I have the HCD up on folding legs and at this point I have an oval of Unitrack on it, just so I can run some trains. I still need to get some extruded foam to top the door before I actually start the trackwork. It's going to be a simple oval, with one side having a couple of sidings and an interchange. The other side is going to have scenery, maybe an orchard or at least some farmland.
I think especially with as small as my layout is, a simple oval for scenery would be more suitable, but I gotta have some operation fun too so that's why there's so many sidings. I wouldn't be too dissapointed if I had to remove one of the lower left sidings for scenery purposes. But again, that's why I'm here - to gather suggestions
Just remember that the true job of the backdrop/view block is to cut of that view of the train. Not because we don't like seeing the train, but that from one view point, we don't want to see that train twice in the same area. This helps create realism because we no longer see the train traveling in circles, but rather from somewhere to somewhere else. A thick grove of trees is a great view block, but as time goes on my only concern would be getting used to finding the train through the trees. Though it would be a great photographic effect, as your eye gets trained in finding the train as it passes behind the trees, you enter again the toy-like appearance of trains running in circles. How might one avoid this? Removable backdrop! *ooooo* *Aahhhh* I too am planning something very similar to a thick grove of trees on my own layout. However I'm going to incorporate a removable backdrop which, when removed, will allow for photographic effect, but when in place will best suit the realistic effect of running trains.
Instead of removing a siding, you could reduce the curve of the inner lower left siding by 15 degrees, running its path closer to the outer left siding, yet still off set. That will give you a little more room for scenery in the middle.
I had an earlier layout that was in the middle of the design phase that I was planning to use a center backdrop. I was going to try doing two different scenes, one Oroville, Ca and the other Gerlach, Nv. That layout was quite a bit wider than my current one. With this layout, I could still add the backdrop as it's in the planning stages. I'd have to figure out how to hide the opening or the end of the backdrop (there aren't any tunnels in the central valley lol). Maybe the grove of trees thing? Sheldon, I understand the feeling. I'm trying very hard to stay away from the "bowl of spaghetti" look. I've had layouts in the past where I had so much track, there wasn't room for structures!
Very true, but heck, although I'm modeling my local area, it's a VERY loose model. So there will be a tunnel in the Sacramento Valley on mine lol!
When you say 'in the middle' you mean in between the two sidings down there? That lower one is the siding I'm considering removing all together. Instead I might model my neighbor's farm as it sits today by embedding some old atlas track flat in the foam without any roadbed so it looks very old and delapidated unused track.
No, I meant in the middle of the layout. Pictures are always easier than words... And while drawing that up, I saw this might be an interesting option to reduce track area, yet maintain use of all the turnouts you've already invested in...
I like that bottom plan Mystere! Here's what I had even considered (I don't NEED to use that turnout simply because I have it...)
No you certainly don't. The great thing about having a plan this size is that there's very little room for accidental mistakes. In other words, no matter what the final set up turns out to be, it would be very difficult to mess up. Just please, PLEASE, do not use the extra turnout to add a switch back.
How funny, you're plan looks familiar (but I used the switchback for an engine shed). The missing trackage and bridge (Atlas girder) are off to finish out the creek/pond scenery. There is a small hill in the upper right. Still adding trees and trying to figure out the building placement. This piece is more of a scenery lab to see if I can get it looking OK. Eventually it will be remodeled and added to a HCD for an 'L' in the corner. Still working on th eplan for that one.
At least your use of the switch back is PRACTICAL, where as the more commonly seen implementation shows a full yard ladder branch off of a single 4 inch switch back lead. *slaps forehead* Logging - switch backs are nearly a must Engine facility - switch backs are ok because it's just the engine, but should still be avoided All else - STAY AWAY
Mark is allergic to switchbacks! lol My old HO layout had a switchback and it was a royal pain in the hiney to switch. There was never enough room to spot the cars at that industry. I don't think I've ever seen an industrial area switchback prototype, even in SF.
Well, now I have a total change of plans and I want all you guys to help me figure out what to do about it. I just this morning found this site and I want to model it. It's my home town and incorporates all the things I love - a best of all, it's my home town! (stock cars, passenger, feed mill, etc.) I would really love to keep it on this 24"X48" base if possible. Can anyone help me lay this out? Here's the link: Galt, California, gault Railroads, Western Pacific, Central Pacific Railroad, Southern Pacific (Boy am I flakey sometimes, but at least now I won't be building just a "toy" track and I'll have more of a purpose to my plan) edited to add: I wouldn't be opposed to making this one 'module' and adding another 24"X48" base so it's 2 pieces at 24"X96"
Too bad there wasn't a map in there. That'd be a big help in doing some planning. Is that from a local museum or historical society? That'd be a way to get a map.
Try and find a track diagram of what you're looking for. It looks like the line through Galt was an SP main. Study the area using Google Maps/Earth. It will give you a better idea of what's currently there (though you're in a better spot to look than me!) plus what WAS there, following the line and looking at what could have been trackage at one time. I know Central California Traction has a local that runs to Lodi with a few different industries. Maybe one 2x4 module of Galt and the other Lodi, compressed of course, or just the top (Wine Guild/ADM leads).
Yard Design A whole yard off a switchback can work, efficiently, so long as the lead is long enough and you have a dedicated switcher.
