The Refining of a Track Plan

[NorfolkSouthern9708]

Well, I've started to toy around with the idea of a door layout (yet again!) and I'm drafting up plans on MS paint.

I figure three tracks for extensions would be enough. Operations would be for 1 to 2 people. A yard job (which would be sort of a "phase 2" to the plan) a local, and a factory job. (which would be the spurs on the top half of the layout) The straight track that just runs through the layout at the bottom would be another railroad, such as Conrail, or NS, depending on the era. I figure that the factory train would haul 2-3 cars in or out of the mill. Then, a local would go around and spot cars on the layout. (The more I think about it, I might just eliminate the mill job and merge it in with the local) And the yard job would, well, work in the yard! That's about all I have for now, I know you guys are pretty good at planning and whatnot. So I figured I'd let you guys look over it.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Thanks,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Kyrin

[DKS]

It sure looks familiar...!

[wazzou]

Funny, I thought the same thing...the sincerest form of flattery or something like that.

[wm3798]

I'm not sure you can copyright an oval!

Door layouts are great for their portability, completability, and simplicity...  But they're not too famous for their variety, at least in terms of track plans.

Lee

[Dave V]

I'm not sure you can copyright an oval!

Door layouts are great for their portability, completability, and simplicity...  But they're not too famous for their variety, at least in terms of track plans.

Lee

I'm sure between Ed's existentialism and DKS' creative skills the "no-loop" door layout could be done.

I'm such a roundy-rounder I had to have two loops on my door.  Heheheh...  I like watching my choo-choos.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Well, I've actually been contemplating doing the Canton deal (does it count? it's three doors) as a non-loop.

But then I wimp out (because a loop gives you sneaky staging options).

[DKS]

because a loop gives you sneaky staging options

That, and some mindless fun. I suspect even hardcore operators probably enjoy a little roundy round railfanning on occasion. C'mon, admit it. It's OK, you're among friends.

[chuck geiger]

And it gets more refined...I might have to start with a 2x4 of the
A&R plan DKS made for Dave and myself. A smaller version to
start might not be bad. I haven't modeled in two years and
need to work off the rust.

It would give me a chance to look at:

*Building real Western scenery.
*Different levels of elevation between the rails and
the surrounding land.
*Coloring and texture of scenery.
*Creating powerful scenes.
*Arranging the right industry profiles.
*Track work (Code 55)
*Track weathering and color for modeled area.
*Not have to worry about filling scenes fast.
*Work out the kinks.

[DKS]

But they're not too famous for their variety, at least in terms of track plans.

Oh, I don't know. You're right, there are limitations of course, but I think there are more possible variations than you might suspect, especially when you take different railroad settings into account. I did this one a while ago, which does a half-decent job of disguising at least part of the loop, and offers a healthy supply of switching options:



Plus I have a twice-around in the works that might be fun for someone to try. I have half a mind to do a whole series of door layout plans. But there will be those who regard the door in N as the 4x8 in HO--with varying degrees of contempt.

[Guilford Guy]

So you're factory job magically turned into a mill job, eh Kyrin? ;D
The plan you plan on doesn't really deny a specific industry job, because the siding layout doesn't look like it will provide enough switching opportunity to warrant it. It would be much easier to just throw that into the local's chores. The same goes for the local. I think you're trying to squeeze too much operation into your plan.
As for point to point, I think a 4x8 gives slightly more space, but I have absolutely no experience with door layouts.

[conrail98]

Oh, I don't know. You're right, there are limitations of course, but I think there are more possible variations than you might suspect, especially when you take different railroad settings into account. I did this one a while ago, which does a half-decent job of disguising at least part of the loop, and offers a healthy supply of switching options:



Plus I have a twice-around in the works that might be fun for someone to try. I have half a mind to do a whole series of door layout plans. But there will be those who regard the door in N as the 4x8 in HO--with varying degrees of contempt.

Dave, you should do a series of layout door plans, I particularly like this one. I counted, but wanted to be sure, this is a 36"x80" door, right? I have a friend who may want to put something together for his son after the holidays,

Phil

[MichaelWinicki]

Luv the diamond crossing.  I think a crossing amps up a plan.

[ednadolski]

How steep is the grade going uphill from the diamond to the first turnout on the branch?   One way to reduce that might be to spread out some of the height change onto the outer continuous-run loop.  So the diamond/switching area would be level, but roughly half the elevation between the lowest and highest tracks.

But there will be those who regard the door in N as the 4x8 in HO--with varying degrees of contempt.

I love the idea of a series of door plans.  Don't worry about those who won't like it -- trying to satisfy everyone is a sure way of never getting anything done. 

Ed

[ednadolski]

Another thought - can anyone please recommend some specific structures/kits to use for the buildings?

Thanks,
Ed

[DKS]

I counted, but wanted to be sure, this is a 36"x80" door, right?

Yes, that's a 36" door.

How steep is the grade going uphill from the diamond to the first turnout on the branch?

I never got around to marking the elevations on the plan. Most all of the track along the front would have 1" elevation. Mine branch rises to 2"; loop around the back drops to 0" under the mine. Offhand I don't know what the grades are, but I did a rough calculation and it looks like the mine branch might be ~2.5%.

BTW, all switches are #7 except for one left curved switch at the lower left.