Ok I've been lurking around here for awhile and after seeing every one else getting started its time for me to start on mine. Here's a ROUGH design it will change when I start laying track. Let me know what you think or any suggestions. can you tell I like switching. Rich
Well I like it! One issue you may come up against, is this layout against a wall in a corner? If so access to tracks at the rear could become difficult, in particular the curve that acts as the yard lead for the main yard area, and the right hand end of the runround/staging track at the rear I could see being a problem. If you have access right the way round that's not a problem however. There is a lot of track for the baseboard size, but it should give you lots of switching in a small-ish space. I guess the trick will be blocking views and hiding some of the track with some nice urban buildings to give a city feel?
If this is HO scale or larger, the reach, over what appears to be buildings, (?), to the upper right corner could be a tough one. If there is a way to establish access, a lift out section of scenery, or hidden hole, then you'd be OK. Otherwise, the trackage as shown should keep your operations busy! Boxcab E50
I'll be working in N guage doing 2 2'x4' sections in an L shape. The yards and tracks leading in and out will be elevated to hide the dual tracks along the back edge. Also right now i dont think it will be up against a corner, leaving an walk way along the back. The department of interior hasnt approved this yet though. By the way i'll be using code 55 flex track, sectional was just easier for roughing out a plan. Rich
Your track plan looks good. You might want to consider a "compound Yard design;" check Armstrong's book of track planning for this concept - you might be able to get a better yard in that space. You will be running all two axle goodies if your minimum radius's must be around 10 inches.
Thanks for all the input. I'm going to check out the compound yard idea over the weekend,too musch yard space is never enough. As the layout progresses I'll upload photos. Rick your definitly right about the two axle goodies, I just check the mail and found my gp-38 in the box.It'll be getting new paint before its ever run. Rich. [ 09. May 2003, 23:39: Message edited by: rksstl ]