Roger:
I'm glad I can help. Makes me feel like I actually know something!
Your plan is coming along nicely.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Here is the latest version of the plan. I started this before I saw the latest post about spring switches. That would work but if I'm running two trains, I'd be more prone to having cornfield meets. This plan is still not final. I feel it is a little bit short on industries.
Back to my previous question about the two return loops, do I just need to isolate the two sections as marked below, with each of those sections powered via an auto reverser circuit?
Thanks,
Roger
My Layout Pics
I would put the gaps further apart unless you are only running short trains. On the lower left - gap at the frog of the turnout on the Virginian part, and gap up closer to the turnout for the crossover. On the right, gap rigth after the turnout for those blue sidings on teh lef side of the loop, and right before the turnout for the siding on the right. If that's not long enough for your trains, you can gap teh right side right up at the neck where the tracks first come parallel, just below the turnout for the crossover - those industry sidings would be powered off the autoreverser for that loop as well, in that case.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Agree with Randy, as a rule the gap should be longer than your longest train. In your case you have plenty of room to expand the isolated sections, take advantage of it.
Randy and Mr. Flyer,
I was under the impression that you only need it to be as long as your longest train if you plan on having lighted cars or other powered items. I don't plan on those but I guess I need to worry about consisted locomotives. I also thought that you had to be concerned with multiple trains crossing the two isolated joints at the same time. I'm not nearly ready to worry about the exact locations now, just wanted to make sure I understand this.
It is true that you can be shorter than your longest train and be fine, but should you convert your rolling stock to steel wheels, that would cause a potential short and the longer than train rule would eliminate that possibility, however nothing is written in stone. Unless you are planning on a cornfield meet, isolating sections in the area you have indicated will be fine. adding length to the isolated sections would also not be a problem. Seeing as you have the space, lengthening the sections a bit has no downside.
I have a couple reverse loops in mine and it was fine with short trains like 8 cars but when I went longer I ran into problems a couple times especially with the metal wheels. I think I also had to stagger the gaps. Other wise the reverse modules are flawless.
Lynn
Present Layout progress
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/p/290127/3372174.aspx#3372174
I like this adjustment - it creates two end loops and the ability to run continously.
After further review of my layout plans I have made some major changes to the yard. I realized that I did not have a two track mainline but instead had basically a dog bone loop. I decided to move one mainline track behind the yard where it will have one or more industry spurs (Just one is shown in the picture because of the 50 piece limit on the AnyRail demo software). Please critique my yard plan. I would like to finalize it (nothings ever final) before re-doing the two sides of the layout. I know about the discussion of whether or not to have Arrival/Departure tracks so please just consider it another classification track. Also I have considered making the next track also double sided (Again the 50 piece limit).
Only problem I see there is, other than hiding the back track and using shallow relief buildings, there isn;t much room to actually put any industries along that siding.
Hi Roger
I noticed that the new plan doesn't show a caboose track, but I'm a caboose nut so that may matter more to me than to you.
As far as the AD track goes, if you want to have a train running continuously on the main line then not having an AD track might complicate that a bit. There is no rule that says it can only be used for AD but it might be nice to be able to get a train off of the main line while you fiddle the yard and let a passenger train run through.
hon30critter I noticed that the new plan doesn't show a caboose track, but I'm a caboose nut so that may matter more to me than to you.
Can you suggest the best place for the caboose track?
As far as the AD track, some in another thread were debating the need for that track, suggesting it is better to have all classification tracks. I don't care if it's called a double ended classification track or an AD track, it will server the same purpose, allow trains to clear the mainline.
Randy, I think by moving my mainline either forward or back I should have room for something. I'm still thinking about the industries, scenic items, streets and buildings I want on this layout.
Thanks all, please tell me what I'm missing or doing wrong as I want to get this part at least close to final before I rework the left and right sides.
One way you could do a caboose track is to install a turnout in the yard lead and connect from there to the engine service spur. If the diverging route on the turnout was close to the same radius as the lead it would fit in ok. Run the through route on the turnout parallel to the yard run around.
Here is an attempt at installing a caboose track the way I suggested above. Note the orientation of the turnout in the yard lead.
Starting to come together although looks like the main line is in good shape I'm sure you will tweak a bit more.
wickman Starting to come together although looks like the main line is in good shape I'm sure you will tweak a bit more.
Yes, I am continuing my tweaking. Here is the latest tweak. I have started to populate some industries as well as a location for the MicroEngineering Tall Steel Viaduct as well as a smaller trestle. These will be over a dry canyon. Rivers and other bridges have yet to be determined.
Please provide any feedback. I'll go back to my tweaking now.
I see you have eliminated both reversing sections.
Hi Roger, just read through this thread. A few questions about this last tweak-- do you anticipate wanting to reverse trains in operation? If so, you can add crossovers where the reversing loops were in the previous version. You could also extend the staging tracks up to make them double-ended so you don't have to back trains into them. Will they be hidden, or exposed?
Also, what's your reasoning behind the switchback industry spur inside the right loop (as opposed to a straight one, like the rest)?
P
I'm still not finished with the right side design. I'm getting ready to order track for the left side and the yard. That build will keep me busy for quite awhile and I can continue tweaking. As far as the switchback spur, I've seen those in alot of designs and thought it would add some interest. I will have 2 or 3 small industries served by them, just don't know what yet. The staging tracks will connect at both ends and I'll be adding some crossovers.
Placed a large track order on Tuesday and bought some lumber and hardware yesterday. Today I started on my bench work, finished four whole legs. Will post pictures once there is something worth showing. I'm still tweaking the design, is it ever finished?
Is it a normal thing that I'm excited
RogerThat Placed a large track order on Tuesday and bought some lumber and hardware yesterday. Today I started on my bench work, finished four whole legs. Will post pictures once there is something worth showing. I'm still tweaking the design, is it ever finished?
IMHO.....a layout is never "finished"....it is merely in its "present stage of progression"......!!:D
May your freight ALWAYS roll smoothly...and ON TIME!!