design me a layout

[asciibaron]

here is the space i have, i can't come up with anything that does not look like a NASCAR circuit.  needs to have staging for 3 trains and a two track main.  i have been looking at the Feb 1990 MR for inspiration, but i have no idea what minimum radius they used - seems awfully tight.  it's the N scale BN line - i like it, just can't build it.  that bump in the room is the closet in the landing - can't do anything about it.


-Steve

[wm3798]

Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day.  Teach a man to fish, and he'll sit in a boat all day drinking beer.

Just start laying track... something will come to you.
Peruse your various resources for proto scenes you want to include, figure out where they'll fit best with the least amount of compression, then simply connect the dots with flex track.

Lee

[asciibaron]

Peruse your various resources for proto scenes you want to include, figure out where they'll fit best with the least amount of compression, then simply connect the dots with flex track.

this is where i started and nothing was really working for me.  too plywood plains.  i just don't think i'm going to get what i want in my space.  what is a decent minimum radius for 60' or less cars?

-Steve

[wm3798]

My minimum is 15", hidden in tunnels.  89' pig flats work here, but the portals must be postiitoned "just so".  Visible on the main I try to keep it no less than 18, although my temp track pinches down below 15.  Long cars still work reliably. They just look a little funky.

If what you want won't fit, figure out what you can live without.  I had to completely eliminate two yards and an engine terminal...
Lee

[shark_jj]

asciibaron, if you are looking at the Feb 1990 MR I am assuming that you have back issues to at least that date.  If so, look through the period 2003 to 2007.  Somewhere in there MR did a contest for layouts to fit in an 8X10 bedroom.  This is roughly the size of your space.  Most of the layouts were HO but there was one if memory serves which was a 2 level N scale of the N&W in the coal fields which permitted some nice running.  I don't remember the exact date, but if you can find the article it might give you some inspiration vis-a-vis what is doable.

[asciibaron]

i simply want 4 staging tracks (15 cars, 2 locos and a cabin), the Morgan Run interlocking and N&W crossing, a compressed facsimile of Coshocton, a trough truss bridge crossing a river, an 8-10 car mine.  i think that all should fit...

[asciibaron]

asciibaron, if you are looking at the Feb 1990 MR I am assuming that you have back issues to at least that date.  If so, look through the period 2003 to 2007. 

my library ends in 1999.

-Steve

[asciibaron]

here's a little mix and mashing.  i haven't labeled anything, so bear with me...

the diamond and interlocking is Morgan Run, the town is Coshocton - there are several industries modeled; GE insulators, Coshocton Grain, JBClow & Sons, and Coshocton Straw Paper Co.  also modeled is Y&O Coal Co. in the peninsula.  the area to the right with the blue lines across the grade is the location of the Tuscarawas River bridge.



any suggestions on how to increase the number of staging tracks are welcome.

-Steve

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Add some single ended ones. Get creative with that.

Also, you've got an issue of getting e/b into and out of staging there.

[asciibaron]

Also, you've got an issue of getting e/b into and out of staging there.

not sure i follow Ed

here's another version.  getting into the layout will require a heck of a duck under, but ti will be worth it



-Steve

[asciibaron]

here's how e/b's get into staging: 



the interlocking towers aren't just decorations like they are on CR in 1985  ;D

-Steve

[wm3798]

That must be a CSX train in the lower left... looks like the lead unit is on the ground...
Lee

[asciibaron]

That must be a CSX train in the lower left... looks like the lead unit is on the ground...

why did i know someone was going to say something about that...  what about the track plan Lee?  it's a little racetracky, but then again, so is the prototype.  this is where the T1's stretched their legs.

-Steve

[John]

That duckunder will be a pain .. I would make this layout height at least 48" from the floor ..

Is the closet available for a 2 or 3 turn helix? You could then use that to get to lower level staging.

I would try to fit in a drop gate if at all possible near the door ..

[Iain]

Add a crossover so that your eastbound trains can get into staging without so much tying up of the westbound main AND to reduce the headache of getting in and out.