I'm trying to figure out what your intention here is. Unless you pull a train out of the yard and then back up, there is no way to access the main line.
In Jerry's latest plan a switch job can pull a cut of cars out of the yard & shove on to the mainline thru the left hand Xover. If the yard lead was between the two Xovers, the switch job can get to the main w/o any switchback moves. And if that were the case then the left hand Xover isn't even needed saving both the CCR AND the modeler the cost of an extra Xover!
I just looked at it again and still don't see where this is possible. However, I'd sure appreciate knowing.
Are you looking a Jerry's latest plan at 146P today? There's two Xovers that go between the siding & the main. Mattun has said before that his trains will only be 2-5 cars long so there shouldn't be any problems that way. Where exactly do you see problems?
You are absolutely correct! Originally Posted by cajon In Jerry's latest plan a switch job can pull a cut of cars out of the yard & shove on to the mainline thru the left hand Xover. If the yard lead was between the two Xovers, the switch job can get to the main w/o any switchback moves. And if that were the case then the left hand Xover isn't even needed saving both the CCR AND the modeler the cost of an extra Xover! The left hand crossover is optional. See attached revision; which is cheaper to build and will meet the basic needs of this small yard. What I do not like myself is the caboose track as it is causing the yard to spread out more than it needs to. Also revised this area. Jerry
The only real problem w/ any of these latest designs is the usable siding (bottom) is only half the length of the mainline (top). Can you redo it easily enough so that engine, yard & RIP tracks come off one lead just right of the Xover?
All on one turnout causes the yard to extend past the bench work. Keep in mind his longest train will probably be only half the length of the siding as it stand now. See if what I have done is enough. Jerry
Jerry This plan looks very good. Main & siding are almost the same length. As such either track can be used for A/D. And in the days of this layout (1880-1910?) that concept was probably not even developed. What ever track the conductor wanted to use was the one used. To heck w/ any company rules or RR SOPs!
I'm in Europe: the Netherlands, as per my flag . Will be interesting to see what your friend's Sn3 will look like. I think this is an exact copy of Jerry's plan, except that I put the caboose track on the other side, so that it's adjacent to the yard office. I also didn't find the space for the 5th yard track, though I made a new team track to sit next to the station building. Some more questions/remarks: What would be logical spots/sequence for track scales, water tower (or towers, perhaps one extra alongside the main for locos stopping just for water?), ash pit, coaling station (can this be just a box with coal that's shovelled in by hand?), sand... did I forget any? I've used #5 turnouts on all locations where only the switcher/small locos would go, and #7s everywhere else. Forgot to check if the lead for the ore dock etc. is long enough now, but I will. Trying to find a spot for one more industry track, possibly on the tail of the lead?
Nice looking revision to the track plan!:thumbs_up: You have advanced your layout considerably over the past five days. As for engine services what you said pretty much covers it. You may have to tweak a few things as you lay in your final scenic plans. Keep us posted on your progress. Photos are always nice. Jerry
My comments are after ** Like Jerry said your layout is looking very good! **Other observations: Can the siding be closer to the main? Normal spacing is 14' (0.0875" N scale) between most tracks unless you're using that spacing for "finger room". It looks like you could put another siding in that space. The yard spacing looks OK. Back in the day it use to be only 13'. Conductors & brakeman walked on the roofs for switching the yards. Normally most sidings & spurs are parallel to the mainline and not so "free flowing" as in your design. Or is it that just a function of your CAD program? W/o knowing the actual length of your mine spur it looks like you could get away w/ a 4% grade. That shouldn't be too hard for a 0-4-0 & 2 cars. The yard office looks too big. You could get away w/ one about 1/4 that size. Don't know if there would be a turntable at a mine-maybe a wye. But if you can shove up to the mine (w/o derailing!) you wouldn't need to turn the engine.
Mattun Just saw this N scale club in San Diego CA. Didn't see anny Nn3 but if you contact them they may be able to help find some. The San Diego Society of N Scale
Excellent plan! Is it possible to scribble some names down on these tracks, so I can figure what goes where? I'd like to see a passenger depot and some other facilities as I think of them. Mark
If you click on the bar above the plan a couple of times you'll get a larger image. Then when you have that opened you can click on it again it'll be big enough to see the writing for the various facilities.
Thanks again for all your comments. I will see about the spacing and laying tracks out a bit more neatly, without making it look like a boring maths exercise . On a side note: I have just received my book on the Colorado Central, and had a quick look inside. It seems to be packed with photos and detailed maps. It also has a loco roster. Not certain to which extent operations are covered, but there's a treasure of info in it for sure. Makes me very happy indeed.
Thanks! I'd like to add more to it, such as a full roundhouse on the right side, as well as a steam service facility.
