Here's another version I'm thinking about. This one gives me the ability to "run" if I want. Ok. At the top you'll notice a line branching off. This will start a grade that eventually leads to the switching area on the right. The switching area includes two easily accessible hidden staging tracks. The two stub tracks to the left of it is an industry. From that same area you'll notice a switch in the passing track. This will lead to an as of yet designed switching area that will cover the back half of the main layout. Down below up front is a med sized double stub end yard. The inside spurs on the left is the railroad maint facility. If you guys have any thoughts, lemme know. On a side note: This plan is Unitrack, all switches are #6.
Moose: The track plan looks good. You'll enjoy using Unitrack. The #6 turnouts are great. Stay cool and run steam.....
I'm open to suggestions. As far as the yard goes, I've operated a yard identical to this one with no problems. It is a compromise do due to space. I can't have a through yard because of that. The lead at the top right of the yard is 17 inches long which could become longer if necessary. Again, if anyone has any other ideas, please let me know. Thanks! [ April 16, 2006, 04:03 PM: Message edited by: moose ]
Moose - design looks good in that it covers your desire to do yard work, plus run-around when you just want to sit back and watch. For my eye though, it's just a little too straight in presenttion - all the tracks are parallel to the layout edge, and 90 degrees to each other. a few curves in there could spice things up a little. Your size is similar to a layout that I almost built, before getting bigger room. You can take any ideas you want from there, or if nothing else, just notice that the curves bring some variety to the runs. Keep plugging away, you'll find the design that works perfect for you. Make sure you post your designs to the Layout Depot, even if it's not your final one. Each of you variations could be an inspirtion to others.
I did try a variation with curves, but working with unitrack always made me come up short. Very aggravating at times. I was also trying to keep trains from entering the same scene over and over. But I have not ruled out that possibility. What I am trying to accomplish is running a shortline. I don't need to have a monster yard like what's in the plan. The only thing that is etched in stone is the layout dimensions. In fact this weekend I fininshed the shelving and cut down pink foam boards to fit. The only thing still up in the air is the final plan. I'll get over to your site soon and post some of the variations I've been working on so far. I like the plan that you posted above. What is the min radius? Thanks again!
Coming up short: can you cut the length in half length wise? I don't know much about unitrack. This seems to solve the trouble when I design in Atlas RTS, using fixed radius curves. If you use Atlas RTS, you can download the design file here: http://www.layoutdepot.com/designs.ihtml?step=3&fid=242&scale=N (click the download icon above the grey box) Min radius is 9 3/4" - really the only way to do a full turn in 24" of space. - Peter
