Planning a layout for my son

[DKS]

The #4s lead to simpler geometry and accurate track spacing (the inside passing siding is 9 3/4") so I would proably revert to the original plan I posted with only the x-over replacing the 2 pairs of 4s on the main.

So... like this?

[Dave V]

Paul,

Thanks for the awesome pictures!  I downloaded them for future reference if that's OK.  We loved Apex and it's high on my wish list for retirement locations post-Air Force.  I'd be very interested in seeing pictures of your project.

Are you scratchbuilding the Apex station?  We decided we were OK with the Walthers Pella depot as a decent stand-in with white trim and a light gray roof.


@DKS, yes, like that...  But not sure if there's more play value in having the x-over on the depot side (locos coming out of the pit) or the rear like it is now.

[DKS]

@DKS, yes, like that...  But not sure if there's more play value in having the x-over on the depot side (locos coming out of the pit) or the rear like it is now.

Yes, that's a good question. Hadn't looked at it from that angle, but it does create a space crunch to put it along the front. Won't fit with the #6 on the pit siding, at least if the grade xing remains intact.

[Dave V]

The grade crossing is a key feature to the scene.  It's also an element my son wants to retain.  So maybe it does stay in back.  I may have to keep playing with it.  Too bad I can't save these files without paying $50 for the license!

[DKS]

The grade crossing is a key feature to the scene.  It's also an element my son wants to retain.  So maybe it does stay in back.  I may have to keep playing with it.  Too bad I can't save these files without paying $50 for the license!

I got you covered. It literally takes less than a minute to render one of these.

[Dave V]

Dave, is the pit track now a #4?  That's OK if it is.  The second image is dead-on!

[DKS]

Dave, is the pit track now a #4?  That's OK if it is.

Yes, the pit TO is #4. The only #6 left is on the siding, upper right.

[Dave V]

Awesome!  Other than cost savings, I wonder if the #6 on the siding gets me anything.  Looks as if the track spacing is wider.

Thanks for all your help, by the way.

[DKS]

Awesome!  Other than cost savings, I wonder if the #6 on the siding gets me anything.  Looks as if the track spacing is wider.

The track spacing can be changed by using a different return curve piece.



This is why you can use #6s for the switches on the inside passing siding; you just can't use 6s for crossovers. This plan has no #4s at all:

[John]

Dave .. try the atlas C65 track .. BANTRAK used it on our last raffle layout .. it works really well, and as an added benefit, it wouldn't be hard to connect it to Enola .. plus cheaper

[Dave V]

Dave .. try the atlas C65 track .. BANTRAK used it on our last raffle layout .. it works really well, and as an added benefit, it wouldn't be hard to connect it to Enola .. plus cheaper

John,

I already have most of the Unitrack.  Jacob had a set come with it and we bought the inner loop set.  I also had some from my Broadway Limited set as well as some leftovers from a track replacement I did inside the tunnel.  Originally I was going to make this a set of T-Trak modules, so that was the thinking.  Later on I figured a small, self-contained layout would be better.

[davefoxx]

If you gotta do it, you gotta do it, but I don't like the double crossover.  You can only get from the outer to inner loop in one spot and will make run-arounds more difficult as you will have to circumnavigate an entire loop to get around the train on the outer loop, as opposed to running around on a "passing siding" and only having to go halfway around.

HTH,
DFF

[DKS]

If you gotta do it, you gotta do it, but I don't like the double crossover.  You can only get from the outer to inner loop in one spot and will make run-arounds more difficult as you will have to circumnavigate an entire loop to get around the train on the outer loop, as opposed to running around on a "passing siding" and only having to go halfway around.

I see the xover really as just a way to get back and forth between outer and inner mains. The inner main still has the passing siding where all of the switching action would take place, while something else is doing laps on the outer main. If that something else needs to do some switching, then it gets swapped with whatever is on the inner main. Also... bear in mind the intended user--I could be wrong (I usually am), but don't think Jacob will be too worried about the reduced switching options all that much.

[Dave V]

I'll talk to Jacob when he gets home from school.  I'm actually at home with the movers as they pack up the house (again).  He's actually pretty astute when it comes to observing real railroad practice.  He may prefer the single crossovers.  I'm going to present him both options without mentioning my preferences.

Jacob enjoys switching...  He's actually "operated" the Juniata Division more than I have.

The next decision is whether to go DCC.  I'm inclined to just because running two trains in DCC is so much easier to wire than multiple block operation, unless I go super-simple, i.e., the outer track would be one block all the inner trackage another, each with its own cab.  prefer DCC as the option, but also want to be affordable.

[160pennsy]

Paul,

Thanks for the awesome pictures!  I downloaded them for future reference if that's OK.  We loved Apex and it's high on my wish list for retirement locations post-Air Force.  I'd be very interested in seeing pictures of your project.

Are you scratchbuilding the Apex station?  We decided we were OK with the Walthers Pella depot as a decent stand-in with white trim and a light gray roof.


@DKS, yes, like that...  But not sure if there's more play value in having the x-over on the depot side (locos coming out of the pit) or the rear like it is now.

Dave,

I uploaded the whole series of Apex photos to my Picassa album for your use if needed (see link below). Not sure which club member signed up to build or kitbash the Apex station but if I see any progress on this building I'll forward some shots. Pending the outcome of the asphalt transfer plant build, I might volunteer for the CSX depot/yard office. Will post some in-progress photos after I get further along with construction.

http://picasaweb.google.com/pohegyi/ApexNCRR?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqVnL2ayOX3HA&feat=directlink.