Well, after talking with everyone here and doing lots of trial and error stuff, I think I finally arrived at a track plan that I like. I'm sure it's not perfect, but I think it will give me lots of operational challenges and fun for years to come. Of course, if anyone sees something drastically wrong I'd like to know, but unless it's something major this is probably going to be how it goes down on the deck. A few particulars in case you forgot from the other thread: -N Scale -Modern Day -Rural Setting You can see the below, or click HERE for the full size version.
Hoss, The plan looks GREAT What program did you use to create that? Thanks and keep up the good work! Matt
Wow. That is a superb final track plan. It has a ton of operating potential, and a very decent mainline. It also looks like a moderate sized layout from the benchwork, because the diagram itself makes it seem like the layout will take up the whole room... Very good. I am glad you found a track plan. I actally might adopt some of those features. Good luck. Can't wait to see updates!
On your bottom yard, if it were mine, I would eliminate the one solo track. Instead I would start the yard further up, and thus extend the length of the yard down; it would be more useable this way.
Rick has an interesting point. Might be worth thinking about. It's something you can test out when you are at the track laying stage. Simply lay the rails out and look....... Boxcab E50
I've been following this thread since it started. Being unemployed, planning is all I can afford. It's been very interesting and educational. Also the plan will fit my room almost perfectly. I could even add to it alone another wall. With room for the computer and work bench. I will ask the question again. What program do you use? Thank to all of you.
First of all, thanks to everyone for the great compliments. For those asking about the software, I just used the free Atlas Right Track software. You can download it at www.atlasrr.com if you don't already have it. Rick, I'm not sure I follow what you're saying. Can you clarify?
I thought your idea of diverting one track of the mainline through the yard was actually a good one....why did you change it back to double main all way around again? The 'single' part of the mainline could do some serious contour work in there and provide a 'natural' shield for you hidden yard and would present some great 'photo opportunities'.
Well, honestly, I went back and forth on that for WAY too long and I finally just decided to go with the double because I was tired of debating it. Thanks to you though, my final track plan may not be final any more. Thanks a lot. Just kidding.
The tail of your bottom yard is 3 1/2 grids up from the bottom (full grids). I would start the tail 6 grids up from the bottom and extend the yard down; it would be a significantly longer yard.
I've modified your plan to what I think Rick is talking about. Also included my thoughts of how to integrate your ideas into my own. Still got to play with other ideas yet. I've downloaded the Atlas program,but can't get it to work. More fun. [ 24. November 2003, 02:16: Message edited by: Colonel ]
I see what you're saying now. Only thing is...I didn't really intend for that to be a yard. It's supposed to be going to an industry...possibly a coal tipple...but that's still up for debate. Hey Short round...nice track plan.
I forget what era you are modelling, but if you tighten up the tracks to be a bit closer together, it would make a great intermodal yard, or an earlier era, a great piggy back yard.
Not as much as you might think. The track plan doesn't show tunnels or hills or any other type of scenery that I have in mind...much of which will be put in place for the specific purpose of hiding track. Rick, I'm modeling today, so an intermodal yard might work....although it doesn't really fit in with the rural setting I'm shooting for. I still need to do some thinking about that whole area, and I may not decide anything until I start laying track there.
