1970s-1980s HCD Layout

[dem34]

Yeah as long as you aren't attempting to run a brass super steamer on your switching layout #5s should be fine. I have #5s on my home layout at some crossovers and even my DD40x,Baldwin Centipede, and shudder scale passenger cars, go over them without issue.

[pdx1955]

Since you have the width, the plan would look more interesting if you put the track at diagonal across the HCD instead of parallel to the edges. Another option would be to put a couple industries not parallel with the main tracks so the spurs have to curve to reach them . Many times spurs will branch off to access a warehouse that is perpendicular to the track or at 60+ degree angle - this would also work well if the track is not centered on the HCD. Another possibility is to put the whole scene through a gentle curve.

[conrail1973]

Well after much thinking, I've decided to switch things up.  So this is what I have right now...



For starters, I'm tired of modeling a runaround track on my layout.  My vision at the moment is to model a segment of an industrial track and include a future extension with another HCD that can include a runaround in the future.  Modeling an industrial spur with warehouses is something that I'm trying to capture and all of the turnouts are facing the same direction.  I have plenty of cabooses that I could utilize for shoving platforms.  Next, I'm ready to start laying laying Code 55 track when I noticed this....



Which Code 55 Atlas turnout would be compatible with the True-Track turnout?  Well, it might be a few weeks before I post any progress, but at least I've got some operations that I can enjoy in the mean time..

[conrail1973]

It's been awhile since I last updated my progress as it's taking a little longer with regards to finding the time to move on to the next step in completing this layout.  In the meantime, I've been fortunate to find time to run some trains, and I've changed the track plan again.



After listening to the feedback given, I felt that having the track run straight across the door looked boring.   I decided to curve the track on the right hand side of the door, and it definitely makes a postive appearance on the layout.  I wanted to make certain that I had enough room to switch the industries on that side of the door, and it works out fine.  Now it's time to redo my track plan with Code 55 track or decide to stick with Code 65 True Track and keep on operating when I have the time each week.



Adam

[CRL]

Before you fasten your track & buildings down, do yourself a big favor and glue a sheet of at least 1 inch foam to the top of the hollow core door. This will allow you to carve some below grade drainage contours and ditches into the foam to break up the flat, featureless look of a typical plywood layout.

[Hawghead]

and I've changed the track plan again.

What!!! YOU CAN'T JUST CHANGE THE TRACK PLAN, WILLY NILLY, EVERY TIME YOU GET SOME HALF BAKED IDEA!!!  THERE ARE THINGS TO CONSIDER, COMMITTEES TO BE FORMED, STUDIES TO BE CONDUCTED... Wah... Hey that looks pretty good.  Harmuph! Very well carry on, but just know we're keeping an eye on you. 

Scott 

[mighalpern]

I actually liked your original plan.
 Maybe as mentioned before, not parallel to the front
but I think you got more flexibility with the runaround track and the double ends,  to park cars while you picked up others, making it more operational so to speak
The new one I feel is also very bare and spread out,  reminds me of a tree limb.   
But please dont take that the wrong way, cuz its your layout and what you like.
Big thing--- Have Fun
Miguel

[conrail1973]

It's been over one year since I ripped up the foam from the door and flipped it to the other side to start on HCD Layout Part II.  I'm very thankful that True Track can endure the changes that I've made, so this is the current state of the door/layout:



With this "rough draft," I've decided to go with right hand turnouts with the exception of the one left hand turnout that serves the industry represented by the George Roberts Printing Kit.  This helped with eliminating the need to have a runaround track that I didn't want to force in place on the door if it didn't make sense.  Now that I feel satisfied with the plan, I've might be ready to lay the foam on the door.  With regard to track, I'm staying with the Code 65 due to the fact that I needed the money at the time when I sold the Code 55 track.  With that being the case, I need to figure out what I need to do to make this track look like branch line track and not the raised roadbed that it is.  In the end, it's all about running the trains!

[nkalanaga]

For an industrial area, just bury the track.  It isn't uncommon to have gravel to the railheads, if the lots aren't paved, and enough dirt to cover the ties isn't unheard of, even in non-vehicle areas.

[eja]

I liked you layout best when the industries were not so symmetrically aligned.  One other thought. Land is expensive so perhaps move the buildings closer to each other and leave an occasional vacant lot with a big for Sale or Lease sign on it. The open space between the industries just doesn't look right to me.

I do love what you are doing .. working it keep posting!

eja

[wazzou]

My only observation is that I would shorten the spur length by enough to position the turnouts more toward the middle and then you'll have enough room for a smallish full length yard and/or passing siding nearest the aisle.
If it were me, I would have the frontage road crossed by all of those spurs.
That would really give it an industrial feel.

[conrail1973]

This is all great feedback as I continue to finalize a plan that will maximize my operations potential!

[eja]

One more thought .....

You have a lot of cars and trucks in your mock-up, but no roads.  You might want to make paper mock-ups of these too to see how they play with the tracks and buildings.

[conrail1973]

A mock-up of roads does sound like a good idea that I've been thinking of doing and the the idea of a small yard sounds interesting, so...







I ran out of track in the process as I was tinkering with a few ideas, so I guess it's time to operate some trains as I figure out how to utilize the addition of the yard from an operations stand point.  Should be fun!

[LIRR]

I think all options will work, the only recommendation I would make is no trackage parallel to bench edge.