First Attempt at Layout Design - Seeking Input

Are all areas of the layout within a 30" reach?

How about a pair of turnouts between the inner and outer loops? Would give you more flexibility to move trains between loops.

Also a passing siding on the outer loop for the passenger station would allow the station to serve both lines.

A short freight spur to serve the industries on the bottom left would add more purpose to running trains and delivering cars.

I wish I had this much space for a layout. Good luck.

I would agree with RSJB18 with the turnouts between the inner and outer loops, but in addition, I would flip the one curve you have to allow any train to be able to switch any direction without backing up.  See up near the fire station.

Good point Mike- It would create a "Y" and give maximum flexibility to move trains.

Bob

I disagree.  As now arranged, the green line has two reversing loops, one at the top and the other at the bottom.  Changing the route of the curve near the fire station eliminates that upper reversing loop.  I also don't think he can fit another passing siding by the train station.  However, I do like the idea of a branch line to support the industries within the lower loop and a crossover or two between the green and red loops.

Chuck

Very nice and interesting plan!

Nicely done!

Peter

Curious as to what the design is/will be?  I see a track arrangement...  

Maybe a dumb question, but what is the red loop?

PRR1950 posted:

I disagree.  As now arranged, the green line has two reversing loops, one at the top and the other at the bottom.  Changing the route of the curve near the fire station eliminates that upper reversing loop.  I also don't think he can fit another passing siding by the train station.  However, I do like the idea of a branch line to support the industries within the lower loop and a crossover or two between the green and red loops.

Chuck

Now you have me confused.  I saw one reversing loop in the original for the top half of the layout, but when mjrodg3n88 modified it, I now see 2.  I also see 2 (both present in the original) made out of the lower half of the layout.  See my crude yellow markups to Mike's mod below (sorry, I'm not a SCARM user, so just used PowerPoint to draw on the image).

-Dave

I like it.  The fact that you have walking space around the perimeter is a big plus.  

It's VERY similar to the U-shaped layout I had in my basement until the family grew and wanted more space for their toys and entertaining. For the mere joy of running and operating trains, it will be fun.  Maybe break up some of those very long straightaways with some gentle S curves.

Nothing wrong with multiple reverse loops, just makes turning trains around easier, and improves the power distribution if on the same block. Looks like a solid plan to me.

get some practice with the flex track tool usage. The flex tool will also shape the roads.

The baseboard editing and creation requires a little more study also. By highlighting the baseboard, right-clicking and using insert points I was able to create the center opening. Using absolute coordinates is the method that I use to create specifically shaped baseboards(tables, decks)

If you run a scale engine on the outer loop, you need an arrival/departure track to drop off/pickup trains from the mainline. The inner loop trains can work the locals and makeup a train for delivery to elsewhere out on the mainline.

Investigate the footprints of accessories and create the building close the actual size. Practice with the measure tool to set accurate placement.

The tracks to a specific engine house require a specific center rail to center rail spacing. The track next to the engine house is probably too close.

learn to use the simulator in Extensions and run trains to decide if the layout does what you want it to do.

All considered, not a bad effort at learning to use the software.

My apologies to all.  Dave45681 has it right.  I didn't notice the difference between the original poster's plan and the first suggested modification.  In fact, I didn't even notice the two larger reversing loops that Dave45681 pointed out.  This is probably why I don't post too often.

Chuck

Good info from Moonman.

PRR1950 posted:

I disagree.  As now arranged, the green line has two reversing loops, one at the top and the other at the bottom.  Changing the route of the curve near the fire station eliminates that upper reversing loop.  I also don't think he can fit another passing siding by the train station.  However, I do like the idea of a branch line to support the industries within the lower loop and a crossover or two between the green and red loops.

Unless I'm missing something (which is very possible), there is only one reversing loop in JPANCAKE's initial design.  Without having to reverse a train, where is the second?  The alternate that I provided will allow a train to be reversed just by sending it down a different track, no directional changes to the engine itself.

BUT.... if the OP plans on running two consecutive trains, one on each green loop, then my suggested design will not work.  To have that along with two reversing loops, he would need a wye near the fire station.  See the edit in the red circle.

very nice layout.  My only suggestion concerns the outer red line.  I recommend adding some gentle curves to bend those straight lines.  Having the track bend around some scenery elements (positive elevation rock outcropping, or negative elevation ditch or water feature) would be visually interesting.  best of luck whatever you decide to do

It's nice. But think of two LONG stub sidings to park trains other than on the main line. Where is your choice. Also a tunnel.