I'm into my 5th Version and once again looking for constructive criticism of my latest design while the wife and I continue to free up the space where this N Scale 3-Deck Continuous Loop Layout would go... So here goes nothing... Blank Canvas Benchwork Deck #0 (Bottom) / Hidden Staging Area
All I see is lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of track... If that's your goal, I think you scored a home run. But unless this is a small club layout, I'm not seeing something practical for one person (or even two).
Great First Point Good point I do need to explain my goal... My Roster is DC based with long passenger cars so it will be Min 15" radii 2 Track Loop that can also be used as a large single track This is more for pure viewing and Photo/Video usage This is NOT for Operator Sessions hence the lack of Isle space for many people Enough Sidings to hold the roster at various locations
Using the old Atlas RTS v8 for proto-typing the design as its simple to use even for the terrain stuff My RR Model Roster can be seen here: http://myrailroad.wordpress.com/ Track #1 (Green - Passenger) Track #2 (Blue - Freight)
I think this could be accomplished with much less track, possibly even on one deck (at most two). And wide aisles aren't just for operators... even if this is strictly for viewing, you won't want to be cramped doing that, either. Just try using a camera in a 24" space (I have, and it ain't fun). Oh, and 15" is pretty tight for long passenger cars. Think in terms of 18" as a bare minimum, preferably much broader. Still trying to figure out what's going on with that turntable... I'm not getting that...
My "Yard" area consists of a Engine House, Water Tower, Yard Office, Fuel Tanks, and a old Round House with the Turn-Table there to switch Old and Newer Engines to their resting place With what space I have, the Min 15" radii is just a fact of the space. With the view of the Yard you can see the my two Main Lines curving around at 15" and 16.25" with no room to spare. I do want two LOOOOONG Mainlines that can be combined into a Longer yet single track. Hidden in the Access Area below are two Return Loops that will allow the two tracks to work as one in the DC system.
Ah. That is an engine house at left side. If possible, I'd break those many switched leads into more positions off the turntable.
I will give that a try while shooting to keep the 15" radii minimum and move the Water Tank and Yard Office around as need More Example of my D&H Roster that will run on this...
Indeed. And if this is more or less just a display area for locos, then there's really no need to run the mainline around it; the whole engine facility can simply be accessed via a branch off of the main, and still serve its purpose. There are all sorts of options for a smoother, easier-to-build and easier-to-operate layout that will support passenger trains with far greater realism. As it is, you've got such a rat's nest of hidden track and tight curves that it 1) creates a small nightmare to build and maintain, and 2) defeats the purpose of being able to see your trains. Just sayin'...
Trust me, I do appreciate the feedback while I try to explain & depend the concept I am looking for. The main view will just be me sitting at my desk while working on my computer (which is where I am right now) and/or watching TV. SO I am looking to have the train(s) come by now and then as they work around this massive loop. To also help show the Helix area more... Deck #1 - The Quad-Helix at this level is from the inner (15" & 16.25") coming down from Deck #2 to Deck #0. The Outer (17.5 & 18.75") are coming up from Deck #0 to Deck #1. In the two train mode I'm visioning the trains coming up from Deck #0 and entering onto Deck #1 heading to the right along the Fireplace wall, crossing through a winter scene and heading in front of the hidden helix area onto the main Deck #1 (Tunnel District). The "PINK" track would be only use for "Single Train" operation where now Deck #0 is Idle (not used) and nor is the majority of the Helix. The tracks in the Upper Left are coming out of the Tunnel District and have raised in grade to enter onto Deck #2 shortly... Deck #2 - The Tracks from Deck #1 pass into the Helix and exit onto Deck #2 again along the Fireplace wall. Make their lap around the Yard and pass by my desk again before heading on out to the main Deck #2 area. Like with Deck #1 the upper left tracks are those lines now returning that either head into the Helix to head down to Deck #0 (Two train mode) OR use the "PINK" line as a return path in Single Train Mode
Well then, all I have to say is more power to you. From my experience, based on these plans, it's a potential nightmare in the making, with loads of construction, operation, maintenance and cosmetic issues (not to mention the cost), but then again perhaps I'm just not "getting it." It's your vision and you need to do what you feel will fulfill it, so far be it from me to try and steer you in another direction.
David, please don't let my defense of my concept discourage telling what you think is wrong as the whole reason I am up to Version #5 is I have been taking in the Tough Love / Constructive feedback such as what you are giving and seeing how I might make adjustments. If I were to ask, what are your say three (3) biggest specific technical / maintenance issues with this; you would respond???? I am looking for folks to point out specific pitfalls that will most likely bite me in the butt...
It's difficult to summarize just a few concerns, since I personally see the whole layout as needing a clean slate treatment. Be that as it may, here are my top three: 1. Simply way, way too much track, all poured into a bowl like spaghetti. In addition to posing a major construction headache, I see it creating serious access problems, especially with all of the various tunnels; simple routine maintenance, such as track cleaning, will suffer. 2. In addition to the dozens of tunnels, there are hidden switches, which are highly undesirable, and a fair amount of track that will be very difficult to reach, either being far from the edge of the benchwork or hidden among buildings. 3. The narrow aisles, while you may not see as a problem, will rear their ugly head as you attempt to work on three different levels from one cramped space. Beyond these specific technical issues, the endlessly winding, overly-tight curves will not only create potential operational difficulties, they don't look at all realistic, and especially will make long passenger trains appear toy-like. Indeed, most of the plan bears a "Lionel" quality, where the (very few) straight tracks run mostly parallel to the edges of the layout. This is an altogether-too-common design mistake that compromises appearance yet is easily rectified. And I haven't even looked at the plan from the standpoint of grades; my gut says you'll have some big problems with these, given the many points at which the tracks cross. The scenario you describe of sitting at the computer desk and seeing a train roll by on occasion can be recreated with probably one-third of the track you have. Unless your trains are running close to warp speed, you won't see them as often as you may like considering the mileage they must cover. Designing a plan with lots of track for the sake of having lots of track does not lend itself to a good-looking, reliable-running layout. I would also be quite concerned that a three-deck layout with this much track is biting off more than one can chew. I accept that this is a fantasy layout (given the impossible juxtaposition of the Delaware & Hudson with a setting in the Rockies), but that doesn't mean it has to look like a roller-coaster ride. Unless, of course, that's your vision...
