Greetings all, I am submitting my N scale layout idea for an L-shaped space. Some disclaimers: 1. I'm not a purist in trying to keep a theme or era - just like to have interest and fun for me and my boys 2. I mostly have DCC, but also want to incorporate a Kato DC bullet train and tram. I'd like a yard since I've never worked with one before and see how it could provide lots of enjoyment and interaction, also need "city" area to incorporate the tram. My initial design uses 2 helix to run the bullet train back and forth (about a 1.4 - 1.5% grade) along one side of the L shape. I've also attempted to make a pseudo 2-main line layout for my DCC. Feedback is welcome!
Perfect. This is what it's all about. Trying to design so that tracks do not parallel the layout edge. This helps with a bit of scenic variation.
Boxcab, so use more flex track along the long runs to add a little variation? I just used mostly Kato unitrack in AnyRail6 just as proof of concept with radius, lengths, etc.., but not opposed to more flex with gentle curves everywhere except the yard. I plan to use Peco switches as much as possible as well. I like the solid 'feel' when they switch.
You should still be able to use Unitrack, if desired. You have a lot of straight lines. Note that rail lines often follow terrain contours, so wind around obstacles such as hills, mountains, water, etc.
The "S" curves entering the helices should be avoided. Instead of two adjoining 90° curves, have two 45° curves with short stretch of straight track in between. See attached drawing. Also, for the bullet train loop, consider double tracking it using the Kato Superelevated Curve Track pieces, 20-181 through 20-186 depending upon what radius you can accommodate. That way you can have two bullet trains running in opposite directions and often passing each other. The boys might find that activity entertaining. http://www.katousa.com/N/Unitrack/concrete.html
I can't read the dimensions but the yard lead is a stub and it looks like it is shorter than some of the sidings in the yard. This will cause some operational problems when trying to get a train from the yard onto the main. Can you make the yard lead empty directly on to the main somehow? Also, try adding a run-around track somewhere in the yard to help the switching crews out. I would add another cross-over between the two main lines so that trains can pass each other. Keep the distance between the two so that your longest freight train can wait for the express to pass. Is the part at the top of your drawing going to be against a wall? If so, keep in mind that the turnouts back there are going to be two feet away from you and your kids. That might be okay for an adult to handle but a smaller person might have difficulty reaching back that far.
Thanks for all the inputs! I'll keep trying to incorporate these suggestions. What does everyone use for planning? I'm using AnyRail6. Rasputen, I thought about a run-around track, just couldn't seem to make it fit in the space. Also, I know the lead is kind of short, so I was thinking I'd have to make multiple moves to the A/D track. I was going to shorten the yard tracks to make the lead longer, but that shortened my A/D more than I wanted. I'm going to attempt to have as many of the switches as possible be remote switched if not DCC switched. I know the kids won't be able to reach them yet, but that's probably for the best as the oldest is only 5 and doesn't operate without me anyway. And yes, the back part of both L legs are against the wall, it's basically up in a corner. I have a little flexibility on the leg that is going from top-down, I may be able to extend that a little, but the one across the top is limited by a door. ADD: I just went downstairs and measured, I could get an additional 53 inches on the L leg that currently has the helix bullet track.
I wasn't referring to the operation of the turnouts themselves near the back, I was more concerned with maintenance of them, and the mishaps that occur, like derailments.
Essentially after all the feedback I've received here I'm going back to the drawing board and starting over. Almost my entire layout was too parallel with the table edges. I'm still getting familiar with the forums here, but after doing an initial couple of searches I haven't been able to find much as for Japanese bullet train layouts. I'm thinking I'd like to use something like viaduct but have no experience with it, or these super-elevated track. Since the bullet train is DC only and my north american stock are all DCC, would keeping the entire bullet train track elevated look terrible or should have ramp it down to "ground" level and back up? I'm not sure if I'm attempting to put too much in too small a space....I've expanded the amount of space to 132"x180" L shape with a depth of 36" on both legs of the L.
Alright another attempt! I used a couple of examples Scenic Ridge and West Coal with some yard design from Craig Bisgeier's rules. Also, attempted to limit the amount of parallel with the front edge of the table. The only thing that isn't addressed in this is the super elevated DC track for the bullet trains....not sure if it will make it in this layout or not. Again, feedback always welcome.
I am not an expert on yard operations, but in my novice view it seems inconvenient to have to have to go to the yard lead track and then reverse course, when moving a line of cars from the main line to the yard, or vice versa. Maybe some of the veterans here can chime in? - is there an advantage to this arrangement, or is better to be able to go straight into the yard tracks without reversing course?
Carl, my intent was for a counter-clockwise drive on main 1 so the engine would pull through the A/D track, decouple and pull forward of the switch. Then my switcher would back down, grab the rolling stock and pull them into the yard. Have you seen the 10 commandments of yard design? That's what I tried to use to design my yard. Thanks for the response! I'm also looking to see if I can add a pull in or escape on the left side of the yard to the main as well, just haven't gotten that far yet, I stopped at midnight last night.
Using AnyRail6 and messing around with stuff. The Unitram/city area will be on a plateau and a river running basically through like a gully/cannon. The black near the yard is a road leading up the the industrial area. Can't get those to show in the 3D view.
The time you spend on this now, is a great investment. You save money, time and possible frustrations later on. A very smart thing to be doing!
Thanks Boxcab! Any more inputs for this new design? I know I need to pull the 2 tracks on the left side of the downward leg back from the edge and possibly put a little more curve in there to break up that long parallel span. I used the super-elevated stuff on all the double track on the top route that would allow it (grounded vs bridged). Are there any other manufacturers that make the uneven super-elevated track? I'm not completely sold on going all Unitrack for the layout. I plan on nearly all the track on the downward leg to NOT be unitrack as I prefer Peco turnouts, but I might use it up top for the super-elevated and mix viaduct in...just haven't figured out the best product.
