Dad's Layout Changed (23 Nov 2020)

Dad decided to go with this layout.  I hope to get some space somewhere to add a trolley and an engine shed.  Going with Mianne benchwork.

Hey Russell,

Good to hear from you! Phew! What a journey!

I suppose the easiest way to clear the basement was to move.

If you use building flats/fronts along the wall at the top of diagram, you should be able to create some space for trolley. I can also see enough space around the inside edge to have the trolley run from one side to the opposite, perhaps, have a couple of stops in between.

If you want to keep it simple, I would change one of the spurs at 7 o'clock to the opposite direction. The trains would run in opposite directions. I prefer that than looking at two trains racing. Depends on Dad's preferences.

I just went to a redo of my machine and I am still getting things configured. I'll tinker with the plan(s) if you like.

The trolley will be cool. Look at Dallee and Azatrax for some ready to go controllers to make it have starts and stops. Then, create the run. I think from city to country on the inner edge would look the best.

Say Hi to Dad and let him know Moonman was asking.

Will do, Moonman.

Feel free to tinker with the plan.  I don't like the sharp curves, but that's where we are since his back is getting so bad.

Well,  I made some changes for the trolley and the spur direction.  Somehow I gotta try and get space for an engine house in there. Thought about trying to get one on one of the spurs in the "yard" area.

So, do you actually have the Marx track and switches?

That library is in SCARM due to a layout I was working on for Marx333 in Seattle. he had a load of it and a lot of original switches and transformers. It was a fun learning experience to study the Marx system.

Milen requires manufacturer specifications to add a library, obsolete or not.

Do you have an engine house? If yes, which one?

He has both the track and the switches.  We may use Gargraves for the track, but will definately use the Marx switches so his engines with the wide gear wheels will clear the switch in both directions.  He does not have an engine house yet.  Probably will look for one that will work.

Kelpieflyer posted:

He has both the track and the switches.  We may use Gargraves for the track, but will definately use the Marx switches so his engines with the wide gear wheels will clear the switch in both directions.  He does not have an engine house yet.  Probably will look for one that will work.

I asked because I have some SCARM engine houses made to correct size and also use RR-Track that has many buildings already made. That could assist in fitment.

The area that looks the best is from 4 o'clock to 8 o'clock when looking at the 2D track plan. There's space to rearrange things a little and squeeze in a small

engine service are with a train shed.

I'll fiddle a little with it and see what I can do. Are you looking for a steamer type with the raised center roof section that ventilated the exhaust  or a diesel type with a flat roof?

I think you need to evaluate the Mianne lift bridge and your fathers back. They don't lift up as high as you think. Maybe a better solution is a layout in the center of the room with only scenery in the center beyond the 28" reach. Help for your father would be needed for the scenery.

Moonman posted:

Kelpieflyer posted:

He has both the track and the switches.  We may use Gargraves for the track, but will definately use the Marx switches so his engines with the wide gear wheels will clear the switch in both directions.  He does not have an engine house yet.  Probably will look for one that will work.

I asked because I have some SCARM engine houses made to correct size and also use RR-Track that has many buildings already made. That could assist in fitment.

The area that looks the best is from 4 o'clock to 8 o'clock when looking at the 2D track plan. There's space to rearrange things a little and squeeze in a small

engine service are with a train shed.

I'll fiddle a little with it and see what I can do. Are you looking for a steamer type with the raised center roof section that ventilated the exhaust  or a diesel type with a flat roof?

I think he wold want one that could be used for both, so probably a steam engine house.

Wonder if I should use a bridge that disconnects completely from the layout, or one that hinges up completely so he can get through.  He really wants to keep the around the wall layout.

Mianne has made sections that raise up, allowing a person to stoop under.  Even "motorized" if I remember right.

I looked over the Mianne lift gate, but it does not go high enough.  I'll probably use a drop bridge

Russell, I have built a few lift bridges for a couple of Forum members, Tomorrow I can send you some pictures and a short video of it if you would like!

Russell here is a link of a post I did a while back!

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/bridge-lift.

When it comes to Mianne Lift Gate remember that your layout height dictates how high the gate will go. My table is 36" and I am six foot and have to dip slightly. If the table had been 42" I could walk straight thru with no problems. Seeing your dad has back problems he most likely will NOT want to bend over for either a lift gate or a LOW Layout table. 42" might be in your plans.

Russell,

Don't over think this bridge thing. It as simple as having a board that lifts up. There are automotive hood/trunk supports and furniture cabinet lid supports that are available to gas assist the lift and hold it when up.

There's a few easy ways to get it done - but they are all the same concept.

here's one example by frizzinbee on his layout - look at the March/April time period.

I have a couple of other styles of hinging bookmarked. They all use a gas cylinder. Some have even used storm door closers, but that seemed clunky and a little crude to me.

One that I liked just made the section terrain the same as the rest of the layout. it doesn't have to be a bridge. They have had lift sections for bars for years. It's not a complicated thing. The gas cylinder takes the weight off the lifting motion and holds it open. 

Thanks to all for the ideas.  I'll see what Dad wants to use and build one.  He has to get his train house finished up first, then we'll be off to the races!

I added an engine house to one of the spurs.  Wondering if I should connect the two loops??

I would connect the loops at a later date. Right now, there can be two trains and trolley running at once. The 2 trains move in opposite directions. It will look cool. A third train can parked on the passing siding, if that is set up with a power kill. There are accessories to stop and play as well as some service spurs to play with.

What are the ideas for the 5 o'clock corner? Just a woods or forest look?  

I personally would connect the two loops now. It is so much more easier before you attach everything with ballast or what  ever you plan to use to hold the track down. Also if you put two crossovers facing opposite directions ( they do NOT need to be together) it makes running more trains and also doing real operations a lot more fun. You can move the inside to the outside and vice a versa. Remember in real life you do not see GIANT hands coming down to move trains. I try to keep the attitude that once it is on track I want to move it everywhere there is track without touching it again. But it is really about what ever YOU want. IT IS YOU AND YOUR DADS LAYOUT NOT OURS!