I am going to be modeling Southern Pacific, but I am not trying to build an accurate portrayal. Mostly for fun, etc. I have a layout and I am looking to expand it in the future, but want to get started on *some landscaping and such. I would appreciate some suggestions. I would like to model alot of Northern Calif. industry: grain, freight, etc. I also want to run a daylight passenger train. Lets have some critique, suggestions, ideas for expansion, and mostly landscape/industry/town location suggestions. Thanks in advance! Here is a link to the atlas RTS file: RAL Here is a quick jpg picture of the plan: And here is a photo with good perspective:
Here's a scenery challenge for ya: See if you can model some vineyards ala Napa Valley! Somehow when people say Northern California I think vineyards and wine, don't know why..
It looks good so far. how is the track running? I think you have a nice middle area where you can add some kind of small town with industries. Maybe a yard and a turntable. Maybe a small station. Basically I think it is worth putting a couple stations so you can have some kind of passenger service go from station to station. Although it depends what time you are modelling. On the outside passing track of the little oval I'd put a small station and maybe even some structures between the curve tracks, like a freight house or some such thing. Some sort of optical divider to make one track into the main and the other a secondary track where you can park some cars. The long straight section on the back, I'd make it wind and put a little jog in it. Long trains look cool when they wind around slight curves. Put some hills along the back of the layout so the tracks have something to rest on. A river somehwere would be good too. You mentioned grain. Build a grain elevator and put it along a secondary track. Walthers makes a decent grain elevator kit. when I could, I would add some spurs here and there with industries of all kinds.
I thought about putting the grain elevator between that outside and inside passing track of that little oval. I figured on building a mountain along that long back stretch too, but I also want to make sure I have the ability to continue with future expansion off to the right (near that big funny looking glue factory) The river is pretty much decided already, considering the bridge in the front there. I'm just stumbling around on how to tie it all in. (This is my first layout ever)
Assuming 1 - this is N scale; 2 - the grid is 12"; 3 - you want the most famous version of the Daylight, the one hauled by a GS-4; I don't you can fulfill your goals. A 4-8-4 won't be able to handle the 9.75" curves of the small oval, and probably not the 11" curves on the top section either.
LifeLike E8 and Bachmann F7A/B for the daylight. I know the GS-4 won't make the 9.75" radius. I do intend on getting a 4-8-2 light mountain.
Five Flat, Here is how I miight fill the space: These reflect my personal bias for large yard area and industrial area for some switching interest.. Consider this a "concept". Needless to say my additions are not to scale. If you would like I could do a more specific industrial area.
I do want a yard too, and I think I've come up with something for future track plans later on which I have attached below. But I need some suggestions as far as landscaping, etc. I guess I don't really have to have it all 'planned' out do I? I can just start with one area and kinda work little by little? Obviously the River and mountains are kind of already decided with the track that's already laid. Let me know how you all started with your first layout. Thanks! Sheldon BTW: The crossover would be an 'over and under' NOT a crossover.
The GS-4 "Daylight" must certainly would not run on those tight curves. The Spectrum 4-8-2 Light Mountain will be able to negotiate those tight radii. You really don't have enough room to make that crossover an under and over. You don't have enough room for a reasonable 2% grade. Anything over 2% is pushing your motive power to the extreme limits. Steve's yard plan is less geometrical and would be more pleasing once you develop some scenery. Your initial plan leaves little provision for expansion. I suggest you look at many more plans before you make any final decisions for the space you have available at this time. Stay cool and run steam....
Well, the initial mainline is already laid. As you can see from the photo above. So I am trying to figure out something for a 2nd mainline. I know that I won't be able to run a GS-4 on those tight curves - we've talked about this before - I can run a light mountain 4-8-2 though. I am restricted to a 26" depth for this initial layout. I might be able to tear this layout down in a few years and go bigger, but at the moment this is what I have to work with.
I would not place the yard where it is for two reasons. #1 The yard tracks are somewhat small. #2 A Yard should have a lead or drill track where a loco can work without tieing up the mainline. I would try to maximize the curve radius on the mainline part and play down any smaller ones. You have a space that could allow for wider turns. why not expand your bench work right where the end curves are and get a 12 to 13 inch radius curve on there? just make a little ballon shape for the curve to expand out and then wrap around the end.
Five Flat, I realize you have already laid track. Still, you might think about some changes. (reposted from another asking for help) Take a look at these sites for a starting place: http://www.naisp.net/mfischer/m_train2.htm http://www.layoutdepot.com/designs.ihtml I'll be happy to work with you.
I spent most of last night trying different things and thought I had something figured out so I ended up pulling alot of my track up just to find out my new idea didn't work. I really can't do much more than what I've got now. I was able to get 11" radius out of the bottom curve, but it also ended up eliminating the inner loop. I ended up very frustrated at put all my track back down where it was originally. I certainly appreciate everyone's suggestions and help. I hope you all are still willing to giving me suggestions, etc. after not heeding your warnings/suggestions regarding the tight curves. I want to complete this small layout and have fun with it. One of the main reasons I went with N scale was because I knew I couldn't get a 36" loop built. Once I get this little layout done and have a little more knowledge and confidence I will venture on to a new much larger layout. But since my house is on the market, I don't want to get started with a big project until I get moved and settled down. Again, I hope you all don't take my decisions as any disrespect, because I wan't to still be able to get help and suggestions from you all.
FiveFlat : I understand your concerns. On the original track plan you really don't need that small inner loop which is just a small circle. Remove that loop and make a yard off the mainline as Steve has illustrated in his post above. You then could have some fun switching cars around in the yard situation. You could also make a passing siding off your main line track. You have the room to do that. Stay cool and run steam.....
I like that idea! I will remove the inner circle. I can make a passing siding along the main line where that existing spur comes off the inner loop. I'll put the yard up top where Steve suggested. Thanks!
I think the original plan is actually allright. I would simply add some things onto it. If your trains run on the small radius curves then go for it. I sort of like that smaller loop. I would leave the original plan but add some long spurs for parking trains onto it. Make sure any storage tracks are atleast three feet long. Like you said, you need to get going and have some fun. no matter what you do on paper it's always the reality of laying out that proves whether it will work or not. Also, once you get going with structures they have a way of not fitting into your trackplan sometimes , that can make you want to pull your hair out one at a time. It isn't uncommon to find that what you have no longer fits your needs and start over again. Most of us have built or partially built a dozen different layouts over the years.
I'm diggin' it... I'll have to play around with it! From your plan I can move that turnout for the yard about 10" forward (toward the bottom) for longer yard track.
