@PRR1950 posted:Welcome back to the forum.
Unfortunately, I see several potential problems based on assumptions I have to make. First, you will need at least 2 lifts to get into the center of your loops, one on each end (assuming you want to avoid duckunders). But, assuming the orange line represents your elevated mountain line, the lift down there looks like it will entail raising mountains, not an easy feat. Second, with such wide curves on the mainlines, and assuming you will eventually run longer cars and engines, it is kind of pointless to use O31 curves in yards and sidings. I would recommend using O72 minimum curves everywhere. Finally, you say you want industries and scenery, put your track plan doesn't seem to leave much room for them except as backdrops.
Just thinking out loud here.
Chuck
Chuck, thanks so much for your detailed thoughts, and you bring up points I have long been contemplating. Regarding those 031 turns, I am still debating about having them or just removing them. Do you think I should just remove them? I had them there more for a switcher to move and change directions when building and moving consists. However, I had an early plan with only straight dead end sidings yards, but thought why not? Like you, I would love to have 072 in the yards but with the forced around the wall layout, I feel limited. I do have some very long rolling stock, that would never be in those turns, same with my engines.
I was neglectful in discussing what I found out about me and my layout I used for several decades. I really wanted rolling stock and larger engine storage on the tracks, and not having to place and remove things all the time. I will run a long consist of 30 double door box cars, then I want to park those cars and run another long consist of tank cars. Followed by something else, or a modern intermodal unit. My old layout was all 072 on the largest loop.
Regarding duckunder and lifts. I wish I did not have to have them. I am planning for the bridge area to be a duck under, it will be 50” off the floor, and the loop areas are also duck under just for emergency access and not lifts. The right side loop may will have flat scenic work, a few buildings, but the size of the opening is just an indication of the Mianne benchwork and will probably be smaller. It is there for track laying purposes and access to the back corner. I found that 99.8% of my issues with derailments occurred on the switch areas because of my operations error: Forgetting to switch a line.
I also have thought about a side hinged lift area on the right loop on the two main lines, and just removing that yellow siding storage loop on the right table.
A good catch regarding the mountain area. I am actually am thinking about not having a lift out, but a hollow mountain area in the center to access the two main lines from inside the mountain in case of issues with the mainline track. A good portion of the mainlines will be in tunnels in that loop area and the elevated 054 line will be on the raised exterior of the scenic area.
I would also appreciate your thoughts regarding a turntable and roundhouse area on the 3’x8’ area instead of another yard area. Something I am considering. Thank you so much for commenting. Truly appreciate your thoughts.
