Permission has been granted for the use of a spare bedroom; therefore, a new layout is called for. Current layout is on a 36" x 80" hollow core door. I would appreciate some input on the proposed plan. Some particulars of the plan are as follows: 1. N-Scale 2. Size - 10' x 7.5' L-shaped, 30" depth 3. Era - Modern; however, will operate a steam excursion 4. Elevation - 0" (no mountains or tunnels in NW Florida) 5. Industries based on some existing structures but subject to change 6. Benchwork will be open grid 7. 95% sure at this point of going DCC Image of proposed plan is as follows: Thanks, Charles [ 16. April 2003, 18:11: Message edited by: asab501 ]
Charles- Looks like you've got everything lined up and ready to go. Most model RR's are never truly "finished." New models are frequently being released. And fresh inspirations always come along. So you can go back to change something at any time. The most important thing to remember is that it's your empire. Have fun!!! Boxcab E50 [ 16. April 2003, 18:25: Message edited by: BoxcabE50 ]
It looks like a nice layout,I would have 1 possibility that may improve operations for you.Your industry area you have marked 2 and 3.The mainline to the right of this,Would you have room for a passing track which could double as an industrial lead?It would help to have this passing track for 2 train operation and would also give you a runaround area for the industry spurs.Just a thought.I am kind of a beginner myself when it comes to designing layouts but in reading John Armstrongs design book,he emphasises passing sidings,leads and runarounds.That looked like an ideal spot for 1 on your road and could then be setup with a seperate Block so your Local could be switching this while another unit could still be freerolling on the mainline.
I like it. Personally though, I'm not a big fan of stub ended yards. If it were my layout I'd try to find a way to get a through yard on there. Every yard I've ever seen has been a through hard. I know there are stub ended yards too...I've just never seen them. Plus I like to be able to run trains in either direction from the yard. Also, the above suggestion for an industrial lead/runaround is good. [ 16. April 2003, 19:24: Message edited by: Hoss ]
Upon investigation I have found out that Hoss owns stock in Atlas and he likes double end yards because you have to have twice as many switches which means better profits . But seriously I also like a through yard for the same reasons as he does. It just gives you a little more flexability!!!!
Well now, I have designed a stub ended yard into my layout,however i do have hidden staging yard in another area to form a point to loop to point so to speak.I do have the option of making it a through yard if i want a duckunder.But i dont want to duck under Perhaps i can be convinced though.I have the turnouts i would need but i may need to design a larger panel
I also agree with the guys a through yard rather than a stub ended yard would enhance operations especially for thruogh running.
I'll just say that Peco has made a lot of money off of me in my yard alone...not to mention the rest of the layout.
I have made a few mods to your plan very quickly. I'll go through my points now. A - A runaround here will greatly increase your operations of the industries. A local can work without tying up the main too much, and can work cars off of either end of the train. B - This tail on the switchback is really only long enough for a locomotive and a single freight car. However it looks like industry #3 can hold 3 or 4 cars. This will made switching long and hard. Perhaps moving the first turnout of the switchback to right after the runaround will give you a longer tail. C - Runaround again for increased operational ability. D - This industrial siding (#6) would most likely be a through siding, and not stub end since there is room for a locomotive to pull off the siding without having to move the car spotted at industry #4. E - The yard. Definitely a good idea to have a through yard. I would move the yard completely inside the curve. Also, you need a yard lead. Right now if you are switching the yard, you will undoubtedly foul the crossing in the middle of the layout, bringing all mainline operations to a halt. If you search around this forum a little more, there is a lot on yard design. A general point, it looks like you are using sectional track. Flextrack is significantly better as it reduces electrical loss and the likelihood of derailments. Also, it will allow you a larger radius. It appears you are using 11" radius curves (22" diameter). With modern equipment, the wider the better. I would probably go out to a 12.5 or 13" radius (25 or 26" diameter) using flextrack (assuming your back edges are against the wall). The wider the better in this case. [ 18. April 2003, 15:38: Message edited by: Harron ]
Wow,nice job Cory,I missed severl things and you didnt miss a trick.It makes me think i had better take a much harder look at my track plan.Your knowledge of operations,willingness to help, and the ability to make those changes with your software really makes you an assett to this board for certain.I am truly Impressed.Now if i can just figure out how to shrink my jpg file to get my trackplan sketch posted, Perhaps i could get your input.
How do you post an RTS generated track plan as a jpeg?? I've never been able to figure out how to do this....
I don't know RTS, so I don't know if there is an export option, but els one simple way is to do a print screen which will make a bitmap copy in the clipboard and then open paint, past clipboard and save the view as jpg file. Jesper
I would be happy to feed back on more layouts. I like to design, and I like to operate as well, so my designs and critiques of designs tend to lean towards realistic operation. I'm not an authority on it, but if you'd like my opinion, I can sure give it. Tileguy, e-mail me your jpg and I will resize it and send it back to you. Hoss, you can take a screen grab, that's the only way I am aware of to get RTS into jpg format. Also, I have RTS, so if any of you would like to e-mail me the actual RTS file after posting a jpg here it would make visualizing my adjustments a lot easier and I'd be happy to make mods. If you then wanted the new file, I'd send it back.
Wow,Thanks for the Offer Corey.I made a couple quick sketch changes and rescanned.I emailed it to you and look forward to your opinion and Advice.Go ahead,be brutal I can take it Thanks again!!
