The benchwork is up and working on the plan. I like building structures and they will be a focal point in town. Also have my first yard/engine facility. Transition era N scale.
As I like to watch trains run and will have quite a while building scenery and the town I opted for a smooth running main line that can run by itself. I do hope to add industry off the existing spurs and will have some switching there and making up trains in the yard. It's basically just me running the layout and watching the trains - family in FL and AZ, no friends with train interests. Still haven't decided on a major industry to generate traffic and open to ideas. Thanks
I would move the turn table to the left so the roundhouse can be positioned on the far size from the viewer. This allows the viewer to see the scene, and see what's parked in the roundhouse and watch locomotives rotate on the turntable, rather than having the rear wall of the roundhouse blocking everything from view. Everything else looks nice. You will want to extend the bottom yard track on the right to allow at least a switcher to move beyond the points. As is, there is no room for even a track speeder. I might also suggest making the track above just a simple run around and remove that extremely short stub (the one on the far right, second from the bottom). Of course, you could also eliminate both of those turnouts on the bottom right and make them two stubs. You already have the run around capability on the left so you would save two turnouts, and as such, eliminate excessive maintenance needs. Hmm, I also wonder how that yard would look like branching off the far left (vertical) mainline, rather than the inside left mainline. That would broaden up the entrance curve and if you wish, you could even add a branch to connect back to the main to the right of the middle and provide a reverse loop for turning whole trains. Just some food for thought.
I agree. This is much more appealing to the eye and seems even more functional. Nice job Mark!:thumbs_up:
One more question. Assuming eastbound running on the inner track, what would be the best way to move westbound traffic into and out of the yard?
Set this up in AnyRail to take advantage of the condensed flat classification division point yard as John Armstrong designed. It is a carbon copy of his design built around a double mainline or twice around using a double crossover. The turntable has inbound and outbound tracks that would also allow for a service pad. I also extended the drill track to equal the length of your longest yard track. An additional crossover within yard limits to the passing siding would be useful if you plan to use it for industries. There is plenty of room for additional industries and towns to be added according to your liking. Access hatches will need to be used in hard to reach sections of your layout. Hope this helps put into perspective the trackage required to serve a division point yard. Jerry
I could put a crossing from west to east at the top and then another into the yard ladder I guess. It seems to be the most effective location.
It looks like John Armstrong's classification yard because it is LOL. Took it out of Planning for Realistic Ops to preclude a problem I had with my first 4x8 layout - lots of track - no where to go. I've got the double crossover and I like your suggestion of a double ended yard. Let me play with this one for a while. Thanks
OK Jerry, I have reworked it to make a double ended yard and it looks good. One more feature I'd like to add is a reverse loop someplace to turn a train around. How would you suggest doing that? Thanks
Nice revision Jerry!:thumbs_up: I have added a reverse loop to my drawing that you can use as an example to fit into your track plan. I am not sure where you are using double track or super elevated double track sections. Just make sure that your longest train will fit within the length of track that constitutes the reverse section (between the two switches that break from the mainline). For more prototypical appearance you may want the drill track to follow the mainline fairly close. I understand the tight radius curve to bring it within reach. You may also want to ease a couple of mainline "S" curves at the yard by placing a 4 inch straight section of track between the switch and the curve. You can ease other "S" curves by using a broader radius curve section of track (passing siding). Again the prototype uses a wider track spacing between the mainline and yard / siding tracks. This can be accomplished by using only #6 switches on the mainline; which has the added benefit of providing more reliable and higher speed operations. You are on your way to an awesome layout. Jerry
Thanks once again Jerry. I'll incorporate the reverse loop as you suggested. Right now I plan on using the double track along the front of the layout, around the turntable area and the city loop. I'll be using single track along the back and areas where it is a little harder to get at. The bench work in the yard areea is only 30 inches deep and should be readily accessible. I plan on using Atlas flexible track where there are longer runs to minimize connectors. Power and control will be Digitrax DCC. I haven't decided on operation of the Atlas turnouts, still need to buy them. The Kato turnouts I have from my old layout, currently more than I need and will use their power controls. I really appreciate your help and am happy to entertain any other suggestions - much easier when still working on paper .
So far I like this one for many reasons all related to the yard design. The classifying of the cars is done closer to the front for easy pickings on the couplers. The engine facility is also closer to the front and is always a focal point for many. The engine facility access does not interfear with the mainline or arrival and departure tracks. There is a dedicated tail/drill track to work the yard and not interfear with the A/D tracks. The yard follows the rules of yard design and reminds me a little of Whit Towers Alturas yard which was a blast to operate. Especially with whit sitting there laughing at my every move. I suggest removeing the crossover in the middle and adding one on each side just before the entrance to the yard. This would give you some added flexabillity and interest. Thats just me though.
Thanks for the suggestions John. I incorporated them in my latest version (7). My previous, and first layout had a yard that didn't work, so when I moved and had an opportunity to do it again, I started with John Armstrong's Track Planning book, with great input from this forum. Jerry
I am willing to bet you have seen this link but just in case here you go. You will see from reading the info that the yard follows these rules quite well. http://www.housatonicrr.com/yard_des.html
