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In this area, I think im gonna move the two lower level tracks to the aisle side of the layout. I want to have some switching in this area. With the building on the aisle side, I’m sure an arm or two will collide with the building over time. I would like to avoid that.
Any suggestions? Leave the lower level where it’s at or move it?
why keep it straight?
just make a slight S curve, or split up the two tracks so it does not look like a freeway.
this would be my input. but its your layout
Here’s what I’m thinking. Buildings between the two elevations with the lower level along the aisle. This will also make the curve leading into the curve behind me much larger.
Here’s what I’m thinking. Buildings between the two elevations with the lower level along the aisle. This will also make the curve leading into the curve behind me much larger.
Here’s what I’m thinking. Buildings between the two elevations with the lower level along the aisle. This will also make the curve leading into the curve behind me much larger.
Thanks everyone for the input. Had a lot to think about. I decided to move the tracks to the aisle side. this will allow more room for roads and such. The reused foam embankments will be cut back an inch or so. The biggest loss is the 12 pieces of cork. It cannot be reused.
I did lay out some cork this morning to see how it will look. I was concerned about the curve on the one track but it seems to be just fine. Thanks again for the suggestions.
The mainline move is complete. Got to work on it as soon as I got home from work. It’s almost 10 pm and I’m pleased with the results. I’ll have to adjust the track where it goes into the tunnel. I see the cork moved on me a little but that’s about it. The yellow 6 foot measuring stick is 2 inches wide. Perfect for laying roadbed on 2” centers!
Those curves-counter curves are very well done, I also love the so important long and smooth transitions between curves and straight sections of tracks. Great work.
Those curves-counter curves are very well done, I also love the so important long and smooth transitions between curves and straight sections of tracks. Great work.
Yeah, I personally use two 90ft trilevel autoracks as templates wherever curved parallel tracks must be installed close from each other. They are also great for scenery clearances beside tracks in curves, bridges height, tunnels width and height.
No, no clear guard. Once the upper level is built, I will extend the fascia up to it and probably an inch pass. This will be my “guard” to catch any mishaps. For now, I’m very careful when I run my test trains. I might staple some cardboard to the edge temporarily.
With this section done, the lower level is about 90% completed. I also decided to lay one of the yard leads/tail track into/out of the yard. More on that track later.
The lower track is laid up to the window where I will need to build some kind of removable bridge. Then it’s another 17 feet of straight track where it will start the 2% grade up to the upper level.
The upper level is having cork put down on the back curve . This track will then weave its way through a town and then to the basement window and across a removable bridge. It, too, will have a 17 foot straight run to where it will descend down a 2% grade to the lower level.
We’re getting close to a complete loop!
Here is some shots of the upper level construction. The cardboard in the last pic is a template for the upper level. I’m hoping to have some backdrop buildings here to switch.
Just finished the first case of track. Also finished the big curve and heading toward the city. I should make it the whole way to the basement window this weekend. Then I need to figure out how I want to build the removable section. After that it’s 16 feet of straight track to the 2% grade down /up. For that I will be using the woodland scenics foam. Should be interesting.
My next post should be a cab ride on the upper level.
