the MRH Forum

Track plan idea Dream and design
Reply
Active Member 94 posts Paulc Active Member 94 posts
Paulc

I have brought this up before, and as a long time lurker have been watching to see if anyone else has thought of it. I have been enjoying the RichlawnII thread, as it is based on the same design I am attracted to, the Heart of Georgia.

.mage(2).jpeg 

my thinking is to break it at Lake Blackshear and stretch the layout into a point to point. I would almost certainly place the bridge and lake (river?) elsewhere, likely down in what is the lower left of the track plan above. My actual space is either an ell of about 9'x15' or a "U" of about 15x9x10, depending on how negotiations go with SWMBO. (She who must be obeyed, for those who don't hang out on woodworking forae.)

my plan would also involve looping the ends down and in front so I could have some easily accessible staging, I think you could get a good staging yard of at least 4-6 tracks with the minimum yard track being able to hold 6-8 cars on a level. (N-scale) the maximum slope would probably be around 3%, with a curve of about 12-18" radius; manageable with consisted locos.

This would accomplish an important thing for me; my staging would be directly accessible below (2"-4") and slightly in front of the main layout, so it would be easy to make and break consists with my severely compromised mobility in my hands.

i also have a few RDC's and would probably mimic the RichlawnII fellow's idea (sorry, can't pull the name up in my memory!) and have some sort of point to point extra track with an RDC shuttling back and forth, just for fun. Or I may just add it to the main run for added challenge!

i hope this makes sense. I welcome ideas and criticisms.

paul

 

... Paul
Reply 0
Bill Brillinger Moderator 4,904 posts
Bill Brillinger

Let me get this straight...

Straight, ha ha. (See what I did there?)

You want to turn the HOG into a Looped Point to Point in N SCALE with a staging yard down in front?

I think it's a great idea!

In N scale, with the space you have, you'll be able to stretch out the space between locations. You could probably turn the 2 track yard at Cordele into another industry and add a 3 track yard for the local to work out of at another location.

I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

PS: I'd run the RDC's on the main.

Bill Brillinger

Modeling the BNML in HO Scale, Admin for the RailPro User Group, and owner of Precision Design Co.
Reply 0
choops New member 23 posts
choops

Consider looping around the

Consider looping around the back side of the layout and have the staging on the same level behind a removable backdrop for emergencies.  Bench work would only need to be 4" to 8" wider on the back depending on number of staging tracks.  no grades is a plus and easier bench work (all one level).

You will have two blobs on each side for the loops and this will start to change the design of the layout and space available.  Start sketching and have fun.

Steve
Reply 0
Paulc Active Member 94 posts
Paulc

The more I look at it, RDC on

The more I look at it, RDC on the main seems more interesting. 

Staging in the back would be fine, except for the fact that I have balance issues related to a separate injury from the one that creates my hand problems (I know, I know.) so it would likely be easier and safer if it was below and in front. I think if I do it right, I can get away with straight stretches going down to the staging area at a slope of between 2.5 and 3 percent, a slope I know my equipment can handle. If I'm clever, I can probably hide the curve in the open by placing something striking nearby to draw the eye away. 

Thank you for the reply. I will draw something out today on paper and put it up.

N.B. I have discovered I am hopeless at drawing track plans. I have been at it for a while today and they all look like a dogs breakfast. 

Sigh.

... Paul
Reply 0
Reply