Greetings, After being out of the hobby I'm finally getting back into it due to some extra space and cash. So, the goal was to build a simple switching layout, but then I saw Model Railroaders Progressive rail track plan and well... there went the simple aspect. I also like that its an actual line still used today. I think to truly build this plan the way I would like I would need an extra two feet in length and 1 foot in width but I really don't want to go that large. I really don't want to make things too complicated and quite like my current design although I think it could be simplified. There currently are 11 turnouts and at 12 dollars a piece, that's a lot of money. My goals are this: 1. Keep the layout cheap, simple, but yet complicated. I would like long complicated switching operations, but a done layout is better than no layout. 2. It will be wired for dcc. 3. Be able to run modern rolling stock. Train lengths being 2-3 cars plus locomotive. 4. Use code 55 flex track and switches. 5. Have FUN!! Because that's what it's all about. Down below are the inspired plans and mine. Let me know what you think.
First of all, I'm a huge fan of switching layouts and I've got the Progressive Rail track plan bookmarked as well. I like your version with the run around up front, but considering the depth you said you have to work with, you may be a little ambitious on the left side of your plan with all the the sidings. Even with it being an industrial based switching layout, it doesn't look like you're leaving much room for industries. I'd consider reducing the tracks and maybe thinking about industries that take multiple types of cars to give you the car spots instead. I'm not sure if your sidings are long enough either. Being able to spot different types of cars (like covered hoppers and tank cars) at one industry could give you additional switching moves to have to complete. Something you could also consider with the industries is using building flats along the backdrop or even reducing the depth of the buildings when you build the industries to get a little extra space. You wouldn't notice the differences from your operating perspective, but it would give you a little more room. Hope some of that helps. Ron
Try modeling the actual location of the runaround. There is a recycling plant, 2 lumber distributors and a pipe company right next to the runaround. I noticed that you had sectional track in your plan, so I used sectional in mine with #7 switches. Lower left could be a spot for Recycle Minnesota or one of 2 lumber company's. Upper left is the other lumber distributor with open air unloading and room for a small warehouse building. Spur in the center is the pipe company. Upper right is the lead into the main industrial park. Track list: All Atlas 55 Three 1" straight (2 for in between the crossovers and 1 on the end of the park lead Eighteen 6" straight One 3" straight on the end of the pipe spur Three 22.5 degree 17.5" radius curves for the spurs Four right hand #7 switches Two left hand #7 switches
Think less about where to shove in more rail and more about multi-use rail. For instance, instead of cramming in a runaround, make the runaround another industry siding but with another switch added at the other end. Does that mean you might have to figure out what to do about a parked car while you run around? Yes. It does. Not up for the challenge...?
I took 6 inches out of the runaround and added 3 inches to the left and right side. This allows room for an sd-40 and two 50 foot box cars as shown. You can fit 2 60 foot center beams too (not shown.) I did not add anything to the spurs on the left so that it is possible to add County road 70 if you want to make some angry traffic while switching. I reduced the 17.5R for the pipe spur to 11.25 degrees and added more straight. Per google maps, it looks like they have some hoppers loading up trucks at the end. Also, I forgot to add that it is a 8.1 degree 71"R piece of sectional track on the turnout at the right side of the runaround.
Thanks Jon. I really like the simplicity of your layout. I plan on using flex track. I just did the original plan in sectional pieces.
