Subway Layout Master RR-Track Plan and Elevated 3D Views

Extremely impressive layout design, a true inspiration each time you post an update.

Did you ever consider a HO Scale layout before undertaking O-Scale?

The El renditions you showed aredcanned objects available in RR software or custom made using software? Using an Apple, so my limitations to native layout design software makes it difficult to plan a layout using EL.

Seen your Sketchup rendering which are fantastic, how do you recommend approaching this software (which I have) to create some mock El pieces in HO scale?

Any pointers you can offer for someone wanting a minimal HO layout size which using three track elevated El where express line would be used to enter trains to and from a yard. What constraints or limitations do you see which this concept?

Any input or feedback is welcome. Thanks!

SUBWAYDEPOT posted:

Extremely impressive layout design, a true inspiration each time you post an update.

Did you ever consider a HO Scale layout before undertaking O-Scale?

The El renditions you showed aredcanned objects available in RR software or custom made using software? Using an Apple, so my limitations to native layout design software makes it difficult to plan a layout using EL.

Seen your Sketchup rendering which are fantastic, how do you recommend approaching this software (which I have) to create some mock El pieces in HO scale?

Any pointers you can offer for someone wanting a minimal HO layout size which using three track elevated El where express line would be used to enter trains to and from a yard. What constraints or limitations do you see which this concept?

Any input or feedback is welcome. Thanks!

Thank You!!

I considered and rejected HO in 1999 after seeing that there was little available then regarding subways.  Also it is very difficult to get into the detail I desire as there is considerable eye strain even with O-scale.

The El randitions are custom made grouped objects.  Due to the limitations of the software separate objects had to be created for girders on grades.  I created separate objects for lattice bracing (i.e. 3 braces, 3 1/2, 4, etc.).

SketchUp is true 3D software, so the answer is YES to create El pieces in HO scale.

To answer your question regarding the express line as an entry point for a yard, note my design where the main lines and the section that connects to the subway do not interfere with one another and the main lines grade higher and the subway connection grades lower.  You will need clearance for your yard connection to pass under one or two of your main lines.  Depending on your distance between the main express line cutoff to the yard and the pass-under you may need for example the equivalent of a 6 percent grade.  Your main lines should rise at 3 percent and your yard cutoff should decline 3 percent.  Also consider a trestle for the lines that pass over your yard connection and not standard track girders as that also allows for better clearance.

Use Google street view to get ideas of complex elevated designs.  I based my design on the Rockaway turn off from the main Liberty Ave elevated with some modifications.  I was also able to calculate what radius curves in O scale to use by using the distance tool.

For your design look at the entrance to the Corona Yards or the Westchester Yards from the main line Els.

Impressive Subway layout. Are you using Bridge Boss's elevated Subway kits?

Seacoast posted:

Impressive Subway layout. Are you using Bridge Boss's elevated Subway kits?

No I build my own.

Joe, I came across one of your posts from 2014 regarding your layout.

I had printed it out back then, and misplaced it, and just found it in my train room closet.

Which is why I am here, I really liked what you were doing 4 years ago!

I just did a quick search here to see how its coming along.

IMHO, even in its unfinished state it has to be one of the finest layouts and the attention to detail is off the charts.

You should win accolades and awards for your work on this layout, I am in total awe.