This is a 9'X10' layout I've been tinkering with for a while. I'm open to suggestions. Please let me know what you think.
1) Nice clean lines for running 2) Lots of room for scenery 3) Some switching Given the layout seems to be oriented toward running and scenery I would increase my yard capacity by starting the yard lead as shown and building a 'compound' yard. This will allow for longer trains and more storage with open staging. As for the rest? Overall I like ti. The software image was hard, (for me), to see so I darkened the tracks.
Here are a few ideas of laddar vs compound yards: https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/albums/yard-design.1951/ Nicely done to scale: I regret I don't remember who did this for me.
@White River Line What do you think? Not bad for a guy with limited vision using MS Paint? It only took me 90 minutes. Did it help? Did I miss something?
This is helpful. You are exactly right, I've got more of a focus on scenery and running. I hadn't considered a compound track. I'm modeling the 1930's so not I'm planning on running very long trains. I like the addition of the yard lead.
Consider: You are freelancing In railroading there is an exception to every rule. I'm sure someplace someone did a compound yard even as afar back as the '30s. Nonetheless Enjoy. I have other thoughts if you want them but, one at a time.
I like the overall look of the design. I comes down to what you really want. For me, the only think I might do different is make that outside main double track for the entire layout. The small yard area is nice and i like that peninsula in the middle as well. Access is the other question. Going to be a duck under or will there be either a lift out or lift gate of some sort?
If you are planning a lift gate, and using sectional track, I would recommend adjusting the long radius curve by moving one piece of curved track from the quarter circle to the end of the turnout to the center island. This will allow you to maintain a straight section of track (on a slight 15 degree angle) on the lift gate and avoid a staggered joint at the gate hinge. Sorry for the crude markup, but here's my suggestion.
I'm also assuming that the siding in the bottom right passes under the curve and that is not a crossing. You will not likely be able to fit a crossing here without affecting the curve radius to allow for the length of the straight track in the crossing.
All great feedback. Thanks. I am hand laying track rather than using sectional or flex track, so I think I should be able to manage the angles on the liftgate pretty easily. The branch on the left will go over the mainline. I am definitely trying to eliminate as many S-curves as possible.
