Switching Layout

Nice operating scheme. Curious what drove the 19" width? Just asking since an increase of table width to 24" might add additional potential. Perhaps this was designed to fit somewhere in your home which makes the 19" a requirement. It is fine as is nevertheless...I do like switching layouts

Thanks

Bob

The 19' width was driven by two considerations. There was a 32 square foot challenge (1 sheet of plywood) and I wanted a reasonable length of run along both walls in the 'L' configuration. Ripping 5 slices of 19"x48" (and allowing for the saw kerf) consumes the sheet of plywood. The resulting 144" x 115" 'L' allows for some reasonable scenery and operation.

TT

TT,

How do draw up something like that? I'd like to do one for my layout but Im a computer illiterate idiot and would rather not buy software. And I dont care for the Atlas software.

Thanks.

Patrick:

I've used Atlas and 3rd PlanIt, and I am somewhat adept with them. However, I usually draw track plans in a all-purpose CAD program. I used TurboCAD Delux 14 to draw this plan.

Using a general purpose CAD program means that you do not have all of the pre-defined track components to use and you have to draw them yourself. That is usually not a problem for a small track plan like this. In fact, I wanted to draw a minimum size #4 switch, which is not available in Atlas or 3rd PlanIt.

You also have to learn to use the CAD program, but I use TurboCAD for other model railroad related chores (e.g. benchwork), so I have reasonable proficiency with it. I've also learned some small tips and tricks to make a CAD program behave like a track planning program.

You can get older versions of TurboCAD cheaply (the current version is version 18) as I do. To draw a model railroad track plan you do not need the latest version of the software. TurboCAD 14 is available on Amazon for $20. There are probably free CAD programs available, but I cannot name one off the top of my head.

TT

Nice Plan.

I am incorporating several features in my "L" switching layout.

Larry

Thank you sir, I'll take a look around.

Patrick:

Find a free or trial version of CAD to learn on to see how you like it. Use the 'filet' function to draw your curves and track arcs. Set the filet radius to your minimum, or to the radius that you want at that spot, and then use the filet to connect the two straightaways that you want to connect with a curve. It's a little difficult to explain, but once you get the hang of it it's easy. That's not what the filet was designed for, but it works like a charm.

TT

I use CadStd Pro for model design as well as drawing layout trackage. A free version can be downloaded to learn on. Just Google cadstd. If you like it, the Pro version which has more features only costs about $38.

TT --- What was the reason your design was limited to just one sheet of 4x8 plywood? Was this a contest?

Charlie

Charlie:

It was more of a 'challenge' than a formal contest. On Model Rail Radio's list the challenge was to design a layout using, at most, 32 square feet; the equivalent of one sheet of plywood. If I had cut four 24"x48" sections that would have resulted in 120" x 96" 'L' shaped layout. By going down to 19" width I got an additional slice from the sheet and gained considerable length for some sacrifice in width.

TT

Model Rail Radio is a great podcast, many people in diffrent scales and modeling intrests from around the globe. I got on the call last show and it was alot of fun. wwww.modelrailradio.com for more info

Tell us more about the two ends and how they work.

The two ends are called traversers, and it's primarily a European concept. Think locomotive transfer table, except this one is manually operated by you. The idea is to have a sliding table where freight cars are stored on tracks that can be slid into alignment with one or more lead tracks. You can store more cars in a smaller space in this way that you could by using switches to get to the tracks.

The traverser, of course, has to be hidden as there is no such thing in the prototype world (that's not really true, but close enough). The traverser acts as a source or destination for cars as you operate the layout. Cars coming onto the layout are pulled from the traversers and cars 'leaving' the layout are pushed onto it. The traverser is set up before the operating session with inbound cars and after the operating session the outbound cars are taken off. Cars can be put onto or off of the traverser during the operating session if you want to extend the session.

These traversers are 33 inches long, enough for three 40' cars including an allowance for the couplers. The three tracks are on 3 1/8 inch centers, close, but acceptable for straight track. The close spacing allows each track on the traverser to align with each of the lead tracks. If the traversers had normal spacing they could not slide back and forth enough to align with the lead tracks.

The traverser hidden within industry 'A' receives inbound cars and supplies outbound cars. At the other end of the layout the traverser supplies new cars coming onto the layout and those leaving the layout are pushed onto it. Each traverser could, conceivably, start the session totally filled and end the session totally filled with different cars. The operator manually aligns an inbound or outbound track with the desired lead track, the switching move(s) are accomplished and then another track is aligned until all moves have been done. Hidden with a large industrial building or under the bluffs, the cars seem to be coming and going in a normal manner - with some willing suspension of disbelief.

TT

That's a nice design. Will fit in most bedrooms. Can be done in three-rail using Atlas sectional track which is available in 27" and 31.5" radius (O-54 and O-63 in three-rail speak,) plus a 36"/27" radius curved turnout is available as well.

This Shelf layout looks great! I have been web searching for weeks for a shelf layout that will work in an extra bedroom. I model 3rail and could use any suggestions on how to convert your plan using Atlas or Ross turnouts ( I currently have a number of Atlas but would like to switch to Ross). I am also wondering if the Ross 4way turnout could be used in the upper yard area.
David

David;

One design goal was to have this fit into the average bedroom or study. The plan is drawn for #4 switches and as Matt mentioned above, O-54 switches should substitute well; O-42s could save you some more space and you might pick up a car length on some of the spurs by using them. The alignment under building 'C' and the alignment in front of buildings 'D' may require some changes to accommodate the actual switches used. Everything should be do-able in 3 rail.

You could possibly use a 4-way switch to lead into the industries in the upper right; but I would keep the existing design for scenic and operational purposes. The track leading under building 'C', which is on stilts, is very prototypical for industrial buildings in the New York area. The curved turnout also lends scenic and prototypical interest. In addition the track arrangement as drawn should maximize the car storage on the tracks beyond as opposed to using a 4-way.

TT

Overall it looks like a nice plan. My only criticism is with industry C and the light blue D. I don't like having to serve industry spots by fouling or moving cars from other industries. That's just me. The plan could easily be adjusted for those though.

Fred:

Those arrangements were intentionally part of the plan to slow down the switching moves. They may not be everyone's cup of tea.

TT