I am finishing up the construction of the first segments I will use for my new layout (n-scale). So high time to finalise the track design. (first try to include an image, hope it works, otherwise this is the link: fhv.free.fr/fhvrr/san_atasha.jpg) The layout models the town of san atasha (ca.) where once the ferdon high valley line passed through. It had a few line side industries like fruit plant, oil dealer, a warehouse (package/storage), and a depot. So it offers everything I am interested in: mainline running with possible passenger service and some switching, not too heavy. Concerning the design, in a first impression it seems that all design rules have been obeyed. But I have the feeling that something is not right. Are for such small location the 4 tracks in the yard too much? Think also that the citrus plant and icing can be designed better and perhaps include some more switching. Any advice (positive and negative) you have is welcome.
Looks cool! I don't think having 4 tracks across there is a problem. I see it this way: one mainline, one runaround, and two yard tracks.
I hope you're planning at least a temporary yard lead so you can do some switching during your initial phase of construction. As it stands, you won't be able to do much more than scenery and track laying. You may get bored. I realize there will be more to your layout in the future, but when guests show up, you could only show very limited train movement. Also, by including a lead now, you'll be able to test your turnout and track laying.
Here are some comments by Craig Bisgeier on "The Ten Commandments of Model Railroad Yard Design." 1. Thou shalt not Foul the Main It starts with Craig's comment: "Most modelers don't usually consider the main line as a part of the yard, but it is the most important track in it, or around it." 2. Thou Shalt Provide A dedicated Lead Track Craig comments: "After the main line, the most important track in the yard is the lead. The lead is the backbone of the yard..... Confused? Try this. Think of the yard as a tree on its side with no roots. The yard lead is the trunk, the various tracks that make up the yard are the branches. As you go forward up the lead (trunk), all tracks (branches) radiate up and away from the trunk. None grow downward. In this example, all the turnouts would be facing-point turnouts, with ther movable points "facing" the base of the yard lead." 3. Thou Shalt Not Foul The Yard Lead Craig comments: "We have to ensure the switching crew can do their job no matter what lunacy is going on around them. Therefore we try and keep the yard lead clear at all times."
Thank you all for the support. Ed, Rick, I realise that you hit a weak point (please forgive me, I did not knew any of Craig Bisgeier's ten commandments ). With at least one move coming up this summer and very likely another one next year, I might be well stuck with only this for at least a year . Yes, eventually it will be part of a 'round the wall layout (a separate trainroom is my demand in the hunt for suitable housing ). Honourable senior designers, could you help me with some suggestions what will be the best way to include a yard lead in this design (between the two switches in the short leg?). Maybe I can include also some switching challenge.
Wow, a double slip? Wouldn't that be complicated to wire? Anyways, since my old thread is gone from the books, I have a latest rehash of my layout plan. The benchwork modules are built int he fashion that the plan shows, byut the trackplan is not yet finalized. I'd like so input on the plan I have, and if it seems like a spahetti bowl, please let me know! The red lines are the branchline and interchange. The main railroad serves the refinery, grain milling place *the BIG white thing on the right side* and the town/intermodal yard. The branch serves the small towns. I'll try to post it, and it is ~180K. If it shows the red x, click my projects link in my Yahoo pics album. Keep in mind that the dimensions are 17'-6" x9'-6".
In regards to wiring the doubleslip, I do not know what's available in N scale, I model in HO. I have doubleslips that did not require any special wiring. All frogs are isolated. I did have a problem with my Lifelike 0-8-0 stalling when running thru the turnout at very slow speed, I solved that by adding pickups to the tender. Again, I am not familiar with N scale locos, it is possible any locos lacking all wheel pickup may have a stall problem as well. Gary
If I recall well, Peco has a electrofrog double slip in N code 55, the track I will use. Got to look how to de the wiring, but think I am not the first one with that problem.
I will be using one of those as well. What I can't remember is what radius, the curved turnout is. I have on sitting on "hold" in my "hold bucket."
Hi Folks, Here's the link to Craig Bisgeier's http://www.housatonicrr.com/ and the 10 rules: http://www.housatonicrr.com/yard_des.html Perhaps the icing facility might be moved to the 4th yard track allowing icing in both directions (eliminate that switch) Move the packing house switch facing in line with the fruit company switch (work both without fouling the yard track) Extend the second yard track south (put a switch here) past the depot to provide a yard lead and store the hostler switch engine. Steve www.NYandW.com
Thanks for the link Steve, very useful. If I do understand the commands correct, making the lead to the south with all switches trailing point like the fruit co., aren't we fouling the yard lead and the main?? But I like the idea putting the lead down south, in the initial setup there will be more space for a lead than to the west. Think will follow your suggestion moving the icing to the 4th yard track. Could put on its old location a small industry or team track
