New layout plans.

[ScrewySqrl]

I'm currently planning a 2-door layout to go in a corner of the garage:

here are the two trackplans I've come up with:





I'm leaning toward the second one for more scenic options.  I'm debating changing from the single crossover to elevating the mainline for a second bridge, and shifting it to vaguely (but not exactly) parallel the branchline before swinging back to the right side of the left hand door

My general preference is a mix of continuous running and randomized switching operations.  The branchline is basically an exploded version of my current layout, with an inglenook yard and 5 industries.

[Philip H]

Go with number two.  As our resident HCD guru's will tell you - even on two or three doors less track is more - more space between stations, more opportunities for realistic switching, more chances to explore scenery.

What's your intended prototype?

[ScrewySqrl]

My prototype is only vaguely the original (Short-Line, Red-n-Grey) Norfolk Southern. Only vaguely, because a lot of my locomotive power is donated from friends who got out of N and its quite varied. I have a 4-8-2 in B&O, a 4-6-0 in Sante Fe, several GPs in BNSF, UP, Conrail, and others,  a Tomix N500 Shinkansen. and a generic SW900.  I like to describe it as semi-modern (1970s to 2030)  but with some heritage steam runs 

[davefoxx]

[E]ven on two or three doors less track is more - more space between stations, more opportunities for realistic switching, more chances to explore scenery.

This.

DFF

[Rich_S]

I vote for the second plan as well. I'd add a few more passing sidings on the main line and rework the yard lead so anyone using it does not have to use the main track by the station.  I'd also set your minimum radius to 10" not 9.5" and if possible set the minimum to 11" on the branch and 12" on the main line.

[ScrewySqrl]

I vote for the second plan as well. I'd add a few more passing sidings on the main line and rework the yard lead so anyone using it does not have to use the main track by the station.  I'd also set your minimum radius to 10" not 9.5" and if possible set the minimum to 11" on the branch and 12" on the main line.

everything I have will negotiate 9.5" (just long cars look awful)   Where do you suggest I put the passing sidings?

[Rich_S]

everything I have will negotiate 9.5" (just long cars look awful)   Where do you suggest I put the passing sidings?

Just a quick free hand of good locations for passing sidings. You might have to do a little trimming of the diamonds near the passenger station, but just an idea.

[MichaelWinicki]

#2.


#1 is just too much.

[ScrewySqrl]

New modification.   Changed the crossover to a bridge and meandered the line to get a 100 inch run before the bridge for a 2% grade.  Eliminated the branchline, and spread the industries about.  and added a passing siding.  Industries are off the passing sidings to give runaround options as necessary. 


EDIT: helps to include the trackplan

[Rich_S]

I like the above plan, you will not regret a larger minimum radius. I still think you should add another passing siding to the green track between the bridge and the town. Will you be using DCC? 

[ScrewySqrl]

I'l be using DC, as none of my stock has DCC.  I do have two power packs, but will want to keep the wiring fairly simple.  What I might do for now is use 1 power back for this with 2-3 boosters, and take my 30x54 and just put it together just off the south end ad have an unpowered exchange track connecting them off the south end.  Its an inglenook puzzle. + 5 sidings + loop (and possibly the best track I've ever designed)


As for increasing the radius, I put this together with RTS and Atlas Code 80 track. I plan to use snap track for curves if only because I don't trust my rail snippig skills with flex track.  I'll look at modding it to Atlas code 55, or in SCARM with Kato Unitrack or peco.  Right now, as is, the build is under $800 including buildings (RTS says $610, but assumes only $9.60 per manual turnout).

[Rich_S]

I put this together with RTS and Atlas Code 80 track. I plan to use snap track for curves if only because I don't trust my rail snippig skills with flex track.  I'll look at modding it to Atlas code 55

I like the Atlas Right Track Software, that is the software package I used to design my current HCD layout. It's just a shame Atlas discontinued support of the produce. On a side note, code 55 templates were available for the Right Track Software, I could send you the code 55 template if you don't already have it installed?

[ScrewySqrl]

I have it, just I've used code 80 most of the time.

[Bsklarski]

Kill the tight curves you will be sorry. I would kill the grades too on a layout that small and try not to fit track on every inch of it lol

[MichaelWinicki]

Too bad Dave's not around to re-jigger this plan.


I think it's excitement level could be amped up some. 

I liked the branch line... I would have made it a little less convoluted at its terminus.

I don't like the twisty-curvy thing the green line makes at the top... The green line could also use a passing siding.

The yard is more like a yawn.  It needs a couple servicing tracks.

No interchange tracks?  Interchange tracks are maybe the valuable "industry" tracks a layout can have since you can place/pickup any car there.   Without an interchange there is no connection to the outside world on this layout.

I think one passing siding/runaround track with buildings between the passing side and the main is interesting, but two of them on the layout is one too many.  Also what passing sidings you do have are very short.