New layout- need suggestions

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flatliner1109

New Member
Hello, well I've finally got room and time to get back to this hobby. I've changed a dogbone layout I found to fit what I want in the space I have, and am looking for feedback. I like the mountains in the backgroud, farm/town outside the industry areas. Are the industries realistic? Over crowded? I think the grades will just work, barely! This is in HO and with the banks permission DCC!
Regards,
John
View attachment 30071
 
Is the grid one foot squares?

There are some areas that will be a long reach. Will there be access to the tunnel tracks from under the layout?
You have two completely separate loops. Not needed with DCC.
I would prefer a twice around with two reversing cross-over sections.

Not a bad first go however.
 
I don't see a way for the outer track to join the inner track. Is this intentional? Also, all the yard tracks come off the main track the same direction, which creates less interesting switching. Not a bad thing, but something to be aware of.

You might try providing some 'Givens and Druthers' for more accurately tuned assistance.

This is the “Givens and Druthers” that the late John Armstrong used when designing layouts for people. It’s a very useful way to clarify your thoughts about what you want to do with your model railroad.

Givens and Druthers

(Railroad Name)

Scale: (O, S, HO, N, Z, TT)

Gauge: (Std, Narrow)

Prototype: (the railroad you want to model)

Era: (..., 40s, 50s, 60s, ... , steam, diesel, transition, etc)

Region: (northwest, southeast, England, Rockies ...)

Railroad: (UP, PENN, CP, etc)

Space: (Describe Space e.g. basement. Provide diagram showing Overhead clearances and any obstructions or limitations.)

Governing Rolling Stock: (Biggest planned)

Relative Emphasis: (move the V)

|______________________V_______________________|
Track/Operation .................................. Scenic realism
|_________________________V____________________|
Mainline Running ........................................ Switching

Operation Priorities: (rearrange as required)
Passenger Train Switching
Helper District Operations
Main-Line Passenger Train Operation
Long Freight Train Operations
Engine Terminal Movements
Local Freight Operations

Typical operating Crew: (number of people, skill / type of people)

Eye Level (Owner) ___Inches.
Click to expand...
 


Hey thanks for the comments.
Waltr - Grid is one foot squares.

Loudmusic - Givens and Druthers:

Scale: HO

Gauge: (Std, Narrow)

Prototype: Fictional

Era: 50s, 60s, diesel

Region: northwest...

Railroad: (UP, PENN, CP, etc)

Space: Open room 24' X 14'

Governing Rolling Stock: 56' Grain Hopper

Relative Emphasis: (move the V)

|__________________________V___________________|
Track/Operation .................................. Scenic realism
|__________________________V___________________|
Mainline Running ........................................ Switching
Operation Priorities:
Passenger Train Switching
Long Freight Train Operations
Engine Terminal Movements
Local Freight Operations

Typical operating Crew: 2-3

Eye Level (Owner) 68"
 
I concurr with all the advice given, particularly regarding the long reach in some spots.

24'x14' is a good sized room. Seems like there ought be other alternatives, that will hold your interest, longer. Seems like the mainlines follow the walls and table edge. As designed, the layout won't have much in the way of creating a variety of operations.

Nothing like building a layout to learn various lessons. One of my own criteria is whether I believe I'll be successful in building what I design. If I don't think I will, its 'back to the drawing board.' Its important in my book to have a high degree of confidence that I can build what I've designed, no matter what anybody else says, good, or bad. Designing something more complicated than you feel you can comfortably build, and not knowing any better, can lead to 'problems.'
 
I like it, and don't think the density is an issue at all. You never have enough space (real world or plywood prairie). Given all of the different types of industries you have on the plan, you will be able to run all types of trains. Fun to get some hoppers, flats, gons, etc. Run one type or another, or mix them up. Cool.

I do support the concern about the two main lines not being connected. If there are any areas where they are at the same elevation, you might consider a crossover or two. I would recommend two, one going each way so that you don't need to back a train up over a crossover.

Given that space, an around the room style will reduce the "Max Reach" concern. But then you would need to deal with a duckunder or removable bridge. Personal choice on that one.

Doug
 
Thanks for the all the ideas! The room is big but I am only able to use this section, perhaps I should plan a dead-end branch on the right side for expansion. The lines across the back have an elevation of 6'' for mountain effect. I'm trying to squeeze too much rise for the run in this space perhaps, but I love the look of trains on mountains coming out of tunnels crossing rivers with another consist going the opposite direction just below. I see the issue with the main lines not being connected and I'll redraw the layout with crossovers, and also look at the yard tracks and their direction as well.

John
 
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Whoa there nelly. Did you say 6" of rise in that length? Wow that's way too much. Don't go over a 2% grade, or you'll be crying when your 15 car train stalls on the grade.

If you want some separation with not much length to deal with. Do what I did. Put a 2" layer of extruded foam (pink builders board) over the plywood surface. Then you can "dig" down into the foam on one track, and then the other track can rise only 2-3 inches.

Also, what are your minimum radius curves in that plan? If you plan to run long equipment, steamers, autoracks, 85' passenger cars. Then you need a minimum 24" radius.
 
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Hey absolutely what I had in mind!! The lower track actually has to be on the plywood top of the benchwork in order to get the grade. Truly the grade is closer to 5.75 inch maximum. I will try to post an updated layout plan shortly for review. Thanks, John
 
I forgot to mention the minimum radius curve is 18'', maximum 22". I am planning on keeping the rolling stock max length to 56' grain hoppers.
 


Another thing comes to mind. You sure have a lot of tunnels and hidden track. How do you plan to access this track for derails and maintenance?
 
A grade like that with a diesel pulling 10 cars will be a bit smelly at the top of the grade, Believe me, been there, done that and won't do it again. Still have to replace the motor. The lead GP was the one that smoked when I ran it alone up that grade.

Willis
PowerPlantSpur_IMG.jpg
 
Yikes! Too bad about your diesel. I just followed your link- great photos and an awesome layout! You very much have the set up I have in mind with the double lines in the mountains. Excellent trestle as well!! What were your grades on your layout that caused the motor burn out in the locomotive? I note that there was a re-construction to your layout, did you redo the grades then? I will recalculate the grades on my layout, thanks for the tip.
Michael, I had plan to leave access space on the side for access to the tunnels for derailments. I've seen a few go off on the corners out of reach!
 
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