Bluewater & Grandview Railroad

[mightypurdue22]

I have 2 track plans that I'm considering in a 8' x 9' L shaped space in N Scale.  Benchwork is built as that space is not negotiable.  I've developed two double-main track plans, one without grades and one with.  I've already placed track for the no-grades option, but no scenery applied so pretty early in process yet.  I started thinking if the layout could be better with grades and an up and over.  Both layouts below were developed using SCARM (love it).

Looking for any advice on which might be preferred over the long haul and any changes that might enhance either.  There are pros and cons with each, and I do like both.  Thanks

No-Grades Option


2% Grade Option


Dave

[MichaelWinicki]

In this instance I like the "no grade" option David.

Not only does it look more realistic to me, but that "loop" between the two sides of the layout could be used in a number of ways, such as a branch or simply as an interchange with another RR.

[LIRR]

I like the no grades option also. The up and over has track work parallel to the edge of bench. That rarely looks good. Also, with the no grades, you can conceal the trackage at the top of the plan and use it for staging. Maybe add anther track or two....

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I like the no grades option too.

[Baronjutter]

As someone doing a layout where almost every piece of track has some sort of grade I'd absolutely vote for NO GRADE.  Grades are terrible things!

[DKS]

I'll be the odd man out: I like the grades version (with some minor tweaks). Both of them have some track-parallel-to-the-edges issues, which can be easily addressed in either plan.

[rickb773]

Grades add a lot of scenic interest, not to mention the pure excitement of seeing one train pass over another. The industry on the right hand side needs to come up to the top level of the plan and then hills/mountains can cover the turn-back (turn-backs rarely are scenically appealing. at least to me). Also avoid any tracks running parallel to the edges  which makes things look toylike.

[tappertrainman]

I like the industry set up of the with grades plan, but the general layout of the no grade plan.  Seems like you have somewhat of a yard in the 2% plan and no real car storage place in the other plan.  Both could use more storage though!

James

[jpec]

I like the grade option plan...those back to back turnouts on the back side of the no grade plan look like they might have access issues...

Jeff

[mightypurdue22]

Here is a modified version of the no-grade plan, as I'm leaning heavily toward that direction now.  I've done my best to include a staging area, which makes for more interesting ops for me and gives me greater opportunity to get different car types on the layout.  Still open towards suggestions...





Dave

[lajmdlr]

Guess double Xovers must be cheaper in N scale. An HO one goes for around $100.00 MSRP.

[Baronjutter]

Kato's are about $50.

[mightypurdue22]

And the latest rendition...





Dave

[MichaelWinicki]

I wish there was something for a operator to do over in the right-hand blob, but I can understand leaving it all scenery. 

[mightypurdue22]

Michael - That's a good suggestion, but 99% of the time I'll be a single operator.  Plus I do love to create the natural scenes.  Perhaps my kids will take an interest at some point, but up until now that hasn't been the case.  I'm hoping this layout gives me plenty of operating tasks and the ability to let trains run roundy round at other times.

Dave