Tear down of one layout | Plans for the next

Hi, first some questions and then some comments.

What track-planning software did you use?  (Because the squares are 5" increments, this looks like SCARM?)  What type of track chosen?  Are there any obstructions not shown on your plans?  Would you mind posting the plan files so others can "show" you their suggestions if they use your software?

If you build all the way to walls, you will have to build bench-work you can crawl on to reach derailments near back areas or to fix other issues that arise.  I also noticed your two reversing loops, but one of them runs through a yard ladder which is a recipe for regular derailments.  Also, yards should always have yard leads (really, when you have this much space!!) to avoid fouling either one of your loops.  It might also be better to have the passing siding, at the bottom of your long stretch in the wall-to-wall plan, serve as your yard arrival-departure (AD) track and then have your yard ladder and yard lead start off of the AD track.  Then, the now more open center provides you room for a station and town area.

Just some ideas.  By the way, I envy the area you have to build in.  Good luck and have fun.

Chuck

Chuck,

I am running a Mac and I am using an application called Model Railroader Pro. I attempted the SCARM software, however, it didn't look as though it'll work with my OS. 

My track will be Ross and Gargraves. I'd love to go Atlas, but it's just too expensive. There aren't any obstructions in the area where my layout stretches right now. The top section can run a wall of 37 feet, and the left section can run down 26 feet. The space off the walls can be anywhere up to 10 feet on the top section and 12 on the left section. 

Thanks for the tips. I'll work on that redesign and post. 

-Chris

Chris,

So, Mac based Model Railroader Pro, huh?  Sorry, but I'm a PC user so can't personally be much help.  I'm curious, though; does that program use 5" squares for measurements like SCARM does?

There are a few Mac users here that also use that software, and maybe they can help you with suggestions.  Others on this forum, more familiar with SCARM, can take your trackplan pictures and turn them into SCARM files to make suggestions by posting the SCARM picture files for you.  So, going forward, be sure to post the program files and the related picture files.

Good luck,

Chuck

Still without SCARM (on a mac) I have revised my layout plans from above. I moved the turntable to the other side of the layout, I also adjusted the yard set up and provided a long yard lead. The track along the top that ends on the curve is a grade to a future upper level which will loop around the bottom right section of the layout. The long siding in the middle part of the layout will be a passenger station. I am hoping to get any other thoughts or ideas here. I think I am on design number 6 or so, which I am fine with. We move in April and the basement will still need to be finished, so time is on my side. 

The numbers on the image are inches, so you can see I have a lot of room to work with.

My wife won't let me come off the walls too much more than I am, however, if anyone wants to give me their two cents with a new design I'd be all ears.