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New layout design....Need some suggestions!

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  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 1,500 posts
Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Friday, December 6, 2019 9:07 AM

Looking at the right side of the layout where the two long legs join the short cross bar end section . . .

You have the front (aisle) tracks turning the corner and going to the rear. That's good. Instead of two short-radius curves and a straight 45-degree run, put a single sweeping large-radius curve at each corner instead.

Just my opinion, of course.

Robert 

LINK to SNSR Blog


  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • 6,526 posts
Posted by RR_Mel on Friday, December 6, 2019 7:57 AM

I agree with Paul, I have a reversing loop, it’s nice to have the ability to run in both directions.  You could easily put one in either end or the peninsula.
 
Don’t forget to have several long storage tracks long enough to store a complete train, that was my error.
 
 
Mel
 
 
My Model Railroad   
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
 
  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Heart of Georgia
  • 5,406 posts
Posted by Doughless on Friday, December 6, 2019 7:46 AM

A part of the single track along the east wall will be difficult to access if you don't plan for a hatch at the base of the peninsula or some other solution.  The easiest thing would be to make the base of the peninsula a bit narrower and adjust the track work accordingly.

- Douglas

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • 2,616 posts
Posted by peahrens on Friday, December 6, 2019 7:40 AM

Perhaps consider reversing loops at each end (or one in the middle), plus at least one decent length passing track.  

Paul

Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Friday, December 6, 2019 7:20 AM

I usually don't participate in many track plan threads, but where the tracks cross each other, are those grade level crossings? or will one track go over the other, with the use of elevated scenery? (tunnels, hills, mountains, etc).

I think adding industries would be hard to do, and look right, without hiding part of the long runs along the wall, and using the rail at the isles to access industries.

Just my first thoughts.  I've never used a track plan software, so I have nothing to offer as far methods or techniques on using any program.

Mike.

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: Milton WV
  • 253 posts
New layout design....Need some suggestions!
Posted by Trainzman2435 on Thursday, December 5, 2019 10:58 PM

Well, after thinking hard about my new N scale layout i finally began designing what i kind of see with what space i have to use. As many of you know my layout is a walk in style shelf type layout with possibly a second lever eventually. My era is the 1970's through the 1980's and based in the appalachian area. The picture i have attached is my first attempt with Anyrail wich i just purchased and am trying to get used to. The track plan is in NO WAY finished or complete but rather just me trying to get an idea of what i could do in the space i have. Please make any suggestions and comments, i really need them. I have inclused the radius's i plan to use but i am open to any and all suggestions. Also, as this is my first attempt at designing a track plan i am not familiar with a lot of the prototypical stuff that goes along with designing a functional and practical track plan so please be asy on me, i still need ideas on a small yard and i will have industries to service on the plan. Another one of my big dilemas is where and how much double track and single track to include in my plan. I like to see trains run continuously but i also want to switch out industry. My track will be attached to either 1" or 2" foam board ontop of 1/2" plywood so i plan on having elevations and raised scenery. Again, please give me your thoughts and suggestions...Also, if you use Anyrail and would like to modify my file please feel free, i can use all the help i can get...Thanks again!

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