Double main over-under layout (update 09/13/21)

@Ken-Oscale posted:

Glad to hear you talking about vertical easements.  With 4% grades, I try to work in 2' of 2% at each end as vertical easements.

Each 2' of 2% easements accounts for about 1/2" of vertical change.  To get to 6", that leaves 5" more of vertical height to attain.  To get 5" of vertical change at 4% needs about 10' of run.  So 14' total to rise 6".  If it was all 4%, you would only need about 12' of run to reach 6" of vertical change.

Ken

That sounds approximately equivalent to my 16" at each end for 1/4" rise (1.5% transition) for a 3% incline.

@Oman posted:

Okay, something like this.

Exactly!  What do you think, it interferes with your access hatch or town space?  Worthwhile?

@Ken-Oscale posted:

Exactly!  What do you think, it interferes with your access hatch?  Worthwhile?

Ken

I like it, but I'll have to review the access hole split. I would consider a slight curve to the right; thereby splitting the access hole in half diagonally and extending the yard rails even further.

Thanks.

@Oman posted:

Ken

I like it, but I'll have to review the access hole split. I would consider a slight curve to the right; thereby splitting the access hole in half diagonally and extending the yard rails even further.

Thanks.

And now a better version. I replaced the #5 turnouts with O-72 for the yard.

Keith, How big with the access holes be now?

@Mark Boyce posted:

Keith, How big with the access holes be now?

Mark

The current access hole is 36" X 72". I'm going to run some string to rope out the possible new yard and see how I feel (fit )  about it.

Ha ha!  Oh, the existing access is much larger than I thought!  

I've been following Ken's layout design. He showed a yard where the track spacing wasn't ideal. That sent me back to look at my yard. I think I will replace the O-72 yard turnouts with O-54. That reduces the track spacing to approximately 4". It looks better and the yard takes less space.

Thanks Ken

I moved the turntable to the same level as the yard. 

Half of my inclines are complete.

@Oman posted:

I moved the turntable to the same level as the yard. 

Looks very good,very cool!  Kudos!!  -Ken

Keith, The inclines look smooth as can be!

@Mark Boyce posted:

Keith, The inclines look smooth as can be!

Thanks Mark

I'm hoping the trains agree. 

Piecing the Y together.

Very smooth looking cutting and track, Keith!!

@Mark Boyce posted:

Very smooth looking cutting and track, Keith!!

Thanks Mark

The actual track isn't following the SCARM plan. SCARM called for a cut 2.86" straight on the turnout leg. Actual 1.75". SCARM called for 1.75" at the entry to the turnout. Actual is more like 1.5". I installed a 1.25" for now. But, that's okay.  All the sub-roadbed was laid out with a 48" adjustable home made compass. So, I have numerous datum points. I just make sure the track is centered, parallel and starts and stops at the datum points. 

Keith, That makes sense.  My track doesn't follow the SCARM plan exactly either, but it is close.

All 3 switch pads for Y are built; ready to lay roadbed for 2nd leg of Y. I had modified this leg pushing the switch back. So, I had to carve out some of the adjacent foam riser.

Today, I completed the Y. Eventually, I'll replace the temporary plywood roadbed with foam roadbed. I used plywood under the flex track to give the track screws more strength while forming the curves.

In this photo, the left leg of the Y is sectional track.

In this photo, I formed the flex track (left Leg) by eye.

Here,  I formed the flex track using the SCARM 1:1 print. I just discovered this SCARM feature on the weekend.

My home made chop saw for cutting track.

Keith, That is a smooth looking curve you made with Atlas flex track!  I like your home made track cutting chop saw as well!!  I printed out my track plan 1:1 for laying track.  It is a really wonderful feature!  I'll look forward to seeing your continued progress!