Submitted for discussion. This is 3 modules. 2 are ~3'X6' and the center one is ~2' X 5' The trial versions of anytrail gives you 50 pieces to work with so the track work is incomplete and the proper curves and easements were left out in order to save on track pieces...... I think that the program should allow you to bend a piece of flex beyond 90 degrees...but that's another discussion. So, even with these shortcomings, I believe you should still be able to get the jist of the design. It's a single mainline twice around with a 2 level passenger station on one side and some switching possibilities on the other. I've had these 6 shinohara turnouts laying around forever (2 right, 2 left, a ddl Xover and a wye) so I thought I might as well do something with them. the flex will be code 70 railcraft. I hope the attachment works. Thank you for your thoughts and for looking.
Steve, Will you have access from all sides? Reach to the two back corners will be fun especially with two levels involved. I do not know how close the geometry of the Shinohara's match up to the Peco Finescale turnouts so expect some adjustments (I did not find the Shinohara's in any of the track sets in AnyRail). The issue with not being able to do angles greater than 90 degrees is only a concern with the free version as you are trying to minimize the number of pieces
That is not true. It's impossible to make curves greater than 90 degrees in any version of the software. Curves greater than 90 degrees are a mathematical problem (according to the developer, with whom I have discussed the issue). As for the layout itself, it's a bit of a spaghetti bowl, IMO. I'd recommend lightening the track load if possible.
The extra runthru tracks might be a little overkill (I removed an extra track on the left, but the right side is a little confusing) as David suggested, but my concern is with the turnback loops being so close to the benchwork edge. There's no room for error (derailment) and a scale several hundred foot plunge is inevitable without a little extra room. Either explore tightening the curves about 1/2-1" radius, or increase benchwork width at the turnback loops. The grades are really steep, at approaching 3%. You'll get a ton of elevation with those kinds of grades, but the operational headache with steep grades will make laying track that much more critical.
David, I did not say it was possible to make curves greater than 90 degrees, I said it was only a concern because he is trying to minimize the number of pieces.
I see an industry. Where do the cars originate, which will be spotted there? Where do they go? A few trips around and return?
I appreciate everyone's feedback. The crudity of the plan is from my inexperience with the layout program. The end pieces to the modules are ~ 30 inches wide, this can change give or take a couple of inches. When I used the "curve track" in the program and input 14" radius @90 degrees and then joined the together, it went to the edge of the layout...hmm, are there built in easements? I guess since Pie are round and NOT square will forever be the reason that math is difficult. But as I stated earlier, That's another discussion. The intention of the design is to incorporate the turnouts I have on hand into the space available. Thus the 6 turnout layout design. The extra long runthru was in part due to the grade and included so that while switching the industry the main line would not be blocked. I think the elevation change and the short underpass on the left of the layout would help disguise the amount of track over on that side. The confusion on the right side of the spaghetti bowl I suppose is due to the elevated loop being directly on top of the lower loop. I like the challenges involved as far as the structures needed and laying the track on them, I'm envisioning the elevated train structures in NY and a bi-level passenger station. Did I mention that I like spaghetti? As for the industry switching, pretty much like you guessed it, Boxcab, 'round and back. Thinking about it,(hindsight you know) I may have been better served to make this into a challenge for everyone on trainboard who wanted to participate i.e. Take these 6 pieces of track (2X #6 left, 2X#6 right, 1X #6 double crossover and 1X #5 wye) and incorporate them into the space provided by these 3 modules, 2 X (30" X 72") and 1 X (20" X 60") modules configured into the U shape as seen above. Design must include a passenger station that can accommodate 8, 90' passenger cars (not necessarily all inline). The winning layout design (now who would decide that?) will receive kudos and accolades from now until the end of time. Thanks for playing.
