JStewart204 New Train Room Layout Build

Yes, it is tough getting that much clearance in rooms the size of Jeff’s, mine, and yours, Josh. I got away with some closer clearance operating the steam-diesel transition era; no hi-cubes or double stacks.  Jeff found a solution by designing the long practically round the room staging yard lead.  It looks like Eric made some good suggestions.  I agree with the mock up idea.  I do that often to see how things work out in 3 dimensions.  Also, don’t be afraid to tear out some parts of the layout that don’t work well and reconfigure.  Jeff and Bill can attest to the fact tha I have done it more than once on my current layout.  The link to my Blackwater Canyon Line can be found in my signature line.  Brace yourself before looking.  It can be pretty scary!  😆😆

@ScoutingDad makes a good point. The numbers didn't stick out to me when I read them. Have you tested that grade?

I tested 3.8% and came out pretty good but I'm running short trains up it.

@jstewart204,   I see the extra space allowed you to get rid of the 3" track pieces. Good.

I am still concerned with your long steep slopes up to 6.8% and 6.2% per your plan, for the staging to main  and main to upper respectively. Smoothing (Anyrail function) the "staging to main" run it averages 5.7% without any transitions. Keep in mind that curves also add to the rolling resistance, so you will need more power as the track curves get sharper.  If you use steep slopes you should transition gradually up to those slopes. I would expect a transition that increases by less than 2% for every say 22" (slightly longer than the length of the longest rolling stock you would run) would minimize derailments, uncoupling and bottoming out, obviously adding transitions make the remaining length steeper. Other folks may have a better guide for slope transitions.

If you only plan on short trains or plan to use of multiple engines per train you might be okay, but I'll echo the others about testing it before you build it.

Eric

Eric,

Thanks for the advice on the slope transitions. I will definitely mock it up and test it. I'll be using at least 2 powered units for all of my long consists.

I had similar slopes on the floor layout and those worked fine using two powered units.

Hopefully,I can find an 1/2 to an inch where I can lower the height of the transition to the main level. That will help even more.

@Mark Boyce Boyce @Mark Boyce
I have been following your recent progress. I like the new layout design and your slopes have come out really well.

Thank you for the encouraging words.

Josh

I bet you'll be ok to be honest. But it's worth testing before you go through all the trouble.

I made a bit more progress this weekend. The staging level bench work is just about complete. I have made some cuts down to the final footprint, filled in my remaining gaps, and secured most of the plywood to the framing. I have one area left to cut down and it's already marked out.

Next is laying more track and some wiring

Nice looking work, Josh!

Thank you for looking at my thread.  I am almost ready to share some more on the front slope.