New Track Design Start Over

[Toolmandan]

Hello all!

Over the last few months, I've been working on a layout for my spare bedroom.  Because I have limited space, 11'x8', it was becoming very difficult to incorporate all the goodies I would have liked.  My first layout was a dual level which tried to incorporate a helix to move from one level to the other. This just became the main focal point of the whole layout do to the amount of space required.  So, after becoming frustrated with trying to figure out grades, sight lines, reversing loops etc., I determined I was trying to put 10 pounds. of cr.p in a 5 pound bag.  It was time to rethink what I was trying to accomplish.

After scouring the internet for ideas, I came across a plan which was basically a modified figure 8.  It was a bit larger than my area, but it gave me ideas on how to incorporate it into my own space.  I wanted a continuous running track with some switching options.  I am not trying to be prototypical, but rather letting it be something from my own imagination.

One of the requirements I had, was to incorporate a train station that my son designed while working on his engineering degree.  He made a stick frame model portraying the truss designs.  It had been mounted and hanging on the wall for 10 years.  When I thinking of ideas for my layout, I looked at the building hanging on the wall and thought it might fit on the layout.  So I pulled it down and discovered it would allow for three tracks.  I decided to finish building out the station.  So now the challenge was to incorporate the station into my new layout.

Anyway, long story short, I think I came up with a workable design with the things that I wanted to incorporate into my layout.  It is a much simpler design than my first effort and would like to hear some of you thoughts of where I ended up.  I have attached both the 1st and current new design, along with pictures of my near completed Train Station.

Thank you for you thoughts!

Danny

[LDL]

Hello, Danny,

There's a kink in the mainline between the two curved turnouts.  I took the liberty of removing it.  Except for a larger curve at the top, all of the curves on xLevel are 18" radius.

I'm concerned by the abruptness of the vertical transitions.  Best practice is to transition gradually between level and climbing, especially near turnouts.

Another concern is access.  The turnouts in tunnels will require attention at times.

I hope you find this useful. 

[LDL]

And now for something completely different (Shout-out to Python fans! )

You could construct Level 1 at 0" and Level 2 at 4".  No grades required on either level unless you want them.

Add a constant-slope connector between the two levels.  Throw in a reversing loop on each level.  Orient the loops to allow a train from the connector to enter the loop and return to the connector. 

The result could be something like the attached.  This plan is intended to illustrate the concept.  It could use some refinement to suit your taste.

A clockwise train leaving the station can make clockwise laps on Level 1 before entering the Level 1 reversing track.  Then, as many counterclockwise laps as desired before taking the connector to Level 2.  Continue counterclockwise as desired, then into the Level 2 reversing loop.  Continue clockwise until it's time to hit the connector to return to Level 1.  After a lap or two, you pull into the station to end the run.

It gets a bit tricky when you're running two trains and want to swap levels, but the reverse loops and station tracks allow one train to get past the other.

Putting all of the grade on the connector makes the rest of the layout simpler to construct.  In the attached version, there are only two tracks across the lift out bridge, too.  (There's a lot of flexibility in where the connector joins each of the two levels.)

The station loop can rejoin the main at locations other than what is shown. 

There's enough room for the engine staging shown in your original plan and some spurs, if desired.

[Toolmandan]

Thank you LDL!

Haven't checked back here in awhile.  I really like your suggestions.  Having the two levels will make operations easier.  I will definitely incorporate some of the ideas you provided. I just started setting the grades on the station side, but it can be re-set without too much stress. I'll you know how it turns out.

Thanks for the inspiration!
Danny

[LDL]

   

Much like Thomas, I strive to be A Useful Engine.

Enjoy!

Dale

[LDL]

Some more tweaks.  The "Version X" layers are small tweaks of the A-prefixed plan.  The V6-prefixed layers make up a larger revision.  V6 includes direct access to the Level 1 Reversing track from the connector and a station loop.  In addition, Level 1 more visible in front of the Level 2 reversing loop.