New layout. Please let me hear your suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Hi, guys!

I am redesigning my 3x6 N scale layout with Peco c55 track and turnouts.
I think I finally got a plan that I can use, but I sure would like to hear your
suggestions for improvements, if any.

Thanks!

[grandeman]

Looks good. Will you have access all the way around? If so, you could relocate the industrial spur by the turntable a little and have a double sided backdrop diagonally across the layout. This would give you two separate towns (or a town and an industry) and break up the "going in a circle" look. You could use WS risers in the curves to climb to one town and decend to the other. If the whole works was on two inch foam board, valleys, rivers and such would be easy to accomplish.

[oleirish]

I like it,now same design in H.O.I wonder what the width and length would be?OH sorry just thinking!![^][bow]Real nice work[(-D][:-,]
JIM

[selector]

It looks fine to me, quite compact and interesting. I see no obvious problems, and think that you must have either some experience or guidance in this...?

What do you have planned for the big open space near left centre, where those two spurs dead-end?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by grande man

Looks good. Will you have access all the way around? If so, you could relocate the industrial spur by the turntable a little and have a double sided backdrop diagonally across the layout. This would give you two separate towns (or a town and an industry) and break up the "going in a circle" look. You could use WS risers in the curves to climb to one town and decend to the other. If the whole works was on two inch foam board, valleys, rivers and such would be easy to accomplish.

I like your idea. Is there any chance that you could take the layout plan, draw
in your suggestions and post it here or email it to me? That would make it much
easier to visualize it.
I sure like the idea of having 2 towns on different elevations.
Thanks!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by oleirish

I like it,now same design in H.O.I wonder what the width and length would be?OH sorry just thinking!![^][bow]Real nice work[(-D][:-,]
JIM

I'm glad you like it!
Just crunch the numbers for N vs HO scale size.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

It looks fine to me, quite compact and interesting. I see no obvious problems, and think that you must have either some experience or guidance in this...?

What do you have planned for the big open space near left centre, where those two spurs dead-end?

I'm glad you like it.
My first layout was based on the Atlas Expanded Double Track Loop on a 3x5
layout, which is by now unrecognizable.
I modified that original layout with some help I found in another forum and finally
came up with this layout. Since I already streched my layout by another foot, it has
to be that compact to allow the operations I have in mind.

I'm planning on putting a small downtown scene into the open space on the left
hand side. I'm still working on putting all the pieces into my CAD simulation.
That does take time, but beats last minute changes on the real thing.. [:)]

[grandeman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Kyle S.

I like your idea. Is there any chance that you could take the layout plan, draw
in your suggestions and post it here or email it to me? That would make it much
easier to visualize it.
I sure like the idea of having 2 towns on different elevations.
Thanks!

Not a problem!

Keep in mind that, if possible, inclines are best begun and ended on straight track. If you have to do them in a curve it can be made to work but requires some "fiddling" at times. Elevation change above and below track level (as well as the track itself) really adds visual appeal to a RR. Here's a few changes I made that you might consider. Maybe someone else can add to them. Have fun building!

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Kyle S.
I am redesigning my 3x6 N scale layout with Peco c55 track and turnouts.
I think I finally got a plan that I can use, but I sure would like to hear your
suggestions for improvements, if any.

I don't understand the purpose of the cross through with double slip from the outside to third track in the center of the bottom? Seems to me like a simple crossover on each end would be better and leave more room on each "siding".

[Anonymous]

You might want to add some extra tracks coming off of your turntable. You could probably fit two more. That way you could keep more engines on the layout at once.

[Anonymous]

grande man,
thanks for the picture. I like your suggestions a lot. So far I'd been thinking 2D.
I was hesitant to use foam board, but that would clearly help to change elevations.
Since 3rd Planit allows me to change elevations, I'll be able to look at that in 3D as
well to get an idea.

Texas Zepher,
you're right. I took the double slip out and put in another cross-over from track #2 to #3,
further to the left. I also moved the #1 to #2 cross-over further to the right. Thanks!

little grande man,
good idea. I have a 3 stall roundhouse, but 2 more tracks below that would be good.
Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Ok, here's the latest layout.
I added some of the suggestions from you guys.
How's that?

[dtbowyer]

With a little shifting on the bottom half to connect the track, you could take the industry cut in half by grande man's view block and have a loads in/empties out operation (coal mine/power plant). Adds a nice operational option.

Overall, looks great. Should be a lot of fun to operate!

David

[grandeman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dtbowyer

With a little shifting on the bottom half to connect the track, you could take the industry cut in half by grande man's view block and have a loads in/empties out operation (coal mine/power plant). Adds a nice operational option.

Overall, looks great. Should be a lot of fun to operate!

David

David, are you talking about a thru the backdrop industry? If so, he'd need to keep track elevation closely in mind on each side of the backdrop. That would be easy to do with a foam base though. Great idea! That would add alot to the operations.

[Anonymous]

2 problems, Yard seems like an afterthought in the plan, no A/D tracks, and no drill track, if your gonna switch the yard your gonna need a proper set up, and you cant do it in your space, perhaps build the yard has a module that extends off the layout? You wouldnt need more then say, four feet of 12'' shelf to make a proper yard.

The turn table is crammed in, it would be wiser to rethink its position, or get rid of it altogether, engines have to make power moves on the mainline to get to their trains in the yard, and thats just not prototypical.

Rethink the yard and the engine terminal, maybe add some staging tracks?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Stuckarmchairing

2 problems, Yard seems like an afterthought in the plan, no A/D tracks, and no drill track, if your gonna switch the yard your gonna need a proper set up, and you cant do it in your space, perhaps build the yard has a module that extends off the layout? You wouldnt need more then say, four feet of 12'' shelf to make a proper yard.

The turn table is crammed in, it would be wiser to rethink its position, or get rid of it altogether, engines have to make power moves on the mainline to get to their trains in the yard, and thats just not prototypical.

Rethink the yard and the engine terminal, maybe add some staging tracks?

Well, I can't argue with that..
My original layout was based on the 3x5 "Atlas Expanded Double Track Loop" layout, which has no yard at all, just some industry. I added a small yard located in the center, branching off the inner loop , but it was somewhat short. When I started to redesigned the layout I found that the current location of the yard gave me the "most bang for the buck". But I agree, it's an awkward location.
My biggest problem is simply not having more room available then the current 3'x6'. I guess that something will have to give. I'm fighting the desire to have plenty of scenery, but also plenty of operation. I'm sure I'm not alone on that one..
This much I know: I do like having a double loop to get some action going.
I also like a yard and I hope to fit the turntable & the roundhouse in there somewhere.
I'll look at some yard layouts and see how I can fit them into the center. My downtown scene might end up being a little smaller, but oh well.
Although painful - I do appreciate your suggestions.

[selector]

Could you dispense with the table? Save it for another layout. Instead, have a two or three-bay stall/roundhouse for engine work, and save the space for some other shacks or services. That way, you could retain the integrity of your intended plan to have a balance of ops and scenery.

I hope you are not discouraged. It takes patience and determination in equal measure to get something that makes everyone around you bend in to take a close look, nod, and all sit back with a sigh... [^]

[grandeman]

If you went with Crandell's idea of dropping the turntable, you could expand the double main further out and have a decent yard with an elevated spur climbing behind it. By starting the spur further back as it exits the turn on the upper left it would be longer and look better.

[dtbowyer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by grande man

QUOTE: Originally posted by dtbowyer

With a little shifting on the bottom half to connect the track, you could take the industry cut in half by grande man's view block and have a loads in/empties out operation (coal mine/power plant). Adds a nice operational option.

Overall, looks great. Should be a lot of fun to operate!

David

David, are you talking about a thru the backdrop industry? If so, he'd need to keep track elevation closely in mind on each side of the backdrop. That would be easy to do with a foam base though. Great idea! That would add alot to the operations.

Yeah, I wasn't thinking about the grade. Maybe a quarry/crusher set up with a relatively steep downgrade to the quarry from the upper side. Might not be enough room for the trackwork, but would be cool if you could make it fit!

I have to agree about the turntable, although with an extension for the yard, might be able to move it there at the very end. (That might make enough room to get the quarry thing in, too!)

Still think it's a neat layout!

[Train 284]

Looks good to me! Amazing what you can do with N scale in a small space huh?

[Anonymous]

Hi, everyone!

In my tireless research, I came across this plan:
http://users.iafrica.com/c/ca/caroper/tutorial/advanced.htm

It was love at first sight, I'd say..
I decided to toss my original plan and to go with this one, as it offers
plenty of operations. Not much room for scenery, but I can live with that.
I adapted it to my 3x6 bench, using Peco c55 track & turnouts.
I am using #6 TO's on the main and sidings, and #4 TO's in the yards.
Minimum radius on the main is 11.75"

What do you guys think of this one?

[Anonymous]

Ok,
I modified the layout once more. I painstakingly added a double loop,
maintaining a minimum radius of 11.75” for the mains. Huffa….
I don’t model exclusively in steam, so I’d like to keep the turntable.
I also added another line to the turntable.
What do you think of the layout now? And thank you for your suggestions!

[Anonymous]

[8D] A world of differance kyle! A much more operations friendly layout.

[selector]

Very interesting! Should provide many hours of development and fun.

Centred, low, are two parallel tracks running obliquely, with several switches between. What is the intent of the left-most switch that leads to a track that leads to another switch halfway along the cross-over?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Stuckarmchairing

[8D] A world of differance kyle! A much more operations friendly layout.

Thanks! I'm glad you like it. [:)]
I'm wondering however, if the layout is flipped left/right the wrong way now?
Traffic on the outer loop would be going counter-clockwise, and clockwise on the
inner loop here in the US. It seems to me, that this layout would work better, if
I flipped it around the other way. For example, the entry to the Arrival/Departure track for the yard is against the direction of traffic on the inner loop.
What do you think?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

Very interesting! Should provide many hours of development and fun.

Centred, low, are two parallel tracks running obliquely, with several switches between. What is the intent of the left-most switch that leads to a track that leads to another switch halfway along the cross-over?

This is an implementation of John Allen's "Timesaver". A switching puzzle.
You'll find some more information here: http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/sw-timesaver.html

I don't claim to fully understand this concept, but it sure sounds like something
that might be fun to have. [:D]

[ghonz711]

I think the new plan is best. I am very suprised how you got the yard with a drill track. Your little switching areo is cool too. I hope to see some photo's of your completed layout.

Ghonz... spot the relivance?

[Anonymous]

Update:
I added a double slip in the upper left, instead of having 2 separate
cross-overs to save some space. I also extended the yard lead, to match the
classification tracks and to allow for power as well.
This might be the final layout plan for now! [:)]

A question regarding elevation:
It might be nice, to have the upper right hand corner slightly elevated and
the lower left hand corner with the harbor slightly down. Do you guys think
that is possible, with a plan that compact? I don't really have much straight
track to create a slope, without having TO's in the slope as well.
Any ideas? Thanks!

[selector]

You are correct that your space is going to preclude all but the slightest of elevations. That said, anything that you do to alter elevations here and there will add immensely to the realism of the setting. So, my vote would be to go ahead, but count on less than 3/4" elevation/depression before you level the track out again, with grades taking place over about 28" to get it near 2.5%. That's a chunk of space for your layout size.

If you would consider wrapping that team track down around the two mains, running along the top of a cut, you could put an industry in the lower right corner. Then, the 28" grade would be no problem at all.

[SpaceMouse]

I'm entering this dialog very late. I'm wondering about the switchbacks in the lower center. While it creates a switching puzzle, it seems to limit the real world industries it can service. Cars set out on the lower two levels will have to me moved every time you wanted to place a car in the upper tracks.

Whenever I look at a operational layout I think staging. The "interchange" track could be used that way. It could be increased in length by sliding the turnouts to interchange and team tracks to the right. You could possibly then add a second track to the interchange area. Then with just a short view block, you could have two fiddle tracks in which you could set up your staging and bring in trains (and sent them back out) from the rest of world. This would multiply your operational capacity significantly.