I like it! A nice loop to just kick back and watch the trains run if you want, plenty of switching, and still not too bad in the size or price department! makes me wonder why i'm modeling Oklahoma!
Must be something like the LAJ somewhere in OK like in a big city. And if not why can't you make one 'cause "it's your RR".
The only thing that concerns me is whether or not that curved yard ladder is possible. Sure you could always hand-lay the turnouts (maybe that's your plan already), but if not do you know for sure that such turnouts exists and are capable of creating that ladder? Otherwise the plan looks great. If I absolutely had to make a change, the only change I would make is to somehow make the loop double tracks, but I'd be perfectly happy leaving it as is if implementing a double main cant be accomplished.
The curved yard ladder will be done w/ a combination of curveable Central Valley, curved Fast Tracks & "curving" some straight ones I already have. The closest the real LAJ gets to having double track is the few sidings out on the main so there will be none on this LAJ.
Still have too much time for doodling & not building. Here's another version for your perusal. Picasa Web Albums - 10738935438745609... - LAJ 9 PLAN WE... Moved the yard to the top giving me another peninsula for switching AND a longer yard. All the modules are now 2'x6' except small one on left side. The empty one on right will get an expanded version of John Allen's Timesaver to play with on one spur and another spur . There's plenty of plans on the internet. But alot of the links are dead now! Gotta get busy building this layout starting 5/1! Let me know what you think of this one. Not too worried about turnouts & curves. What can't be done w/ "stock" turnouts, will be done w/ Fast Tracks. A friend already has all the assembly tools to make just about any switch. Besides the J had alot of "sharp" turnouts including a #3 still in use today. They even have some curves that are equivalent to HO 12" & 15" radius! And all their locos could get thru anything on their RR - from 0-6-0s, ALCO S-2s & S-4s, CF7s & MK 1200Gs.
Finally got 3 modules built. Shown are 2 bolted together on legs. They were made from 2 8' steel studs folded into 2'x6' L shaped frames & bolted together. The studs are reinforced w/ 1/4"x3"x6' plywood & 1"x2" blocks in the corners. Also added 1"x3"x3" blocks where the legs are bolted to the frame. The top is homosote (aka soundboard) glued on top of 1/4" plywood then screwed to the frame. Here's a link to some pix of the module construction: Picasa Web Albums - 10738935438745609... - LAJ MODULES The track will be laid on the homosote w/o cork. The LAJ rarely used sub-roadbed, just some ballast right on the ground surface. Was going to start w/ the u shape modules on right side. But now thinking it will be easier to lay the whole yard & get it running right then add the left two peninsulas later.
After almost two years have come up w/ a "final" design. My old bedroom is now my layout room. My Living room is now all my "living" room. This plan is alot closer to the LAJ I'm modeling but there's still ALOT of selective compression. LOL Have started laying track on the top A Yard modules.
Mark's add on isn't on this version as those industry spots aren't part of this version of my LAJ. Have done alot of investigation since my original "freelance" plan. Have looked at alot of Bing, Google & Historic Aerials to get a much better idea of the industries actually there. Plus have made two trips w/ fellow LAJ modelers to get on-the-ground pix of those industry spots. Also know an X LAJ conductor & a current one who have been very helpful in understanding what is/was switched on the LAJ. Will be doing a Power Point clinic on The LAJ industries in Vernon CA at the LA Division NMRA SpringRail meet 4/21/12 in Alhambra CA. You don't have to be an NMRA member to attend.
