Rebuilding the Puddington Valley - A Plan ?

[Puddington]

The siding and engine facility lead are perfect; I really like the passing siding; which can also hold a cut of cars awaiting spotting in Samuel.....

I think we've got it but would like to hear from the Railwire Gentry if they see further improvements..........

Asshats......................?

[DKS]

Just to reduce clicking or confusion, here is the current draft.



In taking a more relaxed look at it, I think there may be a need for a passing siding on the inner loop, lower left. Or, perhaps shift the (new) passing siding at the upper left further south, so there's access to a runaround to service the industries along the lower left side of the layout, since the sidings face both ways.

[dnhouston]

I like it a lot.  Plenty of switching and lots of passing sidings.  Gives you a nice combination of roundy-round and operations.

[93cram]

There are entrances on either end for the staging tracks. I plan to NOT cover the top of the staging; instead I will have the scenic wall in front be tall enough to provide a "block". The top will be open and I will place mirrors so I can see the turn outs, and use lit push buttons for the turn outs...........

Thx Dave,
I was thinking of things like getting back on track a derailed car in the middle of one of the staging track.

[93cram]

Dave,

Probably an un-interesting idea, but :



Otherwise, if you want to keep a 'high line' over the lower one, it could be a branchline servicing whatever industry, the continuous run line would pass through the staging.

Marc

[Dave Schneider]

Just wondering whether there is enough aisle clearance on the bottom of the drawing where the "turnaround blob" and the door are located. It looks like it is less than 2 feet...is this enough?

Best wishes, Dave

[up1950s]

About 50 % of your track is hidden . I would , as usual , have open staging . Let sections of runs that are turnout free get hidden . Open staging areas can be very detailed and are realistic .

[DKS]

About 50 % of your track is hidden . I would , as usual , have open staging . Let sections of runs that are turnout free get hidden . Open staging areas can be very detailed and are realistic .

I respectfully disagree. I doubt that it's 50%, and what's hidden would not necessarily make for the best thing to see in this case. The staging yard would overpower the layout, dwarfing areas that are supposed to look large, open and in particular more rural by comparison. Runs that are turnout-free can be the most interesting ones to view; they create a less cluttered (read: less track-heavy) appearance, and increase the apparent distances between features. Also, I do think it would look pretty odd to have a large yard, regardless of how realistic it might be made to appear cosmetically, with a bunch of made-up passenger consists just sitting around most of the time. I could be wrong, of course; I usually am.

[93cram]

I'm nowhere near being a layout skilled designer, but I've some concern with the hidden 3 or 4 tracks accessibility.
Obviously, a derailed consist could always be dragged from one side or the other, but potential damage to rolling stock
may not be ruled out in this case.
The benchwork seems to be around 18" deep along the 'ridge area'.
Since both visible tracks shall be offset in height, the ridge itself will be at least around 8" or even 12" high I'd suppose.
Reaching something behind it might be really difficult.
From underside, it'd be possible (and probably easier IMHO) if the ridge would get higher and steeper (overhead clearance
from under if ridge is made from hard shell), which might preclude from having two offset visible tracks
running along in this area like shown in the current version.

I guess, FWIW, that hidden tracks access could be improved by widening the 18" benchwork to 24", to give more clearance.

[Puddington]

Just wondering whether there is enough aisle clearance on the bottom of the drawing where the "turnaround blob" and the door are located. It looks like it is less than 2 feet...is this enough?

Best wishes, Dave

This is misleading - The door to room is actually way to the right of the "bulb" and the "south wall" really is not a wall, but the line where some shelves and a freezer are...It will be ok....good catch through !

[Puddington]

About 50 % of your track is hidden . I would , as usual , have open staging . Let sections of runs that are turnout free get hidden . Open staging areas can be very detailed and are realistic .

... and normally I would argree however I plan to stage long passenger trains there and I can't find a reason that would explain how three full consists from three different railways would be sitting there...... ;D

[John]

... and normally I would argree however I plan to stage long passenger trains there and I can't find a reason that would explain how three full consists from three different railways would be sitting there...... ;D

Union Station

[Puddington]

I'm nowhere near being a layout skilled designer, but I've some concern with the hidden 3 or 4 tracks accessibility.
Obviously, a derailed consist could always be dragged from one side or the other, but potential damage to rolling stock
may not be ruled out in this case.
The benchwork seems to be around 18" deep along the 'ridge area'.
Since both visible tracks shall be offset in height, the ridge itself will be at least around 8" or even 12" high I'd suppose.
Reaching something behind it might be really difficult.
From underside, it'd be possible (and probably easier IMHO) if the ridge would get higher and steeper (overhead clearance
from under if ridge is made from hard shell), which might preclude from having two offset visible tracks
running along in this area like shown in the current version.

I guess, FWIW, that hidden tracks access could be improved by widening the 18" benchwork to 24", to give more clearance.

There isn't going to be a 'top" on the staging; it will be hidden by rock and trees (in my minds eye). I have a real, honest to goodness VIA Rail step stool that will allow me to reach over, while leaning a hand on the wall and grab anything that get's off the rails... I have tested this idea with a mock up at the 54" suggested layout height.

I'm not wild about hidden staging either but as i said previously, if anyone can think of a plasable excuse for CPR, CNR and GN passenger trains to be sitting idle in the middle of the interior of British Columbia, I'd love to hear it...... ;D ???

[Puddington]

Union Station

.....for forest animals and fishermen......"all aboard the fur and fishy small limited"................. :

[DKS]

One alternative is to move the entire layout about 16 inches or so south, assuming the "south wall" isn't an immutable line. Then you can just squeeze up between the layout and the wall for access to the staging.