Funny how these things go. I meant to make this post a month and a half ago, but time somehow gets away from one so.
I've been using the free version of AnyRail to design the layout for the modules. The area on each module for track laying is 550mm x 1200mm.
As always there are some compromises in any track plan.
Some things I wanted to achieve:
- I really like point-to-point operations,
- I prefer not to handle the locomotives, so turntables and engine houses are required.
- Trains up to 1.45 meters long (two locomotives and 6 passenger cars) need to be accommodated.
- Yard tracks need to be double-ended (for locomotives to escape).
- All rolling stock must be able to be stored on the layout, including:
- A caboose track for storing cabeese.
- Maintenance of way equipment track.
- To achieve the above and save space, I'm happy with a non-prototype, fiddle-yard track design at one end. Although, this will still be finished with scenery.
- The track must be mostly level across all modules, save for small changes between different sorts of tracks. The scenery will rise above and drop below the tracks on some modules to give a sense of the landscape.
- I want several modules to just feature a single track and large landscapes.
- Two types of bridges, one of which should be a timber trestle.
- At least one tunnel. (The previous layout used a lot of tunnels and I want to reduce the level of hidden trackage).
- I want a passing siding between the two towns for meets. This is a location to include the large redwood trees and some industries like the sawmill and mine.
- Provisions for locomotive servicing at each end.
The design below is what I've come up with so far. The benchwork for the four modules along the top of the picture has been constructed and after laying out the printed track plan and testing the space with my rolling stock, I've started laying track for the yard area. The modules along the right side of the picture and bottom, are a concept only and will be constructed in the future.
Any tips, suggestions or comments on the track plan are welcome, so feel free to leave a comment. I'll endeavour to reply
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Looks like an interesting layout. The second yard has a lot of curves, which may make it difficul to couple/uncouple engines and cabooses from trains.
ReplyDeleteThank you, that's a good point. I'm going to have to think about that. I may be able to lay that yard out differently to reduce the curves.
DeleteAre you familiar with Andy Sperandeo's San Jacinto plan? The namesake yard may fit your needs for that 'curvy' yard at the bottom of the plan. A quick search should turn up a track diagram. I've never been keen on using a turntable for a runaround escape, but in this case it seems to fit the bill. Reminds me a bit of the V&T's engine facility at Carson City, a giant engine house with really long approach tracks into the stalls.
ReplyDelete