climbing out of the river valley

In the following photos, it might be possible to see the slight grade that is taking shape.

Looking across the future river valley and up the grade. I really wanted to make the grade climb on the other side of the river, but I am thinking it will actually continue downgrade. This is because this is the top level. Eventually, this will end up in the helix which will carry it to the lower levels.

The plywood is being used as a guide to make sure I am staying close to the 42" radius I am using on the layout. Yes, I could have gotten A LOT more railroad in a smaller space, but I like body mounted couplers and long cars, so... 42" seemed appropriate. I do find that the masonite spline helps make VERY nice transitions.

AND... Now you see the reason for the climb. There is a hidden main at the back edge of the layout To try and increase the amount of running and operation room, I have what is essentially a folded dogbone on each level. This increases the amount of running room AND it will set me up for "railfanning" two trains, one on each level, if I just want to enjoy watching TV while occasionally paying attention to the passing trains.

I am afraid the radius on the lower track is just a little tighter than 42", but still generous, nonetheless.

Dang!

Looking darn good. Now you can start seeing your plans in 3D and it’s really fun to see it grow.

Enjoy!

I need an industry or something in the corner

Looking for suggestions for this corner. The truly difficult part is this is the top level of the layout and accessing this corner will be tough, especially for short operators. This area will cover that single track that returns to the helix mentioned in the previous post.

Obviously, this needs to be accessed from the double track mainline. Not sure where the switch will be located, but I assume it will come off of the top of the grade and remain at that level so it will be flat and also add visual appeal

The single track mainline (not in place in this picture ) runs underneath the double track on the right hand side of the photo. a small industrial area on this side of the river will be served via a spur off of the main.

The top right of this photo is where the industry in the corner is going to go.

Rick, it really is an amazing feeling !!!

Almost 4 years now that I have had a basement and it is just within the last six months that I have anything resembling a layout ! It is truly an AWESOME feeling of achievement.

Here is the to be named river. Somehow and someway, I need to disguise that single track which runs on the back edge of the layout. It is not yet in place, so don't try to find it.

As can be seen, there is not a whole heck of a lot of horizontal separation and I need to keep in mind being able to access the hidden track in case of a derailment. If anyone has some suggestions, I am listening. The reality is that I might have a dam or some other tall narrow structure covering the hidden track.

BTW, there will be a double track through plate girder on either end of this bridge to complete this scene.

tight corner

For the tight corner on the upper level, you might consider a recently abandoned spur, with switch removed (perhaps leaving the frog and rails on the ground) and fresh ballast where the switch was. Leave the spur track in place, but overgrown with weeds. Maybe have a building with a "for sale" sign on it, giving the reason the spur was abandoned in the first place.

Mike in Florida

Hiding that track...

Here's an idea, from my chosen prototype, the Algoma Central.

They had a bridge built across a waterfall in about 1911.  In the 30's, a hydroelectric dam was built across the waterfall - the bridge towers were simply encased in concrete.

http://trainweb.org/algoma/Documents/souv82.jpg

You could do something similar, I would think.

Blair