J.,
Looking at it today a question came to mind, why did you use small diameter turnout switches? There are two places where it may be necessary - the Gold Line and the Yard.
The trains move through the O72 switches much more smoothly. Is it an issue of using current inventory? Compare costs at the large retailers if you are buying new. Even with shipping, the difference isn't that much in the long run.
So, I built the whole layout incorporating all of the comments so far.
- O72 switches
- Jan's reverse cross
- Frisco Chris' sequential line crossovers
Changes:
- I added a passing siding and passenger station on the hill. A Lionel Rico Station and Lionel Passenger Platforms.
- The passenger train takes passengers to a Plasticville station on the light blue line
- I altered the Gold Line yard - I see a Sawmill and lumber yard there. There's nice buildings and a Lionel sawmill available. Still room for a hatch with perhaps scenery items on it.
- Reduced the grades to 3.7% and 3.9%. Used the MTH Stone Pier set for FasTrack and decided to leave it open.
Left to complete:
Determine access hatch size and yard configuration in main area. I think an airport would look cool with a few town buildings. There's space for an O36 off of Jan's reverse cross for another switch and for another on the light blue line near the crossovers to enter/exit the yard.
Notes:
- There are a couple of track that will be need to be a custom length. I can give you the how to. It's not difficult.
- I added some notes where a standard track piece was a fraction to tight or too short. I made the notes and created a cut piece for good joints to enable simulation runs. These will fit when actually built.
- I didn't color the recent changes to permit viewing.
- The layers are organized
I don't know if what is here is in your budget, but, this looks and runs nicely now. I hope you like it.
