Different count ever time.......

[ttrigg]

Puckdropper

A few pics would be nice, thanks. I've got LOTS of time to sort this one out, 3~5 years worht of work before beginning that one.