I moved and now an opportunity for a new layout, 12x8 L along a wall with 4 ft end sections. Primarily Unitrak but in planning a yard (using fig 2-9 from Track Planning for Realistic Operation, third edition). I did some layout trying Atlas code 55 track and think I like the look. The yard will be well within manual range so I am thinking about manual control of the turnouts. The benchwork is up and I am using 2 inch foam as the base for the layout. Still in the early planning stages just laying out and moving track around and playing with AnyRail configurations. Pros - cons - things I should be looking at or avoiding? This is the place to find out. Thanks for your help.
The condensed flat classification yard in John Armstrong's book is a highly operational division point yard if that is what you want. You may want to add a couple more stub end storage tracks and / or use the passing siding for a depot or multiple industries. If you use the passing siding for industries you may want to add the optional crossover and another crossover "within yard limits" to the industry siding for more prototypical operations. Just some ideas to consider. Jerry
I had already planned to use the optional crossover and will have several industrial sidings in hte 8 ft section of the L, where I will have a small town. I also will have a double track main line around the whole layout and a turntable and engine service facility at the end of the 12 ft section. Good idea about more storage tracks, Thanks Right now I am concerned about mixing the Unitrak and Atlas and the use of Atlas switches in the yard. Any problems there?
Kato Unitrack is code 80 rail. Kato has a conversion track section from Unitrack to Atlas code 80 or you can remove the Unijoiner and use metal joiners. This will leave openings where the Unijoiners fit and can be filled in with ballast. Atlas code 80 track will need cork roadbed under it to achieve equal rail height as the Unitrack. There should be no other issues with using atlas switches in whatever arrangement you choose. Jerry
Thanks Jerry. I am planning on using Atlas code 55 track rather than their code 80 track and I assume I will be able to fudge a connection with the Kato track. I believe the Kato conversion track was designed to link to Tomix track not Atlas and I may have one of those connections as well as I do have a Tomix trolley line running through town. I was not planning on using any raised roadbed in the yard area, just laying the track on foam and using a thin ballast layer throughout. Will that work OK? I know some people have noise issues but with dual hearing aids noise is not a problem
When you transition from Kato Unitrack to Atlas code 55 or 80 there will be approximately 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch difference in the rail height (difference in roadbed/tie and /or rail height). That will have to be made up with some type of material or by adjusting the height of your sub-roadbed risers. The sheets of cork are one way of raising the Atlas track in order to match up the rails. Lay a sample out on a table and you will see what I mean. When you join the code 55 track with Kato Unitrack code 80 there will be a noticeable bump in the rail joints. That can be alleviated by shimming up the Atlas track or by filing down the Unitrack rails to match if desired. Do you have a track plan / layout design to share with us? Jerry
Since my base for the layout is pink foam, i was planning on "excavating" the roadbed for the yard lead to get the correct matching slope between the Kato and Atlas track. Then I would lay the Atlas directly on the foam in the yard area. I am working on the overall plan but have been concentrating on the yard area now. The main line will be a double track loop with branching from the inner track to the yard, some industry spurs along the right of way and the town area. I also have a double cross-over which I plan to use someplace between the two main lines. My last layout was a 4x8 single track folded dogbone with two reversing loops and I will have at least one in this layout. right now I am planning all track at level, but it is early I will be running under DCC (Digitrax Zephyr) once I get operational. I should be able to finish an AnyRail plan by next week for comments. Thanks Jerry
Excavating the yard lead will do the job nicely.:thumbs_up::thumbs_up: I also use AnyRail and a Digitrax Super Chief.:thumbs_up: I am running under JMRI for occupancy detection and signaling logic. You may want to throw in some grades for excitement and realism. You may also want some staging tracks. No layout should be without them. Are you planning another 4 X 8 size layout? Jerry
I was thinking of cut and fill to emulate actual grades as I build the scenery. As to staging, that probably depends upon space availability. Last time I built the benchwork, I had a full wood shop in my basement. In an apartment now and went with Mianne benchwork I saw at Springfield MA in January. The layout is "L" shaped with the long leg 12 feet and the short one just under 8 feet, to let the door to the room close. Each end has about a 4 foot turning area to maximize the curves. The yard area is 30 inches deep. The top of the "L" will be at the end of the yard with an engine service facility - I ordered the new Walther's 130 ft dcc roundtable in anticipation of selling my condo LOL. Hopefully I close on that tomorrow.
