My final layout: What do you think?

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What do you think?

 

I had a layout similar to this and I had loads of fun with it. However, in time I tired of the circle running or roundy rounds. I should have divided the layout in half with a backdrop and put a tunnel on one end of it. That would have broken up the layout making it more interesting.

I do like the design choice, as I enjoy a lot of switching moves. I wish I had as many spur tracks as you have in your plan, then I do on my present layout.

I'd say go for it.

 

I second that regret on my own layout. Take a look at the Central VA Door layout by fellow trainboard member envirodude. Try not to be discouraged by his exceptional scenery, but rather look how BIG his layout appears.


Also, for a small layout, I'd do away with that reverse loop. With out the reverse loop, you can then move the turnouts from the mainline to the inner stubs out towards the end of the layout, giving a little extra length on the stubs.

 

You'll have alot of fun with that layout with all the switching you can do. I don't mind having the reverse loop.

 

Wow! Very nice Layout. :thumbs_up:

 

Good design job. It looks like you've thought about the usage of your space well.

I'd have to say I'd agree about loosing the reverse loop and I'd probally remove the innermost loop of track and double crossover if it were me. This would move things out and give more space as mentioned above and also simplify things.

What type of operations are you considering? What industries were you planning to have as well? Knowing these things could help in any constructive ideas about track placement on this end.

I'd also think about what has been said about some type of view block or hill or buildings to section off the layout and make it appear larger since you wouldn't focus on all the track at one time.

Overall though, I think you've done a good job.

 

I like the reverse loops

I like the reverse loops and I wish I would have seen your layout sooner. I struggled for a week trying to include reverse loops in my layout and finally gave up on the idea. I still think you did good.:thumbs_up:

 

So actually some of you would say: Less track and more scenery?
My main goal is to have a layout where I can utilize my rolling stocks and my NCE DCC command instead of having everything in a box like now!!!! And may be hook up a computer as well
I'm more looking for a layout easy and quick to build.......than a realistic one
(I hope I won't shock some of you...)
Otherwise, any idea of where I could find a layout with a little bit less tracks and more possibility for scenery?

 

I took your plan into Photoshop and arranged the track in a way I think accomplishes both of these points.

First I removed the reverse loop. On this layout, all but the top most stub diverge from the mainline in the same direction. If a train travels clockwise, a simple back up is all that is needed to access sidings. In other words, the reverse loop takes up more space than its worth. And with the passing along the outer left, you can easily do a run around to push cars into the one irregular stub.

With the reverse loop out of the way, I moved the inner stubs back and gave them some more length.

Then with the addition of the divider, you now have two distinct destinations, and plenty of room for scenery and structures.

Anyways, here's what I came up with. Just something to consider.

 

Arghhhh...The more I ask, the more I don't know what to do!!!
Thanks Mystere for spending some time to propose an alternative to my layout
However, I think I'll stick with my original layout
Like I said, i want something to use my trains and my NCE Power Cab system. I think the reverse loop will bring more fun to the layout. And I guess I don't want a scenery too complex
I'll keep you posted
Thanks again

 

Frenchy, If I may call you that.

If this is your first layout or the second one...each one can be a teaching or learning experience. I've had a number of layouts culminating in the present one. Each layout taught me something new. So, don't be afraid to dive into this one. Keeping your scenery simple will allow you the opportunity to experiment with various techniques, color and products. The idea being to keep the cost down at first.

It takes awhile to get focused. Once that happens look out.

 

You've made a good choice.:thumbs_up:

 

I’m all for the reverse loop

Wow, I just went through this same dilemma.
I wanted a railroad that I can have fun with and some trains. I also wanted some scenery so it would look nice, but I figured that could go on a little at time while played with my trains.
It got so complicated, that I decide to build two portable layouts. One built out of code 55 with lot of scenery that’s probably going to take year or so to build. See this thread for photo.
And for now just to run some trains I decided to build this Kato as shown here that I can put together in a weekend.
There seems to be a split for those who like a lot of scenery and those who like track. Just do what you want to do. I’m all for the reverse loop. Had one on my last layout and I loved it.

 

I also like return loops, but I think the one you got in your plan may end up unemployed. I myself haven't run trains on any layout yet, since I seem to get bored with my trackplans before ever building, so I might be wrong with that statement about being unemployed. Let me explain why I think so: Once you have entered your return loop, you will not enter it again, unless you move backwards through it. So I think you need another loop, or a rearrangement of the tracks so that one is enough.
Else I think its a great plan:tb-biggrin:

 

Why I think your right, I thought it had double loops, so I traced it out and sure enough there is only one loop. I had the same problem where I had double loops, but they went in the same direction.

 

A lot of guys and gals pull away from the reversing loops and panic when someone suggests putting one in. It's simply because they don't know how to wire them in.

It's simple once you know how. Take two DPDT toggle switches and solder in a whole mess of wires, reversing the current. Now, wire them into your transformer and then out to the tracks and waahlaa you have a wired in reversing loop.

Ok, so it's not all that simple. If you need directions there are a number of good electrical how to books you should be reading anyways. Your local hobby shop should carry these and be able to expertly help you understand what it is you are reading.

If not don't call me...I've explained this way to many times only to learn the would be model rail newbie freaked and gave up the whole idea. Grin!

You can send me a private message and I will do my best to get you going...that or write Sleeper No6, JohhnyB....he knows his stuff and can help you.

 

Thanks Rick, but I didn’t feel like that when I was asking all those stupid questions about Kato Switches. Of course as soon as you showed me one up-close and upside down, I knew exactly how it worked. Up until then, I only saw photos of retail packages and it’s hard to imagine what was inside. The funny thing is now I’m running across plenty of up-close detailed photos of Kato track right here on TB. I guess I wasn’t phrasing my questions right.:embarassed:

 

JohnnyB.

Nothing wrong with the questions. Just the answers. Grin!

Having had the privilege of meeting you and getting a chance to show off my layout I know you'll put it together. I also know that when it comes to a reverse loop you won't have any problems wiring it in. It's simple once you know how.

Have fun!

 

Find attached two pages of the last january issue of the german magazine Eisenbahn Journal with ideas on how to divide an oval or dog bone type layout into 2 separate destinations/stations.

Hope this might help you.

Ignacio