Basement N scale layout

Jerry Tarvid Oct 14, 2015

  1. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    The Eola Sub has moved to Northern Kentucky with plans for a larger modern freelance switching layout. Layout will be an "L" island design 28 x 20 with center divider / view block. Based loosely on the geographic area from Eola, Illinois to Cicero, with large modern day industries located in the Chicagoland area.

    Bench work will be "L" girder at an average height of 52 inches. Track will be Kato Unitrack on 1/2 inch sub roadbed. This will be run using DCC and JMRI.

    Industries include warehouses, intermodal, chemical plant, concrete plant and flour mill. The chemical plant and flour mill are large industries and contain storage tracks for local switching duties using leased switch engines. The Eola yard is a classification yard with engine service terminal and car shop. The Cicero yard will be used for storage / open staging.

    I'm leaning toward a double track mainline, although the prototype is triple track. Mainline will use #6 switches and have 19" minimum radius curves with 28" easements. Maximum grade of 1.5%.

    I have a corresponding thread on selective compression issues with a larger N scale layout. My thanks and appreciation for your ideas and suggestions. I have brought many of the ideas presented forward into the current layout design. I expect to start construction on this layout in 2016.

    Your thoughts and critique of the layout would be greatly appreciated. Click on the "Full Size Media" tab when the picture comes up, then enlarge for a zoom in view for greater detail.

    Jerry

     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2015
    SecretWeapon likes this.
  2. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I like your chosen benchwork height.
     
  3. TwinDad

    TwinDad TrainBoard Member

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    Me too. It's just a little lower than mine, and will give a nice "eye level" (ish) view, I think.

    If you don't mind me asking, what part of Kentucky?
     
  4. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Looking good Jerry. I too am working on my basement so I am in the same mindset.

    Charlie
     
  5. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    I like that height for working on the layout. It gives me clearance for my elbows and does not strain my back. In the sitting position it is at eye level for viewing. I live in Northern Kentucky within 15 minutes driving distance of Cincinnati, Ohio. Having a good sized dry basement for model railroading has been my dream from the get go Charlie.

    I chose the island design for accessibility, no duck under, no lift up or swinging bridge and a common back drop. The back drop will be removable for decoration purposes. The wrap around curves will be on a 1.5% grade, up on one end and back down on the other end. This will be my first time using the "L" girder / joist design.
     
  6. TwinDad

    TwinDad TrainBoard Member

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    Looks like a solid plan. Even my wife agrees, if we ever move, a train basement (or at least a good sized train room somewhere in the house) is very high on the "must have" list. :)

    I'm in Lexington, not too far away, so if you ever need an extra pair of hands, drop me a line...
     
    Jerry Tarvid likes this.
  7. cajon

    cajon TrainBoard Member

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    Have just seen your plan for the first time. Only "problem" to me would be no Xovers on both sides of any of the yards. They will give you more operating possibilities by having trains exiting/entering the yards to either mainline.
     
  8. Philip H

    Philip H TrainBoard Member

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    My initial reaction is you need more space between yards or yard like features on the inside of your L. It could make for a lot of "fun" operating, but if the nose if an inbound come in contact witha yard job or a through train as it round the bend coming out of another yard, it will be a challenge.
     
  9. locomcf

    locomcf TrainBoard Member

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    I agree with Andy that you need more cross-overs between the main tracks. Also, there's no provision for running around trains at Harvest States Milling, or the industries at Downers Grove.

    I note that Cicero yard is for staging, but if you ever want to do any switching there then you may want switch leads, or you'll be constantly blocking the main.

    Personally, I'm not a big fan of double track mainlines for switching layouts. I think single track with appropriate passing sidings provides more operating interest, especially for the local freight crew. When you operate the layout on your own you can set a through train running around the main for 'interference' and then then switch with another train.

    Good luck with this. It looks like it will be an enjoyable layout.

    Regards,
    Ron
     
  10. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks TD for the offer. Thank you Andy, Philip and Ron for helping me get back on track with my layout design. I had not taken a close look at the placement of crossovers or run around sidings on the layout since working on the selective compression aspect. I appreciate your observations greatly!

    The crossovers at each end of the Eloa yard have been added exactly like the prototype. The sidings for the warehouse / industry and flour mill were added and also match the prototype. A fringe benefit of adding the siding for the warehouse / industry is now I have triple track for a short distance through Downers Grove for a prototypical appearance.

    As far as Cicero yard is concerned it will remain an open staging / storage yard only. I think the crossover next to the Cicero yard will accomplish what I need in terms of getting trains around the chemical plant / flour mill when trains are present.

    Thanks again guys, you make this rock!

     
  11. Jerry Tarvid

    Jerry Tarvid TrainBoard Member

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    Built my first section of L-girder bench work using Linn Westcott's design with one slight variation. My layout design will require all of the keeper joists to be removed, so I decided to position the keeper joists below the girder instead of on top. I also shortened the braces on the front for better storage and under table access. I added adjustable mounting feet to the legs using 3/8" T-nuts with 3" long carriage bolts.

    Further construction on the new layout will have to wait until I stud out the basement walls, bathroom and utility room. In the interim I decided to construct a temporary 4 x 8 layout so I can have some fun running trains. I chose a modified version of The Salt Lake Route published in Model Railroader in January of 2010.



     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2015
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  12. RedRiverRR4433

    RedRiverRR4433 TrainBoard Member

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    Looking good so far Jerry.

    Have fun with it.......:cool::cool:

    Shades
     

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