Greg Houser posted:Hi Joe,
If I may offer a few suggestions.
First,
The passing siding at the top of your layout is already connected to the inside loop on both ends. See the red circles on the diagram below. Since it's already connected to the inner loop the third connection at the bottom of your layout is not really necessary. See the red X.
My suggestions would be to:
- remove the lower connection to the inner loop on the bottom part of your layout
- use the inner left side of the layout to create a small stub end yard
- remove the timesaver
- in place of the timesaver and in the rest of the space inside the inner loop why not create several industries which creates more prototypical switching opportunities which may hold more interest both operationally and visually to those who want to do something besides watch trains run in a circle. You really don't have room for scenic elements within the timesaver the way your layout if configured. You even have room to create a runaround covering most of the passing siding and can run your switching moves off of that.
- if you do create a runaround off the passing siding you now can use the siding as an interchange to drop off cars from a mainline consist. You can use smaller curves on the runaround and tracks to industries to give you more room for scenery as switchers can navigate down to O31 or O27. This is very prototypical and would enable you to add even more interest to the layout both operationally and visually.
Either way, you have a nice looking layout in a modest space.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Regards,
Greg
Hi Greg:
I see what you are saying - yea it looks like some redundant turnouts. I have a detailed plan attached. since the inside loop will contain a passenger station I think I will delete the turnout at the top left. I will delete the track going to it from the blue turnout (third track from top) and replace that with a simple curve into the passenger yard. Your idea actually frees up the main line so the passenger train can run while yard switching goes on inside.
My original intent with the timesaver module was to have something for friends to do when they came over. I have it set up as steam locomotive yard so I will have various cars (tankers, hoppers, gondolas, box cars, etc.) I could position for the game. But you are right I have only two customers - the flour mill and the refinery. Looks like you are going to responsible for keeping me awake tonight while I ponder!
