@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:What is the scale that you used for your drawings? What dimensions are your curves?
Jay: the scale of both drawings 1/2" to 1 foot. The squares of the grid are each 1/4", so 1 square equals 6". I also have numbers marking the feet along the top and left sides of the plans.
The mainlines are O72 and O80. The curve going into the yard is O54.
@Prr7688 posted:One thought, what if you connect the inter-most siding (4th from the left, closest to the main lines) to the outer main line? They are close in proximity and this would provide a 'passing siding' and also the opportunity to pull train in rather than backing them in.
I would also recommend putting in a 'ready track' for the engine house so that it's not directly connected to the mainline.
An overall suggestion, lay the tracks out and run trains for a few weeks without the track being nailed down, this will reveal any flaws that you might find in operation or shows anything that you might want to add. Doing it before nailing the track down will allow you do make slight adjustments to the design without it being a big hassle to move the track around.
Prr7688: I have considered connecting one of the yard tracks to the main line as you have suggested. At this point, I'm still not sure, however I will keep toying with the idea.
While I would like to have a 'ready track' for the service facility, I don't think there is enough space. However, the service tracks may end up being longer in reality than in the drawing.
I will certainly take your suggestion and get trains running before tacking everything down.
@Mark Boyce posted:Congratulations on getting started!! Your second, working drawing looks the best. You need that space in the center. I am assuming you plan to duck under to get into the center. You look plenty young that it won't be a problem. My layout occupies a space of 11x8 and at my age I needed to provide a lift up or lift out bridge section to get in the middle. I'm looking forward to seeing more about your layout construction!
Mark: yes, I will be ducking under to get into the center of the layout.
