I present my 3x8 N scale freelance railroad. I called it the CedarCreek & Pacific when I first started, even had a paint scheme I dreamt up for an old RS1 i have. Maybe someday. For now though I've been enjoying getting the scenery down and setting up my town and industries. Check out my photo album as I have a lot of progress shots in there.
Wow, that's really nice CedarCreek. A nice flowing trackplan and I love the scenery too. It gives me incentive to go out and buy some lumber …..
Neat looking track plan, what is the minimum radius? Also what is the grade on the track in the tunnel? I'm guessing the tunnel goes from the the inside line to the outside line?
I commend you for your use of size compression. You have one good looking curve and the other...well...I better be nice here. The one on top is kind of tight. In the future you may want to expand that. Till then look at all the fun you are having.
Thanks! The minimum radius is 11.5 on the inner track. I calculated my druthers and decided to stick with 4 axle units and 50ft or less freight equipment and I'm happy with that choice. The passenger equipment is really only for show and I don't run it that often. But when I do it manages the curves just fine. Regarding the tunnel, there are two. There is a gap in the tunnel at the back (picture below). And the grade is 2% up or down.
Thanks!. I do have a phase 2 planned for this layout (staging). It doesn't involve broadening any curves though. I'm happy with the compromises I made to build this layout. I know there are opinions out there regarding minimum curve radius, but the design I chose for this railroad works for me.
I'll likely end up with the same minimum curvature as you CedarCreek. I messed around with various Unitrak setups on the floor and they worked fine, even with longer equipment and reasonable grades. Like you though, I'll most often be running shorter equipment. My minimum radius curves will be in tunnels anyway, so won't attract attention.
Like I said, it was a design decision that I made for me. I don't feel it limits my enjoyment of the railroad.