Ken-Oscale posted:Very nice presentation - Cheers! Good design - around the room route over the lift-out bridge, and the loop to loop at the lower level. Plus the elevated level. Smart features overall.
One issue: the aisleways look too tight. One person rubbing against the edges of the layout - no visitors or a second operator inside. But is appears there is plenty of space at the front of the layout - correct?
I can't tell what the sections are, what the curves are, etc. So I can't inspect and perhaps make suggestions on the configuration in order to expand the aisle. Perhaps move that spur on the lower level closer to the right side to expand the aisle. If you have a more detailed or labeled diagram that would be helpful in evaluating your design.
It looks like the reverse curve into the turntable (Atlas?) looks like a problem. Try a left-hand turnout a section back for your lead to the turntable to eliminate the "S" curve.
On the left side, there are two elevated tracks and two tracks beneath in a very close space. How will you scenic this, a trestle bridge above running the entire length of the wall? Or perhaps the elevated layout will be on a shelf, substantially (18"+) above the lower level? (substantially higher so you can see the lower level without the shelf blocking the view and breaking the illusion).
Innovative and well thought out! -Ken
Thanks Ken. I really appreciate all the feedback.
The benchwork has been in place for the lower loop for that past 12 months. It could be wider, but seems to work as is. The viewing area is more at the bottom of the layout as that's where I had to leave more room to access our pantry and freezer space.
The curves are:
1. O36 on the inside loop, lower level
2. O72 with a O36 in the middle on outer loop, lower and upper levels (makes a O54 curve and works quite nicely, as the trains enter the curve gently, turn harder and then exit gently.
3. O48 on inside loop, upper level with exception of the reverse loop
Good point on the turntable, I will play around with that and perhaps enter from the upper part of the loop as that is more direct.
The "reverse" loop is actually there to allow me to have a spot for my Lionel Rotary Coal dump. It will dump into a 397 coal loader below and then coal can be loaded onto cars on the lower loop. I couldn't seem to find a different way to do this. Any ideas?
The "plan" on the lower left side is to create an upper level that looks like it is supported by concrete posts as is done in some cities. I may put the main station above there . It will be open below so you can see and have access to the trains there. I plan to "break up" the remainder of that left side by having it part girder bridge and then have an MTH double bridge part way up to "break up" the bridge. To get upper loop in a small space, this is where its more "toy train" than realistic although I've seen some great ideas done by others in the magazines, etc.
I hope that gives more insight and I appreciate all the ideas as it helps me out so much!
Thanks,
G
