amigoazul

Hello all,

 i have been lurking around for awhile and have been thoroughly enjoying all of the posts and great sharing of knowledge, But now I am frustrated with what I am trying to accomplish. So i seek advice from the Jedi masters.

I am in the process of trying to create a nice layout within a 10x10 L. The inspiration is the exchange in Saranac Lake NY that the NYC and D&H shared at some points in the late 19th and early 20th century. I will be running a mix of early Diesel and late Steam on the layout.The line from both railroads is a single track with sidings. I'm taking a little creative license with my time period and am sure I will ignore the fact that the D&H track was sold to the NYC.The nice thing about the area up here is that it is like the land time forgot.

Attached is the layout plan as of now. I am open to any and all suggestions.

I have a 2 percent grade up to the bridge that goes over the yard and back down into a tunnel.

I would like to maintain these features as it is not flat up here by any means.

The things I would like on the layout.

Elevation,tunnels, sidings, bridges. better access to the rear of the layout(derailments/scenery.)

Operations and continuous running are what I am looking to do. I would like to also run multiple trains on the main line with sidings.

For control I have a Digitrax Zephyr with a PR3 for the programming and PC interface running JMRI W/ remote throttles being my iphone and Ipad. i have a PM42 for setting up different zones of circuit protection and an AR1 for the auto reverse. Down the road I will add block detection and signaling. So as you may have figured is I don't have an issue with the electronic/digital aspect or the operation.

the bench framework is 40" (3 year old and an 11/2 year old grandson) high and is built into the room but can be modified easily. I just can't leave the foot print that is in the plan. I can always go up on the back walls though.

This will mainly be mixed passenger/freight and logging operations.

The spur off of the bridge is for the logging operations and would remain 4" above the rest of the layout.

Help me out please, I've been out of this for thirty years. I think I have way to much going on here.

 

Thanks looking forward to hearing from all.over1(1).bmp 

Reply 0
kstiles2177

Reach

Have you considered how you will reach a train that derails or stalls on the back tracks of the layout?  At 4 ft from the forward edge you aren't going to be able to put something back on the tracks.....

Reply 0
amigoazul

I was going to notch out the

I was going to notch out the back as it will be hidden by scenery. i know 4ft is a PITA.

Reply 0
amigoazul

I gave up on this plan.Help with modified Wawbeek&Sunmount.

I have given up on this plan as I have come to realize too much in the wrong space. I have a temporary setup for now just to run trains and figure out programming and computer control which is very fun. I'm an IT guy so that's right up my alley. the plan I would like to do is a modified version of the Wawbeek and Sunmount plan number 43 from the 101 more track plans. I will be modifying my bench to be an around the room 10ftx11ft with a width of 18 to 30 inches in some spots instead of the 10x10x4ft L.

I am having issues trying to modify the track plan as it is a 6ftx12ft. If anyone has a modified plan already in xtrack that I could borrow for inspiration that is within my dimensions that would be much appreciated. The dreaded analysis paralysis has set in I'm afraid. I like the plan as it gives me everything I am looking to do. i know some of it will have to be eliminated out right. I don't have a scan of the plan as it is in the book.I'm pretty sure I'll get a slap if I post anyway as it is copyrighted.

 

Thanks,

Nathan

 

Reply 0
Brodie Washburn

10X10 foot layout ideas.

Have you considered an around the wall layout with a lift out?   You could have larger radius curves and maybe use the middle of the room better.

Reply 0
rickwade

I have a 10ft by 12ft around

I have a 10ft by 12ft around the wall layout and a lot can be done in that space.  If you want continuous running you can have a lift out / swing gate in the door area.

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40

Reply 0
amigoazul

Around the walls is the idea

Around the walls is the idea with a lift gate. I would like to do a modified Wawbeek and Sunmount  as it offers everything I'd like to achieve. I do understand it will need to be modified to my room size. I really like the elevated cross over and the operations aspect. It allows for runs and operations. I just need a little push in the right direction. 

I like the idea it incorporates the D&H and NYC interchange up here in the Adirondacks where I live. If anybody has some track,plans to share for inspiration that would be a big help also.

I'll post a room schematic with bench outline tomorrow as I know that will help a lot. The ideas and talent from all of the members on here is just outstanding. It sure causes you to pauses.

Thanks

Reply 0
Virginian and Lake Erie

In looking at the plan you

In looking at the plan you might want to compare the the total of the outside dimensions. Their plan 6 + 6 + 12 + 12 = 36 feet along the outside edges. Your space 10 + 10 + 11 + 11 = 42 feet on the outside dimensions. You should be able to work the same type of arrangement in your space with a bigger operating pit. The corner Curves will need to be relocated and you might want to run some of your yard tracks around the curve or make them a foot shorter. Bench work of a 30 inch depth should yield a nice workable solution. You will have in the middle an opening of 5 x 6 feet which would allow for a nice operating pit.

If you build the layout higher than most say 56 inches from the floor you could just access your room by sitting on a desk chair and rolling under the layout at the door way. Also all the space under the layout could then be used to store model supplies, have a work bench, add a dispatchers panel, books and magazine storage, computer desk, etc.

You could turn that into a major train room. Rick who mentioned his layout room also has his office in there so there is the potential for lots of use in that room.

Reply 0
amigoazul

Here's the basics of my shop.

Here's the basics of my shop. To left hand side bottom is my workbench for building and testing. There is a gap on the left hand side up top that I left there for scenic reasons or what not I can always extend it.

 

Again thanks,

 

andbench.bmp 

Reply 0
Reply