My L&C RR layout (early in design phase)

[eTraxx]

I've been using XTrkCad to design my switching/industrial/diorama layout. That's not entirely tounge-in-cheek as I wanted a 'bit of each' of those. Considering the limitations in size (approx 10'x5' 'around a corner/on the wall) .. figure I had better have a sense of humor.

In any case, this is what I have currently. I started with the plan for the "Third Street Industrial District". This was from "48 Top-Notch Track Plans" by Boby Hayden. I actually found on-line as a 'selection' on the Google Books site .. here .. (it's a 'limited preview' but contains this layout complete.

I said I "started with.." ... and here is where I am at the moment.

* On the left the main line runs through a cut and from under the bridge/trestle leading to the 'dump-bridge' for the Sand and Gravel company. The Anchorage Sand and Gravel Co. uses such .. which the Alaska Railroad delivers. It's pretty much just an concrete version of the old coal trestle such as the one at the James River Branch.

I think if the main line there 'tucked' behind trees there it would hide the fact that it runs into a wall. I could simply curve the track down a bit ...

* Below that and just to the right of the dump-bridge is the Sand and Gravel office and where the aggregates are stored ...

http://www.anchsand.com/portals/3/loadingtruck.jpg

The spur running up to the dump-bridge gives an excuse for bridges, trestles, rock faces, retaining walls .. all the 'good stuff'.

The long siding at the top of the layout are for the expected industrial flats on the wall.

I placed a water tank and freight house (actually just tossed 'em) into my engine service area.

The main line runs from out of the cut and crosses a road. There there is a turnout for the two sidings running down along the road (I put in the Medusa Cement plant .. because it was available within XTrkCad) . .and another switch there splits a siding from the main (lower track) and another that flows into the upper tracks. On the right side the main line runs into the wall (ok. Actually into "someplace else" .. figure I can put something there as a view block .. structures or trees or somesuch.

The small "loop" of green to the right of the road .. figure a small stream could go there .. reasoning is .. the "why" the tracks loop like that! In reality .. would give more oppurtunity for the .. water, mud, sticks and stones, pipes spewing water and so on ...

I used 18" curves minimum on everything but the main - there it is 22" minimum. The era? I am thinking the mid to late 20's. Steam, shorter freight cars and some early diesel. So - have at it.

 

[cajon]

The big problem w/ your plan is that short tail on the switchback. Looks like there's only room for a short loco & 1-2 cars. Your plan would be better w/o the switchback. You'll get tired real fast having to exchange 4-6 cars one at a time.

 

[eTraxx]

@cajon. First of all .. thanks for the input. That's why I tossed the layout up here KNOWING it wasn't ready for "Prime Time" !

Ok. I was thinking about the current layout .. and there is just too much track. I was spending so much time making sure everything flowed that I ended up without any place for structures and scenery (well .. not so much).

I had been looking at "The Ten Commandents of Model Railroad Yard Design" .. http://www.housatonicrr.com/yard_des.html .. and seen where it talks about the main line and Commandent 1 - "Thou Shalt Not Foul the Main" and Commandent 2 - "Thou Shalt Provide a Dedicated Lead Track" ...........

... then remembered seeing the "Exception to Commandment 1: "When planning a yard for a lightly used branchline, or a small stub-end terminal yard, it isn't always necessary to keep the main clear. If the branch only supports one or two trains a day, and trains must operate per rule 93 (Movements within yard limits -- all trains must proceed at restricted speed and ready to stop for any obstruction) there usually isn't a problem with using the main, even as a lead track (see Commandment 2)."

Well. You are right about the tail of the wye being too short. Even using switchers and short freight cars it will only hold the loco and a car .. POSSIBLY two .. as you said.

Hmmm. Ok. I'm going to start by following the "Exception to Commandment 1" and make the main also the lead track .. the premise being that the railroad is .. indeed .. a branch line supporting the "one or two trains a day" .. see how that helps.

The problem with the short tail on the wye was simply that I was attempting to get a track up and over the main for aesthetic purposes .. since my main focus is with the scenic/scratchbuilding side of the hobby. I am thinking therefore .. dial back a bit on the trackwork .. and see what I can come up with.

 

[cuyama]

You may be misreading the purpose of Craig Bisgeier's "10 Commandments of Yard Design" page. It's focused on classification yards, not switching areas. A different set of best practices apply for the kind of layout you are describing.

You have more than one short tail on a switchback that will create tedious switching moves.

A good reference for anyone attempting to design their own layout is John Armstrong's Track Planning for Realistic Operation.

There are a number of shelf-style switching layouts on my Layout Design Gallery page that might help with ideas.

Best of luck.