Hi. I have now finally almost completed module 2 of my very first layout, and are now ready to lay the tracks on module 1. Module 1 is a small yard with some industry and an engine service. My first design gave me some nice long yard tracks (spurs ?), but didn't leave much space for industry buildings. I have now played with a different idea that gives me some shorter yard tracks, but leave more space for the industry. So now the question, which one should I go for, the original, #1 or #2, or something totally different ?. The max space for this yard is 2x8, and since module 2 is done, the “entry” to module 1 is also fixed. the picture is here. If that doesnt work, go to http:\\photos/yahoo.com/jkristia and layout and which_one.jpg I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks Jesper
I may have missed-out on an earlier discussion about your layout, if so, forgive me. Neither of your photo links worked, so I don't have a visual idea of what you're doing, but I do have some questions. A) Are you more interested in watching trains run in a loop, or realistic operations, or both? B) Are the trains more important than the scenery, or is the scenery more important than the trains, or equal portions of both? C) Is your layout a version of a loop, or point-to-point? D) Will your turnouts be controlled manually, or by remote-control? E) Are you doing single track main, or double track, or multiples? F) How many trains will you be running at the same time, one, two, or more? G) What are the dimensions of the room you have to play in, and are there any objects you have to avoid (furnace, water heater, etc.)? H) How may modules to you eventually plan to build? Any more information as to your "vision" of the railroad you wish to build would be helpful. Robert [ 05 September 2001: Message edited by: MOPAC 1 ]</p>
I'm so sorry, the correct link is http:\\photos.yahoo.com/jkristia and then "layout" and "which_one.jpg" I have almost decided for #1, but of couse any comments will be appreciated. Thanks Jesper
Jesper, that link would be http://photos.yahoo.com/jkristia/ You just had the slashes after http as backslashes, hence the reason your link wasn't showing up in red (the BB does that for you).
I am not sure still what you are asking, but looking at your layout design with the peninsula in the middle I have a suggestion. Your penisula is quite wide for N scale, you could easily tighten it up without the area in the middle for access, which you wouldn't need, if it were closer together. Put a view block down the middle, and you will be able to access everything on the peninsula from the aisle, and it will seem larger. By tightening up your peninsula, you can widen the shelf area running the lenght of the room along the top of your drawing and widen the ailse a bit as well. Your top aisle will prove to a problem as it is very tight. To me, it looks as though you could shift the entire peninsula down a foot or so to widen the top aisle, as well. [ 05 September 2001: Message edited by: rsn48 ]</p>
Of the 3 yard designs, I like the middle one the best with possible change to lengthen the drill and engine tracks. The longer drill track will better serve your yard and you can always put that "yet to be repaired" engine on display at the end of the engine track. Good Luck
Thanks for the comments. I also like the middle one best (#1), and think I'll start laying some tracks this coming weekend. About the peninsula, that part has already been redesigned. I don't have the latest layout posted yet, and since I'm only about to start module 1 (finished module 2), the layout can still be redesigned many times. I have skipped the yard on the peninsula, instead it's all moutain area, and the yard has moved to under the shelf. But for now, I'll concentrate on the small yard on the shelf. Thanks again for your comments. Jesper
I have added my layout ver. 6 with the new upper lavel yard (module 31) and the redesigned peninsula. Again, first I'll do module #1 before I start on the peninsula, but I think I am pretty much settled on a mountain area facing the the stairs, and a mountain with saw mill on the other side. I just need to find some industry that needs lumber and coal layout is at http://photos.yahoo.com/jkristia Jesper
Jesper, for an industry using both coal and lumber try a tool or saw manufacturer. I just read a great book on Disston Saw and Tool called "A Place to Live and Work" It described the plant complex as having its own steel mill and lumber yard; plate steel for saws and wood for the tool and saw handles. Coal, ore, and wood loads were brought in, and steel plate, saws and other hand tools were shipped out. good luck with your new design.
