Trying again for a layout

My fourth try at a operating layout. With downsizing the living space to having no space at all and then my most recent set back – a heart attack. So I came up with my current idea. Make at least six individual modules that are 24" x 40", (why you ask 24” wide, it is the size of the blue foam that I can get at Lowe’s). I will then fasten each unit with lug bolts together thereby creating a U shape layout. Each section will be light enough for me to move by myself unbolted, and when each section is put together I will be using the Unitrack extendable piece to join each section of track together.

This track plan was created in Any Rail-using Kato Unitrack pieces.

"A" is what at present I was thinking of using for my engine and caboose yard.
"B" is my industry sidings.
"C" is my yard.

Based on my current situation I cannot lift-doc’s orders, so for now this is all I can do-so I have plenty of time on my hands, to fiddle with the plan. Every four blocks on plan is approximately 40”.

Ideas and suggestions appreciated.

 

caldog

I wish you well on your project. Even more, I hope you make a good recovery from your health issue. Your layout is something that others can comment on as I'm not even close to being knowledgeable enough.

 

Thanks and good luck on your layout. And thanks for showing me that I could save a AnyRail layout in jpeg. When I saw that you did, I went back to mine, to figure out how it was done.

 

I've been playing with AnyRail way too much tonight. Good thing I have little planned for today so I can get some sleep.

I've been stumbling along with the software when all of the sudden things started coming together. I'm getting a little excited about finally having a working layout. Too many years flying by doing without.

I'm anxious to get started, but have to closely monitor the cash flow, so making sure about the layout parts before placing any order. I want to have as little leftovers as possible.

First & foremost is for you to get better. Keeping your mind occupied is probably a good thing too. I'll be checking your thread from time to time.

Blessings & best wishes,

 

Hi.
just some idea's. Have fun with them.

Most tracks are parallel to the edge of the layout; the plan should still be made more fluently.
The most important change is dividing the plan in 3 zones: Dockside, East Rail and Westend. I tried to keep them visually apart.
Rmin= 12,5
#7 and #10 switches are used on the main
trainlength is about 3 feet.
Smile
Paul

 

I think paulus has some good ideas there. I used to read about switching layouts and point to points and was convinced i needed to build a layout like that, then one day I realized i really just like to run trains. My new layout is just a glorified oval. Well it's not very glorified it's just huge is all, he he he

Good luck on your new layout.

 

hi Boxcab,
i think about 3 feet, quite a reach. As stated this plan took the original footprint of the OP and was meant to show some ideas. Adding an oval and creating some more clearly defined scenes were on my list. Also operationally, Westend is a terminal yard, with tracks for classification and an engine terminal. East Rail and the Dockside are two different switching districts. The first could be a relatively modern industrial park, the latter an older rundown harbour district.

Looking back on my plan i would apply at least two changes.
1) I have second thoughts about the tracks in Westend. A dedicated arrival and departure track besides a dedicated switchlead would be great. I would build a small yard where the engine terminal is now, replacing the engine terminal to the area just south of the street.
2) The lowest spur (of the 3) at the upper right corner would become the main, so the Dockside will be tilted to the north. This will reduce reach-in issues and create a much wider aisle at the east end. Maybe some short spurs towards the aisle are possible on the East Rail part.
BTW the Docksider and East Rail are designs by Lance Mindheim, i adopted and changed them a bit.
Paul