Opinions on Newbie Layout

[ramcneal]

I've attached a JPEG image of my proposed layout and would appreciate any comments that folks my have based on what you see. Some background is probably in order.

(1) My basement area 9' x 13' with a sink on the left hand side which stops things short on that side. I've built the benchwork already figuring that because of my space an around the walls design would provide me with the most real estate. I used an open framework built with 1x4's and will top it with 2" pink foam.

(2) I decided on N scale to enable more realistic looking curves.

(3) This pup is all freelance. You guys are probably going to laugh at me here, but I'll say it anyway. I want to run both steam passenger trains and diesel freight. The diesels would primarily stay on the loop that goes between the "Coal mine or other industry" and "Town". The passenger train will run run up to the "Mountain Top Resort" and back to the town.

(4) I came up with the basic layout here because I wanted the ability to run a continuous train. I know the prototypes operation point to point, but I'm thinking of the possibility of grandkids here.

What I need to decide on is what my "Industry" is going to model which will obviously dictate the builds and support track.

Opinions?

 

[sparkyftw]

If you have a coal mine, I would put in a power plant to use that coal. Other than that, really any small warehouse stuff would work pretty well here and there.

Looks like you have a lot of room you could use for a yard and industries in the long shelf.

 

[ramcneal]

If you have a coal mine, I would put in a power plant to use that coal. Other than that, really any small warehouse stuff would work pretty well here and there.

Looks like you have a lot of room you could use for a yard and industries in the long shelf.

I was thinking about tucking a power plant, depending on size, between the service yard and the back wall. That would give me a power plant, service yard for the engines, small freight yard or branch lines to a couple small industries and the town. All of which would be along the long wall.

I'm thinking that this "backbone" track for lack of a better term would connect to my mainline from the A/D track.

 

[UP2CSX]

You are going to have some reach problems in the back corners of the layout so you'll need to plan for that.

Have you calculated the grade you need to reach the coal mine? It's Grade=Rise/Run. How far above the flat is the coal mine? Howl long is the track that will run from the flat to the highest part of the layout? If your grade is 2% or less, that's ideal. If its 4% or more, you need to find a way to reduce the grade.

Other than those two concerns, I like the basic idea of the layout and the back story. There are modern shortlines that run both diesels for freight service and steam engines for passenger excursions so the concept isn't that far-fetched.

 

[ramcneal]

You are going to have some reach problems in the back corners of the layout so you'll need to plan for that.

I'm 6' 2" and while on a step stool I have no trouble reaching those corners. That's one drawback of the plan, but I'm willing to deal with. My benchwork height is 48" and if I stand on a step stool I can reach the very back corners, part of which is already gone because of the back drop which I curved. The backdrop is bent at about an 18" radius. My curves on the track are 15". I originally thought of using 18" curves, but since my space called for 36" benchwork that wouldn't fit. So, changed the curves to 16", but then read about easements and since I hoped to have at least two inches between the edge of the benchwork and the track that meant I had to drop the radius once more to 15". So, I believe I'm okay there. I know that detailing will not be pleasant, but since there are no switches and gentle curves (at least I'm calling a 15" curve with easements on N scale gentle) I should safe from derailments.

Have you calculated the grade you need to reach the coal mine? It's Grade=Rise/Run. How far above the flat is the coal mine? Howl long is the track that will run from the flat to the highest part of the layout? If your grade is 2% or less, that's ideal. If its 4% or more, you need to find a way to reduce the grade.

The only grade currently is on the "Mountain Resort Loop". From some quick measurements I need to run a 2.5% grade along the long wall to reach the desired height before the first curve. What I need to work out is how the vertical easements will effect the length of the grade run. I can continue the climb through the curve if needed, but I figured I better drop the grade to 1% through a curve. If the rail climbs through the curve I can probably drop the grade to 2%.

Other than those two concerns, I like the basic idea of the layout and the back story. There are modern shortlines that run both diesels for freight service and steam engines for passenger excursions so the concept isn't that far-fetched.

True, but who runs a Challenger hauling passengers cars for scenic excursions. If you know of a railroad that does let me know cause I'm packing my bags. Whenever I have taken a vacation anywhere there's a steam train my wife and kids know they'll be taking a short trip.

 

[UP2CSX]

RA, sounds like you've got this well thought out. Almost no one ever thinks of grade easements, especially through curves, where flange friction can effectively double the apparent grade, You don't happen to be an engineer, do you?

Hey, I have an excursions train powered by a UP 4-8-4 in Challenger colors on my railroad. That's the cool thing about model railroading - you can plan and make your own little world no matter what real life is like.

 

[ramcneal]

RA, sounds like you've got this well thought out. Almost no one ever thinks of grade easements, especially through curves, where flange friction can effectively double the apparent grade, You don't happen to be an engineer, do you?

Great Scott, I've been outed. You're right, I am an engineer, one of those dreaded software types.

Hey, I have an excursions train powered by a UP 4-8-4 in Challenger colors on my railroad. That's the cool thing about model railroading - you can plan and make your own little world no matter what real life is like.

Glad I'm not the only one. I've been keeping notes in a journal on my back storying for my setup. I plan on writing a small history, completely fictitious of course, around the town, and engines used. There are certain small details that I'd like to add, like maybe an old abandon house. Give the story of who was murdered there and when, that type of thing. I would then print up small pamphlets with this history and see if anyone notices. Laugh if you wish, if it makes me smile what the hell.