Layout Review for J&BRR

This is my first post so bare with me.

I designed and have started building this layout in a spare bedroom. I have tried to design this layout for scenery detailing rather than operation but if operation works out all the better.

I am looking for a review for major things that I may not be happy with that the more experienced modeler may see that is wrong or out of place.

Any suggestions are welcome. I have started this layout but it is not to late to change.

Track is Unitrack with foam board construction. Mostly flat but could be changed.

Thank you

 

I can't get your image to load...the server seems to be hung up.

Never-the-less, I hope my observation doesn't come across as aloof or contrary...not intended at all...but your opening post seems to contradict itself...or yourself...a bit. You indicate you are more interested in developing the visual appeal of the layout (if I have understood you correctly), and then you go on to post a track diagramme requesting feedback. It seems to me that the two are necessarily closely interwined if one's goal is a better layout, or a more 'compleat' one.

That is to say, a layout really should have a very fine balance between the demands of operating interest, challenges, and fun, as well as the visual appeal of the whole in terms of being believable in scale. For example, most of us at some time tend to cram far too much trackage into a tight space, feeling we have surpassed expectations and have succeeded in mastering our project. The fact is almost always that we have overdone it. We should treat the trackage as the prototypical railroad does....no more than absolutely necessary. Then, remove one turnout. :mbiggrin:
Okay, seriously though, a person can overdo the trackage. A layout can be both visually appealing and operationally sound, and not one at the expense of the other. At least, this has been my understanding.

You have, near as I can tell, a closed loop with a central yard. That's fine, although the yard seems very large for the space you are running. Could it be that you might avail yourself of some off-layout staging, maybe on another level below the layout surface? You could free up some space for more scenery, structures, or a small industry related to the maintenance of the railroad...say a mill that cuts and preserves railroad ties.

The only other comment I have, based on the small view I have so far in your thumbnail image, is that you will have a substantial reach to the yard back where it is...unless you are planning this bench to be walkaround on all sides in a much larger space.

 

The issue with loading the picture is that it is a BMP. I strongly encourage it to be changed to a JPG.

 

Thank you for ideas

Thank you for the reply. You have confirmed the one thing that was preying on my mine was that fact that I may have to much trackage for this area as I was wanting to accentuate scenery.

I had not thought of making the yard smaller but understand your remark of the size of visible yard to layout.

I now realize that I may be trying to support too many industries and need to balance the scenery of normal life with those industries.

Thank you again

 

Changed image type.

Thank you Grey One, I changed the image type.

 

I agree mostly with Rick, only instead of pushing the industries to the back and the yard to the front, merge them both in the front and leave the back for a scenic line (which as Rick suggested, I'd raise a few inches above the yard).

You'll loose a foot or two on the yard, but the operational standpoint will be more prototypical. I know your focus is more to the scenic side, so by carefully planning the operational side, you'll be left with more to focus on with scenic details (because the operation details will be all worked out).

Lastly, I'd straighten out that stub track on the bottom center.

 

Some Pictures of Layout as stands

Thank you all. I can see where this can come together better. I am including pictures of the layout as it stands.

I am already raised on the right side and can continue that to the back of the layout coming out of the mountain and move the decline to just before the refinery or just after.

Remove the incline from the front of the layout and place small yard along with small industries in front.

That will leave a lot of possibilities in the back for scenery.

Thanks

 

Hope that isn't a double Xover between those two spurs on the middle left. That's just NOT done by the real RRs. You could get by w/ a right & left hand switch there & save yourself a lot of money! And w/ all the swiching there you'll find you need a siding for some run around moves. Otherwise you'll have to make up your train in the yard and do some long back up moves. You might also consider a wye or turntable to reverse your locos vs 0-5-0. LOL