Almost a door layout

here is the first thought on my layout. the space is what I was alloted.
Its basically a return loop to return loop. the loops are stacked on the left side. the layout would climb 6 inches between loops and the two passing sidings would be flat. what do you guys think? I am looking for some constructive criticism before I start construction. Also where do you think I could fit some staging... maybe under the high line off of the lower loop?


Thanks in Advance - Randy

 

Looks like you've done some homework! When I saw that you wanted a 6" elevation change I did some quick calculations. It will take about 24' at 2% to get your 6", you should be ok. It might be a bit close for clearance on the right side tunnel though. I sure wouldn't use more than a 2% grade if you can avoid it.
What height do you plan to build your layout at? Construction is always easier at table height. For operating I personally like my viewing height at about armpit/shoulder height; closer to eye level. That takes away the 'helicopter' view which I feel makes them look toy like. This is most noticeable in N and Z than bigger scales.
Do you have access to the track inside your tunnels? There is an unwritten law that trains will jump the track in the worst possible place which is usually deep corners just past your fingertips and tunnels. Even with the most perfect track work. You will also need access to be able to clean the track.
Hidden staging can be tricky. Same as tunnels having easy access is a real plus. It hard to make up trains and fiddle with cars in hidden staging. I suppose that's another plus to a high mounted layout, it's easier to get to the underside .

 

Are they 1' squares? The first thing that springs to my newbie mind is the tight radius of the loops.

 

Bayou - The layout with 2'' foam base will be 54'' off the floor which is about my armpit level give or take that seems to be a good height for me to watch trains in n scale. I have a milk crate or two to stand on to get to the back which is why I didn't want to go more than 18'' deep. As far as staging I will not be able to get to the back because the layout will be against the walls for now due to lack of room, as this is an apartment layout. I was concerned about putting the staging in the back due to a layout I run on has hidden staging and of course that is where all the derailments happen, never where the trains are in full view. The tunnel on the right could be visible track with the upper line on a bridge but I felt that it may be easier to scenic that way. As far as the grade I may have to use 3% on the section from the bottom town to ''around the horn'' at the bottom right mainly because I would like to have the passing siding sitting at 4'' above ground level.


David R - Yes they are 1' squares. I had just done a quick job of the track plan in xtrkcad so its not exact the minimum radius will be 12'' I am working on a more exact plan now and will post when finished.

Thanks for your input I will be working on the plan. As for dimensions I am ''allotted'' the 12' length and 5' along the walls and not more than 3' deep for the turn arounds


I would still like to find some staging other than the turnback loops an I am also considering not ''scenicing'' them at all just having the backdrop at about 3' from the left side.

Any thoughts?

 

For a 12" radius, you'll need about 27" width - track centerline about 1" from the wall and 2" from the front. You don't want to squeeze too close to the edge.

 

Slightly OT, but related to the above post...
Where is the radius of a curved piece of track measured to? Inside or outside rail, or the centre of the two?

 

I have up to 36 inches available I am just not sure if I want to use all of it or not.

 

Oh totally forgot this will be a 50s ish layout so mostly Rs-1 Ft's and some 2-6-0 and 2-8-0's and mostly 40ft cars maybe a few 50ft. will the 12'' be ok for this? I will probably have to move this layout in the next 2 years so if I can keep it a little smaller it would probably be good.

 

I like it. Thats a nice long run.

 

Yep , given a choice in the long run I'd take the long run over broad curves every time . Work'n on an L shaped plan only 28" wide but 98 " along one leg and 120" on the other .

 

Version 2 completed

Here is a completed version 2



How does this look?

 

Usually, radius is measured to the center of the track.

 

As long as there are no passenger cars, all that will run on 9.75". Going a little bigger than that will allow more freedom. That is, sometime soon, you'll probably find some slightly bigger loco you just have to have...