Feedback wanted on my layout before I progress ( N scale doubleTrack )

[Anonymous]

Hi, I'm looking for feedback on where to go, and problems I may encounter with my layout in progress. attached are links to a layout diagram and photos. I have some questions before I move on, especially to those who are using Unitrack. A couple of points first.
The layout is a modified version of the Anthracite Creek layout that I posted earlier. I modified it to fit my skill level and also my strong desire for a double track main. The layout drawing is not quite to scale. The over all dimensions are 10' long on each leg of the "L". The width is 24", there is a 32-34" dogbone on each leg.

Here are the links:

Layout Diagram: http://www.saycheesephoto.com/model_trains/doubletrack.jpg

Left Dogbone: http://www.saycheesephoto.com/model_trains/dbl_left.jpg

Mid Section: http://www.saycheesephoto.com/model_trains/dbl_mid.jpg

Corner: http://www.saycheesephoto.com/model_trains/dbl_crnr.jpg

Right Dogbone: http://www.saycheesephoto.com/model_trains/dbl_right.jpg

Temp Yard:http://www.saycheesephoto.com/model_trains/dbl_yard.jpg



The length of the back straight is 48"
The length of the passing track is 40"

The longest dimension inside the left dogbone is 33"
The longest dimension inside the right dogbone is 38"

The open area on the front left is 38"
The open area on the front right is 30"
The Span of the future corner trestle is 17"

I need ideas for the Yard. The one there is temp and I believe too parallel with the front of the layout. The area where that Yard will be will be about 2" high.

I plan on putting a tunnel in the corner. Would that be a good area for a mine/breaker ?

I don't have a reversal loop, is that neccessary ? Where should I put it.

Where would you put additional spurs ?


What I would like to do is start glueing down the scenic design risers and inclines on the basic loops, and start some scenery.


For unitrack users all around the layout the curves are matched for a double main IE: 348 outside 315 inside. Except one area. On the relatively straight line that transverses from left to right on the right leg there is an area where the only way I can make the double work is to have 481mm-30 degree on both the inside and outside. It looks a little off but it does work. Trains work well on both loops.


I guess thats plenty for now. I look forward to your Sage advice.

[dehusman]

Your switches are drawn too sharp. They will take more room than you have drawn. A #4 switch diverges 1" for every 4" of run. So if you use 1.5"/40mm track spacing it will take 160mm to get to the next track. If you use #6 switches it will take 240mm.

I would suggest a crossover just past where your yard lead hits the main so a train coming out of the yard could begin right hand running ASAP.

Your yard lead is going to end up right on top of your scissors crossover. Bad Plan. You are going to want that out in the open. I would move it about a foot or so toward the lower loop.

I would lengthen the yard tracks so they cover the lower mains and put a switching lead back along the mains between the 282-15 and 348-30 curves. I would also includ a runaround or double ended track at the yard. I would also put a couple extra crossovers in the mains.

Dave H.