Hey All! I've recently convinced myself that I need to add light rail to my shelf switching layout. So I picked up a set of the Modemo cars to repaint as my local line and I was wondering about the light rail infrastructure. Can I assume that sharp curves (I'm looking at some brass units that can handle a 4.5" curve!!) and steep grades (say 8%?) is normal? I'd also like to have some elevated track (maybe across a bridge) as a view block, but I wonder if the catenary will cause problems with switching. Does anyone have have any suggestions about avoiding potential problems (will it be an issue reaching over 2" wired track to uncouple cars?) Also, in general I'm struggling with using some larger buildings (some of the Kato "Diotown" stuff is amazing) as view blocks, worried it will be a negative impact on operations. I suppose this really needs pictures, but I'm looking for any pointers on setting up view blocks to enhance operations and make the layout look larger, and not to making operations a pain. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Brad.
I am building a layout with staging hidden inside buildings. I haven't gotten far enough yet to claim I absolutely know it will work. My hidden staging will be inside a solid row of connected port transfer shed buildings with easily removable roof. (At top of plan) I will NOT use stock buildings but will kitbash to make a fairly thin front wall, and about 2 to 3 story equivalents tall, just tall enough to hide a train. The tops of ships will be visible over the roof of the sheds, much like the prototype I am modeling. The prototype cargo shed was once called the Mallory Line dock, so my hidden staging will be named "Mallory". I think the staging behind buildings can be made to work, IF YOU WORK AT MAKING IT WORK.
Ken: Every time I look at your track plan, I keep finding more things I like about it!:thumbs_up: Elevated track as a view block will work well, as long as the shelf is set at a height that allows the El tracks to hide the tracks (and tallest cars) behind it. If the 2" wired track you refer to has catenary/wires above, then cleaning track and uncoupling cars will be very difficult...unless you are able to reach horizontally into the space between the railheads and the catenary. Nearby buildings will have to be moved...and the area for 16 inches (the length from your elbow to where you would hold a track cleaning rag or pad) in front of the wired track will need to be completely unobstructed by telephone poles, small buildings, trees, towers, etc because your elbow will be magically attracted to any of these more delicate features on your layout. It could if you will need to have access to the hidden tracks to fiddle with cars, locos, and turnouts/ground throws, especially during an operating session (instead of before or after the session). If you will only be moving the buildings outside of the session, then be absolutely sure you have some place to put the building whenever you take if off the layout. 1. On the floor is vulnerable to stepping on it, inadvertently kicking it, and Cat-astrophies--or Dog-astrophies; 2. on the layout is very inconvenient for the building and for any scenery that will get damaged by putting the building on it--even for a short time; and 3. a shelf leaves the building vulnerable to the Big Plunge. That said, very low hills with small/short buildings or trees on them, will work as well as larger buildings. Check out these view blocks in front of two mainline tracks or these in front of two staging tracks.
Ken- Thanks for the confirmation of using building 'fronts' as staging - I've been wondering about that, and lazy me noted that the kraft mill from Walthers is large enough to contain a reverse loop for light rail. Nice layout too, I'm interested in your progress. Dave- Thanks for your comments. I hadn't considered track cleaning. So do you think that it's ok to have a 2"-3" structure (or catenary) in front of track that may need to be manually switched/uncoupled? In many cases I'm aiming for view blocks that may be a bit untraditional (or not really a view block per se)... I don't necessarily care to block to view totally (or hide the fact that track/train is there); I'm just trying to obscure the vision of the operator enough so they will have to move a few feet down to a new spot to see clearly (and thus physically follow the operations and maybe give the feeling of distance). I guess the goal is the same but it's done a little differently; if that makes sense. This is on a 5' x 5' layout, so there isn't much space. I'm putting together a track plan for review and will hopefully post it soon. Thanks, Brad.
