Starting over? New layout

First layout May 2016-After creating the Basic L shape layout approx. 4 x 11 and 4 x 5 combined I have come to the conclusion it was too much trouble with a couple of 12" radius curves and operating without a wireless.

So after a lot of thought and lack of funds to go wireless I simply disassembled prior layout and have put together 3 3x8 sections U shaped for better access tethered. This will also be a better system if I were to move (Been here almost 30years).
This will also allow me to run wider radius curves (16" min) then the prior layout (min 12") and who doesn't love a new creation.
The beginning (attached):

 

Will the layout stay in the garage?

 

Yes, and the reason for possible move is a number of years from now wife and I expect to move to Oregon (retire) keep this property as rental.
1/2" foam top added

 

1/2" foam top completed. Once the supports-shelving and cabinets are completed underside I can get to the real fun on top.
Agonizing part is I have 3 track designs still toying with.
Can't decide yet, but would like to get the layout with 1 main yard and 2 remote yards with 2 mainlines and a local service line servicing about 5 to 7 customers.

 

You reallyneed about 2"of foam

 

Hmm, I went with the 1/2" foam since I have the 1/2" plywood and will be adding the roadbed. I assumed that about 1 1/4" was fine?
I was afraid I would have trouble with under side machines extending through- I have the Atlas 2065 machines and bought 1 of the tortoise to test out.

I am eager for any advise since my first Railroad attempt was May last year so I am not real experienced in the model railroading. Especially since I have the set only at bare bones.

How do I get those under table switch machines to work with 2"? er 2" +

Thank you for commenting to my post.

 

Plywood base your good to go.

 

Thank you Joe, appreciate the help.
I'm a bit nervous on the new layout making sure I incorporate things I missed on the first set. One of the biggest concerns was old 12" radius. I'm going for 16" and 17" max because of the 3' x 8' sheets I am using.

I read about adding foam on plywood but didn't know about thickness.

Again, really do appreciate the input Joe and Bremner.

 

What is the thickness I can go with all items for the under-table Atlas machines and be positive switching?
So if I already have the 1/2" plywood and 1/2" foam with maybe 1/8' roadbed and add another 1/2" foam will under-table machines work okay still work okay? I could not find any notes on internet.

 

I went out and took a couple of pics to show what I was not clear about. That steel pin that moves the throw bar.
Pic 1 with 1/2" plywood and 1/2" foam with atlas under table machine comparison
Pic 2 I added another leftover 1/2" foam to the existing stack
with atlas under table machine comparison

 

I have 4 atlas switch machine, 1 tortoise and about 12 or so Caboose ground throws.
I was sampling things since I am not sure what was Best. I think I'll get one or 2 of those Bull Frogs to test also.

I have 47 turnouts so an important decision.

My control panel will be at main yard so the ground throws are fine...it's those other turnouts I don't want to walk to anymore like the old layout had that I had to finger flip.

Thanks for the new choice of machines!!

 

I think I see what you guys were indicating now for height. The rise is for the scenery like in the video for bridges and such.

LOL, now I am even more unsure of my new rail layout....

 

Nice and clean benchwork and you will figure it out...eventually

 

If you are worried about foam thickness and switch machine reach, you can buy longer wire to throw the turnout. I found some "piano wire" from McMaster-Carr in 12" lengths. That stuff is really stiff and does the job. Not that expensive for what it solves.

 

Outer mainline roadbed in place (basic outer perimeter run). Idea is there will be tunneling separated from upper section in select areas.

Next to lay down the track with selected turnouts that will connect to inner line and outer Container yard.

In the software pic I didn't know how to setup the track incline/rise software in the attached pic so it's hard to tell but I have a vision of how it will run on the inner mainline with 1.7% slope with hills/mountainous/tunneling) and a 2+% slope where business track will run from/to yard.

With the TrainBoard support feedback of thicker foam in the thread and another thread about switch machine/throw outs (choices) I am now okay with operating turnouts with more layers of foam for the upper business and where inner mainline will run.

As time goes on more pics will show what I mean.

Buildings and such are just set for a visual perspective relationship and not necessarily where they will end up, I plan to attempt half scapes and such so much more planning ahead.

 

Hope I am not hijacking anything here, but as to the discussion of foam thickness and plywood.

The original portion of my layout is 1/4" plywood with 2" extruded foam on top. To operate the turnouts, I use both Blue Point Turnout controllers (https://ppw-aline.com/collections/blue-point-manual-turnout-controller) and Bull Frogs as others have mentioned (http://www.handlaidtrack.com/bullfrogs) with knobs sticking out of the fascia. They work fine through this thickness of foam. typically the wire supplied with these is thick enough to move our n-scale points (0.032" typically, I believe). For the addition, i went with 3/4" plywood on L-girders and risers. Quieter for sure, although maybe a bit more challenging to construct.

For a second layout, that seems to be a pretty ambitious plan. I would suggest you continue what you are doing, building the layout in phases and tweaking and testing as you go. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

No problems, I love the input.
I originally have the 1/2" plywood with 1/2' foam top for the base layout. Originally with the limited knowledge I had for example the Atlas under table switch machines the rod is limited hence my limit of 1" combined. Since then I have learned from the folks here of all of the other options so after I have the "flat" main run track laid and working on the second main run with business I can simply increase the foam height now using other types of switch machines.
The lower really won't have much in the way of bridges so I am okay leaving as is but now the upper section will be able to enjoy the thickness and operate fine. Once I get to adding more layers for next steps I'll attach here and hopefully looks and makes sense.
Thanks again for input.