Layout Ideas & Plans Guys I'm looking to start a new larger layout. It would be three 10ft by 3ft-4ft rectangles placed in the shape of an L. I might be able to play with an inch or two here and there to make things work. What is a good looking curve size? Would 14" be too small? Also what size trains do you think I can get on a layout of that size? Thanks! :tb-biggrin:
At home you can get away with 11" radius, at least for the outside line, as almost everything will run on it, but wider is better. We have 15" radius on the outside of our largest radius modules, and everything runs through those well.
In my opinion 14" is pretty correct for most kind of rolling stock /motive power. My layout is made with only one radius curve which is 14" indeed. The picture below shows what a train consisting of a pair of SD70s and 60' tankcars looks like on such a curve. Keep in mind that for best visual results it's better when the curves are close to eye level. And for the same goal the visual impression is better if the observator is inside the curve than outside. But with à 14" radius there isn't really any problem anyway. The size you schedule for your future layout will allow you very interresting trackplan and operations. If you want trackplan samples, go to "101 trackplans for modelrailroaders" (Kalmbach), you'll find very interresting trackplans made mainly for HO but that you can adapt for our beloved scale.:tb-wink: Dom
Thanks, That 14 inch looks good. I also reacall how good the boyz modules looked. If I ever get my hands on them I'll have autoracks running, but only on the mainline. I have some 89' flats as well. I'm thinking 15-17" for the mainline and you think 12-14" for switching? I think what I'll do is widen out both ends for a larger "reversing loop" as 3 ft is too tight. Also has anybody tried a full "loop" before? I have drawn it out and it fits... It would be amazing to watch the train overlap just like Tehachapi or Williams. If you have anymore photos you would like to share, that would be a big help. Thanks again guys! :tb-biggrin:
Here is a quick sketch of my ideas... There is one track at the very bottom that looks like it stops just before connecting back into the reversing loop, in fact it goes into a tunnel that will house many staged tracks under the loop. 20' by 14'
Looks good! Lots of sidings for some switching action. I just don't see many areas for staging - just the two. Maybe a yard somewhere? Just an idea.
The yard will be hidden under the loop. I call them "staged tracks." You be able to enter and exit in both directions. So I only need one reversing loop on the top deck. :thumbs_up:
I am settling in on a home layout and am a big fan of Bruce Petty's LA work. http://lariverrailroads.com/pesfv.html I think this is a good foundation for a wrap around layout that could be done in a 4x8 foot area. Joe MTL
Hi Mike, unfortunately I have been very few working on my layout for months and it's still mostly "Plywood Pacific". Only the hill shown above exists and I've still not decided wether I put rocks on it or not, that's why nothing goes on....:tb-wacky: So I've no many shots to display here....:tb-mad: Dom
Dear Eddie, Wow! With the great amount of real estate you have - the sky's the limit. A couple of ideas: 1) You many want to consider a transition or spiral approach to your curves. This improves performance, and you have the room. 2) You may want to consider double tracking the main line. Better to do it now rather than later. 3) Be careful with the over and under part. You may need more of a grade for clearance, and remember a curve on the grade increases the percentage. You don't want to be restricted to short trains because of the steepness. Having said all that I'm jealous of your wonderful space! Look forward to seeing how this develops. Good Luck! Best, Ron
Great feedback Ron, Yes I'm going to double track the mainline for sure. I've also made about 10 changes to the sketch above. I added a grain loader and a loop to feed it. Once I get the benchwork finished we can start playing around with grades and more. :tb-biggrin:
7th version of the Layout for you to study. I've added a grain silo for unloading trains and loading ships. The dark thick lines are Auto Roads. The Red lines are tunnels to the hidden tracks and yard. Any Questions just ask.
