Small Layout Suggestions

Time flies... not much progress either. I did pick up some wood to make some nicer legs. It's in the bedroom, so I seem them all the time.

I have been thinking of making the layout a urban scene, Milwaukee area. Been looking for a good layout that fits within my space. I would like to keep a little elevation, with perhaps one/two bridges. I'm seriously thinking of just simplifying so there are less sidings than the layouts I've had so far.

I really will probably run no more than 2 trains at a time. I plan to keep it in the 40s era. So, if anyone has any Milwaukee urban layouts (or a city that's 'like' Milwaukee) that they could point me to, that would be great.

Have a great day!
Greg

 

Haven't found any urban layouts that I like (as a continuous run at least) so I am just going to stick with mountains.

I want to have the layout chosen soon. I've found a couple in MRR that are providing some inspiration. I hope to get something in XTrackCAD tonight taking from each. I have decided to add a 'yard' section to make the layout into more of a "L" shape.

Stay tuned...

 

OK, lemme know what you think folks. I made a few modifications and provided a color coded picture.

Green is at zero elevation.
Red is rising at 2 degree grade.
Blue is at highest point of 2".

I will continue to explore options, so give me any suggestions you have. The yard/staging area still needs work and any of the zero elevation sidings could become multiples if desired (I think the higher siding will remain solo).

The track on the left lower elevation will be 'under' a hill/mountain. I think that curved turnout can go further up/right so it's easier to divide and have the yard/siding track go into the mountain.

Still have 2 reversing loops, I know... I don't think that will be a problem but if anyone that has a creative idea that keeps the continuous running and doesn't make it into MORE of a spaghetti bowl, I'm all ears/eyes.

Have a great evening!
Greg

 

I didn't include the elevations, etc... A bunch of the track on far left and far right is tunnel/under a removable mountain/hill.

I'll try and get a new image up soon... Having internet issues at my apartment.

I think I've decided to go with this, though I have one more, as yet unfinished, improvement to the track plan. I'm going to pull the diverging track going to the yard area all the way over to the right side, running it along the back edge so I'll have a big staging area as well (heck, maybe I'll keep the other as well).

Later,
Greg

 

I'm coming late to this discussion but I can't believe no one has suggested what IMO is the ultimate small mountain layout, the original Gorre and Daphetid by John Allen. Forget what plan it is in 101 plans but it's in there. 3X6 in N scale is perfect for it. I once designed it in Atlas sectional code 55 for that space using RTS and my minimum radius was on the order of 13.75 although I think I did have to use one section each of 11 and 12 radius in one place. Turnouts were #5's.
Also check out a page called "Mike's small track plans" Don't have a link for you but should be easy to find via Google.

 

Mike:

I did consider Gorre and Daphetid (#17 in 101 Track Plans) but there wasn't much in the way of industry and I am not interested in a turntable at this point. Honestly, it's not bad or anything just wasn't fitting what I was looking for.

BTW, one of the plans I had shown earlier (the first I believe) is from Mike's Small Track Plans.

I have attached an updated shot of what I'm thinking... Hopefully it gives a better sense of the overall elevations.

Have a great evening!
Greg

 

OK,
I do see your point about not a lot of industry. It's not really that kind of plan. As far as the TT though, no law says you have to put one in the plan even if it's shown. I do like the plan you posted.

 

Well, I LOVE small to medium size plans... currently building one in 3X6 space... I have made some other plans as well, along with the Wrightsville port... you can take a look at mt blog for the plans.

 

Here is my variation on the Gorre & Daphetid track plan in N-scale. The dimensions are 32" x 48". Minimum radius curves are a little under 10".

- Jeff

 

I like that. What track components and code is this?

 

I like it as well... I may have to resize it for my layout and see if it will work as well.

Thanks for sharing!

Greg

 

Here it is adapted to your space, and using some curved turnouts:



The curved turnouts are using FastTracks sizing, so R8L 24"-18" means it's a #8, Left with radii of 24" (outer) & 18" (inner).

I limited myself to #5 & #7 turnouts for the rest, so you could use Atlas C55 turnouts as well.

By expanding it to your space, you allow greater curves: the inner loop is 15", the outer 17", with the spur 18", and the curve to staging 24".

Since the upper scene is at least 2 1/2", you can start the grade from 0" as soon as the track enters the tunnel.

The steepest grade is from the front turnout at 1 3/4" up the spur to the far turnout at 2 1/2": that's a wee bit over 3%. But there is space to both swing the curve out wider (and longer), as well as push the back turnout (and whole top scene) a couple inches to the left.

The silo / towers on the front left act as a scenic divider for the yard (which should be sceniced, too.
Wasn't sure if that extension was removeable or not. Either way, bolt it on, lay the track over the gap, and then use a jeweler's saw to cut the gaps in the track. That way it'll all line up, every time. (It could be hinged to drop, if you need the space)

For the car lengths I used 40' cars (about 3"), and running trains of about 5-7 cars long.

For the yard the "9" spot track is the A/D, with an escape on the far left (the stub can be used for engines or cabeese), and with 4 storage tracks. The car capacity numbers take clearances into account. I know it's more staging than operating yard, but there is enough "lead" to pull a whole train out of the yard before the curved turnout connection to the main. You just won't be able to see all of it

I didn't label the industries: the whole thing could be urban if you wanted to.

I'm assuming a backdrop on the back & maybe sides, but you don't have to.
You do need access to the hidden track, either a cut out on the back side or, if it's going to be up against the wall, then from underneath. Though I guess you could have removeable scenery along the hillside up to the upper industry. Murphy's Law says that hidden curved turnout will be the cause of most of your problems, but I have a couple of curved turnouts on my layout, and they're groovin' solid, so just make sure the trackwork is fantabulous.

The upper industry runaround track can also connect to another section in the future, and you could add another turnout off the front 1 3/4" turnout to "exit" right, or off of either end of the hidden track.

Feel free to point out anything else that can be improved.
It's fun playing with good designs!

 

My G&D-inspired track plan is constructed with Atlas Code 55 flex track and turnouts. I've transplanted it from the mountains of the west to the hills of southwest New Hampshire. The era is mid-1970's. I run 4-axle diesels and 40-foot freight cars.

Trackwork is done, and I'm running trains while I slowly work on the landforms. I am looking forward to the point where I can paint over the blue and pink foam!

- Jeff

 

WOW! Just WOW!

First, Mikado Mike thanks for suggesting the G&D and also thanks to jdetray sharing your version of the G&D with us. Lastly, thanks to MC Fujiwara for putting together a fabulous expanded plan, based on my layout dimensions no less!

That said, I think we have a winner!

With everyone providing their thoughts, insight, experience and hard work I have been rewarded with a fabulous layout design to build. I am humbled by everyones contributions. Thanks again to everyone!

Now to get started building... I think the only thing I don't have already are the #8 curved turnouts, but I happen to have an internet source that should have what I'm needing.

Now I'm excited! Have a great day!
Greg

 

Jdetray: yr layout's looking good! with some smooth grades to boot!

Greg: the curved turnouts really do help make for some smooooooth action through the curves.

Here's the FastTracks template for #8 20"-15" (need one of each L & R).
You don't need the turnout jigs: I build them directly on the template (printed on cardstock), following Evert's fab tutorial.
I suggest leaving a bit of rail on all three sides: you can always trim down, but (Mr. Experience says) it's very hard to add!

You actually have enough room to have a straight #8 (or #7) at the top (to staging turnout) instead of the R8L24-18: it'd just mean a slightly tighter curve to staging.
Personally, I think curved turnouts work moocho better, but whatever your preference.

You can also push back / bring forward the three tunnel opening on the left to adjust for whatever scene / industry you put on the upper level.

Also, don't forget to take into consideration the depth of your main bridge when calculating grade & elevation. You need about 1" 3/4" clearance from top of rail to bottom of structure.

2" of Plexiglass or masonite around the edges of the extension (which is vulnerable to bountious bumping) will help your rolling stock from taking the 600' scale plunge

Good luck with the layout: looking forward to seeing your progress!

 

I'm glad I could help but these other guys did all the work! Spectacular adaptations of the original G&D plan. I'm somewhat of a "John Allen nut" It was photos of his layout that inspired me to get into the hobby many years ago. My layout is nothing like his in trackplan anymore but the scenery and atmosphere is completely and totally inspired by his work.