Turnback loop design help needed

I need some help planning a turnback curve for the left end of my N Scale UP layout where I have a “blob” that I am just not happy with. I model modern (late 1990’s)era with intermodal trains and need to accommodate SD90’s. Any of the ideas that I have come up with are not satisfying my needs. The layout is a dogbone style, with the appearance of a double track mainline for everything except the turnback loops.

Entrance to this “blob” is via a 1’ by 4’ domino coming out of a 90 degree corner. The other half of this corner is another 1x4 domino which joins the long side of the first domino. There is an existing double track main line entering it via a left hand 18” curve such that it is parallel to the long side of this domino with 2’ left towards the blob. I apologize that I do not have a drawing of the area, but could do one quickly in MS Paint.

The “blob” itself is a rectangle with one corner lopped off. Starting counterclockwise from the back, along the wall, where the domino joins it, it is 4’ long, the next side is 3’6” wide, the side opposite the 4’ side is 3’ and the last side is cut an angle so it tapers back to 1’ wide to join with the domino.

Other constraints are that the 3’6” side is the first view upon entering the layout area. I cannot add on to this side or the angled side, but on the 3’ side I can and actually would like to add a visible staging yard possibly disguised as an interchange. I have at least an 8’ length that I can use for this, I can go as wide as 3’ for this yard, but would prefer it to be 18” wide or so. Ideally, this yard would allow trains to leave in either direction onto the mainline, and might feature both an engine house and as a secondary consideration an intermodal yard. I would like to have some industry in the blob, and retain the ability for continuous running in this area. Additionally, I would most likely not add the yard immediately, but wish to make this happen easily.

I am in a position where I can modify my benchwork easily if needed. Currently the blob is open grid with 2” of foam over the benchwork. My preference is to avoid grades, but do not wish to limit the layout. Turnouts will be handlaid as needed, so I am not forced to go with commercial ones. Atlas code 55 flextrack will be used for the rest of the track.

If anyone wants to take a shot at designing this blob, I would be very appreciative. Any other questions about the area or my druthers will be happily answered via email or posting.

Thanks

Kirk

 

Post us a drawing of your space requirements and what track requirements (sidings, industry spurs, etc)... and I'll see what I can do for ya.

Also, if you have drawings of what you currently have, include those.

I love track planning

[ 05 January 2002: Message edited by: RidgeRunner ]

 

http://www.angelfire.com/nc2/jon/up_layout.html

Here's a couple ideas. Check it out, and let me know what you think

 

Thanks, Jon,

The second one is one I think I will play around with as it seems to fit my criteria best.

Thanks again.

Kirk

 

Yer welcome. I'd like to see pictures if you build it

 

I appreciate the compliments One problem tho... I don't think you'll get the
images to show up here. They're on Angelfire, and they won't allow remote loading of images.

I am willing to help anyone with layout design issues as long as I have time for it. However, please understand that I am a college student, and I may not have time at a given point to be designing layouts. My specialty is not so much designing entire layouts, as it is designing parts of layouts such as what I've done for nodima.

Y'all have a nice day now, y'heah