Here's my first run through on a basement layout, room 10 x 17 roughly. I'm new to this program and am just learning the grades, etc. I'm going to experiment with the grades for the hump yard so they are not done yet. Staging will be used to bring long distance passenger and freight into the area. I've been reading a bunch of threads and tutorials but sure will be willing to learn more. I'm trying to have long trains run from either direction through the layout and then do local switching and sorting.
Tom, Have intended to reply to this for some time but have been busy. Looks like there's potential for a lot of interesting operation including a lot of industrial switching. The hump yard is interesting but not often modeled. It will present some interesting challenges. Maybe you could use air blasts to retard rolling cars? The only two things I would note are that, since you are probably planning on having trains run out of staging into the yard and return to staging, I would try to work in more staging tracks if possible. Also, an engine facility would be nice to have, maybe in the space at upper right? If you are running diesels, it could be minimal- just fuel and sand. Also pay attention to your minimum curve radii. Overall, nice plan.
Thanks for the remarks. I will have staging going underneath, just showing the parts above the table in this drawing. I figure about 4 full trains worth in a yard to bring full trains up and through the layout. I have added a few more spurs and have been trying to make sure the width of the tables doesn't get to big for a long reach. I do want to incorporate a diesel servicing area near the arrival track. I was hoping for 30" radii but settled on 24" and larger for mainlines The program makes lists of pieces and has made me realize my air powered turnouts will cost too much. I have been researching model airplane hardware to make linkages for fascia mounted turnout pulls. I have a ton of wire for yard signs (stiff #9 gauge I think) that would do the majority of the work. I have read of several hump yards, and using air jets seems like the most fun way to control speeds. I need to experiment with the correct grades and weights. I need to spend the summer outside building cattle fences and making hay, but doing deep planning is really a great way to learn the hobby. Now that I have roughed in industries I'm researching the correct cars and loading methods to model. I'm aiming at 1950-60's for sand, cement, lumber, wood chips, grain etc. I'm also looking at a doodlebug type local passenger train to compliment the inter city line running through the . I'm also moved a few tracks around to make sure 10 car trains could use the passenger station and not block a freight coming through. This will take some more refining and get built in stages starting next fall.
I keep fiddling to add some more industries and to spread them around the layout. So far there is cut stone, gravel, sawn wood, ash, scrap, and box car loads coming out of the layout; and cement, sand, grain, TOFC trailers, and box car loads coming in. During switching there will be occasional passenger trains and through freights coming out and returning to staging. A big challenge has been to get large radii and keep the reach reasonable. The Anyrail program has been tough to learn (the instructions are not real clear) but the online forum answered my questions and it really works well for developing grades.
Tom, Sounds like you've done some very thorough research and developed a nice variety of traffic. Also, the model airplane hardware might work well for turnouts you can't reach. For those close enough to the edge of your benchwork, you might consider Caboose Industries hand throws. These are relatively inexpensive and add some interest to operation by putting you "on the ground" as the crew would be during switching. Your 24" minimum radius should be good for most equipment you would want to use on a layout this size. The only thing I don't see is a well developed waterfront area, although that could be worked around the "blob" at upper left at some point in the future.
