Round 2: Updated Track Layout Plan

[DigitalGriffin]

The page has the original layout, then the new layout beneath it to show the changes. Hepefully this cleared up some concerns about being "all track" and no scenary. As always all comments are welcome.

http://home.comcast.net/~xnettrain/Layout.htm

Warning: This page is a lil bit of a bandwidth hog.

~Thanks
~Don

[tstage]

Don,

I really like that you increased the radii on the curves. [:)] Looks nice and more prototypical.

One thing though. What's the center-to-center measurement between tracks in your yard? Looks kinda tight in there. You want at least 2" c-t-c for your fingers - i.e. just in case of a derailment or something.

Tom

[selector]

It looks very interesting, and I don't mean that in a kind of back-handed way. Some say that 2 3/8" is the min on their layouts, so please do as Tom suggests and try your hands before you nail down the track.

Also, do I read it correctly that your curve at the bottom edge does go right up to the edge of your layout? If so, you MUST reconsider, or put up a 1.5" barrier outwards of that curve to prevent expensive stuff from disintigrating when it hits the floor, and it will do it on that curve...just 'cuz. Many a modeller has lamented not foreseeing that problem, or ignoring advice to the contrary. If you can, build a low embankment and add scenic stuff to make it natural.

-Crandell

[tstage]

Crandell,

You're right, mostly. It is my understanding that that would be true for the c-t-c of tracks that were on the "mainline". However, In the yard, I believe that distance can be - but doesn't have to be - tighter - e.g. 2"

It really depends on a couple of things:

1) How easily we can get our fat digits in between to pull out or insert a boxcar or tanker into our yard,

and

2) The 2" would only pertain to straight AND parallel sections of track. Once you start to curve your yard, you would need to increase that c-t-c distance to compensate for "swing out" - so cars don't get side swiped.

Tom

[chicirjs]

Don,

It looks pretty good.

I like how you cleaned up the "S" curve at the bottom-right and the transition from Orange (Yard Work) to Purple (Station Track).

A great point was made about the Light Blue (Bypass Track For Station) not having any safety buffer in case of a derailment. (learned that one the hard way once, . . . once).

I'm not sure what sceninc elements you will include, but if you can extend the orange yard stub end tracks under the town area as far as you can, even if they are hidden, it will increase yard capacity and flexibility when you are classifying cars.

I would also have the Red (Industry Track) turnout start where the Light Blue flextrack piece is close to the operator area for two reasons. 1, it will be easier to reach when you are coupling and uncoupling cars while working the industries. 2, the prototype tries its best to no have the main take the diverging route through a turnout. Using a left-hand turnout where the flextrack is and curving into the industry from the other direction would keep the main on the normal route through the turnout.

Also, I would move the lead to the engine terminal to the Purple (Station) track that runs parallel to the Orange (Yard) ladder, as this would provide easier access from the engine terminal to both the yard and the station without having to switch back under the highway bridge. Also, an engine can get to both the station and the yard without interfering with the light blue (Bypass) track.

Were you able to add any passing sidings/staging tracks under the station in the hidden section? I would recommend it, both for operation and storage.

Good luck.

Jason

[DigitalGriffin]

Tom, Crandell,

The spacing between yard tracks is ~1.9" I guess my fat fingers will have to go on a diet, or I'll have to space that out.

Thanks for the warning on the rear of the layout behind the roundhouse. I think a backdrop will go there.

Jason,
I thought about a staging yard that ran under the table. The benchwork is pretty complex at this point. The spans are 1x6 boards. They may not be thick enough to support a train going through them and support the table. I'm still working on that part, but may have to sacrifice it for simplicity.

I've taken care of the red industry track as you suggested. However I'm not sure how to move the lead track as you say (from purple to orange?) I've enclosed the latest image below showing the correction.

[selector]

Digital, what a super graphic!

I must reiterate, I really feel that you should avoid running trains so close to the edge of your layout. I believe that they will end up on the floor at some point. Your call.

[tstage]

Don,

I must concur with Crandell. If you keep your tracks that close to the edge then you should have some type of retainer wall to keep a locomotive from inadvertently going to "vertical frontiers". Otherwise, give yourself a minimum of 2" from the edge of the layout to the edge of the ties.

Tom

[DigitalGriffin]

Thanks guys,

Got it covered. Every side will have a backdrop that will contain the miscreant engiens and stock. The only part I have to worry about in the inside corner of the reverse loop and I can probably tab ck 2" riser there.

So the track plan is a go.

Got the lumber today so I guess I'll see how straight my walls, (or rather my cuts) are in a few minutes. Should make for a good if not amusing photo post when you see me crying at the bad fit. [:D]
~D

[SpaceMouse]

DG,

Other than that fact that it is not my style, I like your improvements. I can help you with your framing to get you trains below without sacraficing integrity of your framework. Drop me an email and we'll talk about it. It is really pretty simple. Construction is something I know a little about (unlike trains [:D])

[dehusman]

You have no staging on your railroad, once one train leaves the visible portion, another train can't leave until the first one returns. By putting 2 or 3 sidings on the hidden, under the table loop you will be able to have a freight train staged down there, run a passenger train out and then bring in the freight train.

I also gather that you are using 1x6's screwed directly to the plywood table top as you benchwork. A classic newbie mistake. Drop the 1x's (they can be 1x4's also) BELOW the level of the lowest track. Support the plywood on risers coming up from the framework below. Its a little more work, but waaaaayyyyy more flexible. For longer spans you can use 1x2 vertical risers and a 1x2 joist between them, either on edge or on its side depending on how much clearance you want under them. Doing the benchwork this way makes it very easy to do the transition tracks between levels and opens the under the layou area up to put more staging tracks.

Dave H.

[Train 284]

I like how you increased the raii, looks good! Overall, I would give it a 10! But, one more thing, maybe some staging would be helpful huh? Just a suggestion, its you layout afterall!

Matt

[chicirjs]

Don,

Very cool image. As for lead to the turntable: currently, you have it making a sharp right turn as it leaves the turntable. Make the curve less sharp, and have it originate from the track that is on its left, not right. This would give the lead easier access to both the station and the yard.

Jason