Here's a version with a divider. Pretty neat. The mainline is right on the edge on that side, but I can avoid taking photos of that. That's what I do all over the current layout
You won't be able to run those SD's lashed up like you have on your previous post on this small layout though. It looks like your max radius curve is about 9.75"R They will handle a 9.75 by themselves, but that's about it.
The minimum mainline radius is 9.75", most of it is 11". That's why I'm going with a 60's-70's era for this layout, so I can run smaller equipment. The big SDs and autoracks will stick to the other layout and its 19" mainline. Due to a scenery-induced mess the current "layout" is a tiny Unitrack Christmas loop on a coffee table, so I've seen way more overhanging SDs than I like lately :embarassed:
And with the divider you can have an industry, small yard or whatever you want on the top side and enjoy real variety as you follow your trains around the layout. Of all the ideas floated I think this is the way to go. If you can pull off Dave's idea of interchangeable dividers it would be a great photo diorama but even without that you can have your divider with a different appearance on both sides if you want: a hill on one side and cliffs on the other, for example.
I really like the divider idea. So far, the only 2 issues I' having with it are: 1: The layout will likely be stored on edge in the corner when not in use, so I'd have to make the divider either low, or removable. 2: I'm still scratching my head over what to put on the other side of it
Version 8635.1 of the plan: I think this version lends itself to my local area even better. The top area could be Simi Valley, with the lumberyard (the only industrial siding I know of there) and the Santa Susana tunnel, and the bottom area could be Van Nuys, L.A., or some such area...
Two things... First off, a version showing block wiring. I used the wrong (not final) version of the plan, but it's close enough Does this look right for block control? Block wiring is far and away my worst subject :embarassed: Second, here's the semi-official start. Okay, it's just scrap track, and a card table under the foam, but it kind of gives me an idea of how things will turn out
I like how you are itching to get started here - and no one has asked yet but - Are you restricted to this small size on this layout? If you give yourself a foot or two of length and the same or equivalent width; You would have the best of everything with your latest trackplan!
Believe me, I'm not keeping it this small because I like the challenge As it is, 33x48" is pushing things a bit, but any smaller and I lose a lot of usability.
I've started laying down track using actual Peco track, and I've run into a snag. The top right turnout's point end should, IMO, line up better with the green line, which marks what will be a passing siding on the mainline. As it is right now, it looks like it would require sharp, nasty curves to get it in line. The two larger turnouts are Peco c55 Larges, and the upper right turnout is a c55 Small. My question, for those of you with more Peco experience and/or track planning software is, could I replace the Small with a righthand Curved turnout to line the point end up better with the line? The length isn't a huge factor, as long as I avoid any sharp curves to get it all working. It is a mainline, after all. The angle of the diverging route isn't too important either, as I have some room to move stuff around on the siding that will be there...
