Here is a layout I'd like to build. I'd like to eleminate one set of turnouts on the bottom (to reduce cost mostly). Let me know which set you think I should get rid of, or give me a reason to keep them both.
I think you'll come to find that that siding will serve you well, but that extra runaround track will be a great asset to the layout. The potential crossover, if you reverse one pair of turnouts, will be handy for operating more than one train at a time. If cost is driving the reduction of turnouts, do what I did: build the mainline. Add turnouts as time and money allows. I ran my old layout with very little track other than a basic mainline for months like that. I had 3 sets of crossovers in my single passing siding, and found them very helpful. You can get curved turnouts from Peco, and I find them handy for tight spots. Another option, is to build the layout, and where a turnout is required, but not available, install a piece of sectional track instead. When you can afford a new turnout, carefully pull the joiners back out, and install the turnout in its place. Atlas turnouts, IIRC, are conveniently 5: long, as are their section tracks...... *plink, plink*
I would remove all of those turnouts in the lower section and add as you go like hemi suggested. Add them working from right to left. But if I were to remove one pair, I'd remove the left most pair to make that outside spur longer for storing more cars or possibly having a passenger platform there. I would add that if you can do it, you should try for a slightly larger layout. 2x4 is just tiny and you won't be able to run any of the big stuff.
Thanks! Powersteamguy, I was talking about the two, identical sets of turnouts at the bottom, not the one for the siding, just for clarification. Thanks for the comments guys! I live in a small apartment and space is at a premium. I was working on a hollow core door layout, but it is just taking up too much space and would be too difficult to move. I think this smaller layout will be more suitable for my space. So I'll salvage what I can from the big layout and work on this smaller one. Also, thanks for the suggestion on adding them as I go. Since this is going to be Unitrack, it should be no problem to replace them with straight track as I go.
Deadgoon: I would leave the trackplan as is and expand it from this point as you see fit. You still have space for a small yard on this trackplan. Stay cool and run steam....
You should keep both sets of turnouts. The left side ones are the "end" of the passing siding, and the right side ones facilitate a runaround move to work the facing-point turnout to the inside so you don't have to go around the entire layout. Adam
Can I suggest a look at Nick Palette's Conrails Hallsville, Pa. layout that appeared in a back issue of MR.(I don't have the article to hand so I can't tell you which issue it is in) I have a poor photocopy that I can scan if you are stuck, and a direct email to me will get it. It is similar to the one you have drawn, but adds some more trackage, which could be added to the basic plan later. It also features a junction with N&S, giving more operational capability Shortliner(Jack)away up here in the Highlands
Re my last - MR Oct 1995 - and I have a copy already scanned in the computer Shortliner(Jack)away up here in the Highlands
Hiya 'goon, That's a neat plan! I'll go with the consensus that you keep the switches but flip them instead. I think you'll be happy if you did. It also looks like your using #4's which are high dollar and need a little tweaking. To me it makes no sense to pay $25 or so for a switch that needs to be tweaked which is why I went with all #6's on my layout. Try redesigning with #6's and see what you come up with. They are excellent switches and can be had for about $15 or so. OR You could be really ambitious and go with Atlas code 55. Those switches can be had for around $7 bucks and the track looks really, really good too! You'd also be able to afford the small yard like PSG mentioned. Good luck and have fun!!!
Take a look at here: http://www.naisp.net/mfischer/m_train2.htm There's a bunch of good 2' x 4' layouts.
