September 2011 Train show project layout

[wm3798]

I think the first revision is the best, because the single track branch allows for the possibility of a grade.  This would create a more interesting terrain for the buildings to be set in.

[conrail98]

I think the first revision is the best, because the single track branch allows for the possibility of a grade.  This would create a more interesting terrain for the buildings to be set in.

And the town could be sloped as ar result adding to the illusion of size,

Phil

[DKS]

Want grades? Here's an ambitious plan that, while being a bowl of spaghetti complete with meatballs, has potential for loads of urban industrial scenery. Half of the mainline loop is hidden under streets and buildings, with a sloping track (purple) connecting the loop (black) with the industrial branchline (blue). It certainly breaks the roundy-round appearance of a loop, and working all the sidings (one car at a time, in most cases) will keep you occupied for hours.
 


Notice that I haven't used any curved switches yet. Not only am I fearful of creating operational headaches for people, but they actually don't offer much of an advantage on such a small layout, as they suck up a lot of real estate. The wye was more useful in this one.

[wazzou]

Last one...nice.

[MichaelT]

I like the first one and the last one so far of the pack. Not sure that I'm as ambitious as the last one looks like it would need, but what kind of grade are you talking about with the purple line?

[DKS]

what kind of grade are you talking about with the purple line?

It's kinda ugly, >4%. You could lower the industrial line a little, say down to 1.5-1.75, assuming you don't run any double-stacks or hi-cubes, and get it down around 4%, but being on a curve, the effective grade will always be higher. Moving the switch at the top all the way to the right end of the straightaway would help, too, but then the switch is in the tunnel.

Having said all that, since you probably won't be running trains of more than 4-5 cars, it might not be a big deal.

[MichaelT]

It's kinda ugly, >4%. You could lower the industrial line a little, say down to 1.5-1.75, assuming you don't run any double-stacks or hi-cubes, and get it down around 4%, but being on a curve, the effective grade will always be higher. Moving the switch at the top all the way to the right end of the straightaway would help, too, but then the switch is in the tunnel.

Having said all that, since you probably won't be running trains of more than 4-5 cars, it might not be a big deal.

Good point, plus cars probably won't be longer than 50'ers anyway. I'm going to print off the first one to play with, and the ambitious one as well, and do some figuring.

Let me ask you guys this. For the curves on this little layout, would you suggest using sectional track on the curves and flex on the straights, or measuring out and using flex track on the curves as well?

[wm3798]

It would probably be easier to lay out sectional track, but it will probably operate more consistently with flex.  Just take some time to lay the track carefully.

Lee

[DKS]

For the curves on this little layout, would you suggest using sectional track on the curves and flex on the straights, or measuring out and using flex track on the curves as well?

Some of the curves might not be do-able with sectional track. For example, for the dual-level plan, the inside curve of the passing siding is <10 inches, so it would have to be done with flex. All of the other curves on that one can be done with sectional, though.

[MichaelT]

OK, was hoping I could work with flex, as I have quite a bit on hand. Might need to pick up a few turnouts, have to see what I have on hand compared with what will be needed when a plan is chosen.

I did pull some turnouts from their drawer and laid them on the door to start looking at placement on both plans...just to see how they transfer from paper/computer to actual.

[DKS]

Let me know if you want, and I can post 1:1 plans that you can print full-size. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of things.

[MichaelT]

Let me know if you want, and I can post 1:1 plans that you can print full-size. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of things.

Really....now that would be cool! Let me know how much that costs?

[MichaelT]

An out of the box question;

Even though this is going to be a small layout, should I plan for legs underneath instead of hoping train shows it might venture to have tables to put it on?

Also, what about a cover? I'm thinking a simple 1/2 ply box top with tool box type fasteners?

[wm3798]

Dave Vollmer would be the one to chat with about a cover.  He's taken his layout to a number of shows, and shipped it all over the country as he chases a career in the military...

As for legs, you'd want to have something that's easy to put up, take down, store, and yet is sturdy and wobble free...

When you invent that, you better take out a patent!

Lee

[John]

Also, what about a cover? I'm thinking a simple 1/2 ply box top with tool box type fasteners?

Lots of Ntrak types build covers for their layouts .. they generally slide over the entire frame, and most have carry handles on the ends .. usually held in place by 4 bolts ..