HCD Layout

[DKS]

[vt_railroad_guy]

Thanks DKS!

I like that a lot.  What do you all think?

[davefoxx]

I think it looks really nice, and I like the flow of the trackage.  But, since I can't tell from the track plan, I'll raise two issues that may need to be looked at closer.  Hopefully, they aren't a problem, but it's wiser to figure this out in the planning stage.

1) Has an S-curve developed left of the curved turnout in the bottom center of the plan between that turnout and the 15" radius curve?  Perhaps the cosmetic curve in the passing siding should be reduced somewhat to ease the S-curve.

2) Only because I remember how much space the passing sidings on the Virginia Central took up to get those ten car trains in the clear, I don't think that the sidings this plan will get you train lengths that you're looking for.  Nothing that can't be fixed however with some further tweaking.

Hope this helps,
DFF

[DKS]

I think it looks really nice, and I like the flow of the trackage.  But, since I can't tell from the track plan, I'll raise two issues that may need to be looked at closer.  Hopefully, they aren't a problem, but it's wiser to figure this out in the planning stage.

1) Has an S-curve developed left of the curved turnout in the bottom center of the plan between that turnout and the 15" radius curve?  Perhaps the cosmetic curve in the passing siding should be reduced somewhat to ease the S-curve.

2) Only because I remember how much space the passing sidings on the Virginia Central took up to get those ten car trains in the clear, I don't think that the sidings this plan will get you train lengths that you're looking for.  Nothing that can't be fixed however with some further tweaking.

Hope this helps,
DFF

Agreed on all points. I do worry, however, that straightening out the s-turn might push the passing siding shorter, and it's already too short to manage 10-car trains. I think JDB will need to settle for 5-7 car trains. Unless thoughts of "further tweaking" include possibly a small extension off one corner of the door...

[John]

S curves are over rated .. get a couple of inches of straight in there, and you should be good to go

[vt_railroad_guy]

Alright, I settled on a design using nothing but code 55 sectional track *gasp*, but I think it will work well and it will allow me to get some trains running sooner.  My plan is a definate nod toward DKS' plan, with elements borrowed from other small layouts that have been featured in MRR over the years.  I was able to increase my yard capacity a bit by adding two sets of turnouts coming off the main line curves on either side fo the layout(a la Appalacian Central Searles yard) .  I still have 4 tracks, but they are longer.  I will have a town and underpass on the right side of the layout (similar to Mohawk Division).  I'll post pictures once I get it laid out on the door.

JDB

[pwnj]

Having trouble visualizing the yard now, but I'll wait for the photos.  Overall, sounds great, though!

[Bsklarski]

You will not have any regrets on the C55 sectional track. I have used it about a dozen times with no issues. Its pretty stable and i keep the humidity pretty level throughout the year. It works for me and I am happy with it.

[vt_railroad_guy]

Here's my track plan as of right now.



What do you think?

[DKS]

Passing siding along the front seems a bit short. Easy enough to stretch it out--

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think you can throw an extra track in on the spur that comes out from the yard. That'll either give you another "spot", or a better facility, however you want to use the space.

[davefoxx]

JDB,

Stretching out the front passing may be for naught, if the passing sidings in the rear aren't also lengthened.  I'm guessing, but, looking at both DKS' and your designs, you may only have capacity for four to six cars in each siding in the staging yard.  If this layout is a one locomotive affair, maybe that's not so much of a concern.  But, if you're expecting to throw a train in the clear to operate a second, you may have some further design work to do.

Hope this helps,
Dave Foxx

[vt_railroad_guy]

Passing siding along the front seems a bit short. Easy enough to stretch it out--

It is a bit short, but it will add another element to operations.  Should the smaller of the two trains be too long to fit in the siding, they'll have to double over to the industry lead to fit in the hole.  It's a pita for train crews, but as a train dispatcher it wouldn't be the first time I've had to have them do it

[vt_railroad_guy]

JDB,

Stretching out the front passing may be for naught, if the passing sidings in the rear aren't also lengthened.  I'm guessing, but, looking at both DKS' and your designs, you may only have capacity for four to six cars in each siding in the staging yard.  If this layout is a one locomotive affair, maybe that's not so much of a concern.  But, if you're expecting to throw a train in the clear to operate a second, you may have some further design work to do.

Hope this helps,
Dave Foxx

The outside track of the yard and the main track will each hold 10-12 car trains between clearing points (40 - 50 foot equipment).

[vt_railroad_guy]

I think you can throw an extra track in on the spur that comes out from the yard. That'll either give you another "spot", or a better facility, however you want to use the space.

+1