Trackplan Review

Greg, that seems like it will be a great layout. What are the clearances for the overpasses? This can be a factor depending on what rolling stock you're planning to operate, container cars etc.

Thanks for posting, and best of luck.
Bruce

Thanks Bruce.  It's a transition era layout, anything pre 1960-ish, so I'm not anticipating any oversize cars.  The overpasses are 5.5".  The grade changes are as follows... On the right side, around the curve, takes 201.5" of track to climb 5.5" and the left side, along the back wall and curve takes 203.5" of track to climb 5.5".

If you do not use a minimum O72 for the mainline curves, you may regret it in the future. Also, consider  a provision for a future staging area [freight yard].

 

  A cross over [red to red] in the middle section would provide a reverse loop.

 

If the dimension were in black, they would be easier to read on the forum

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It is a interesting track plan and should be fun to scenic and operate.

 

Please keep us updated on your progress.

Charlie,  There are only 4 pieces of O54 in the red mainline, the majority of it is O63.  I don't think I'll be able to get the mainline up to O72, but I will take your advice and try to change the 4 O54's to O63.  Thanks for your input. -Greg

I have a 10x21 space for an around the wall layout that requires access to 2 doors, 1 on one end and the other near that on a side wall. I have no idea how to get curves larger than 054 without resorting to liftouts/swingouts. I'm still designing, but I think I'm okay with limiting myself to engines and rolling stock that will work with 054. One door is nit a problem, but the other door swings in and I'm not sure I'm up to the task of dealing with it and retaining access between the 2 doors.

Great Plan Greg. How large will your turntable & engine yard be?

 

Regarding the curves it all depends on what you want to run. Even 072 curves can make a big boy or large steam engine overhang. IMO go with the largest curves you squeeze, 072, 081 etc. it appears you have the room for the big curves on the left side of your  plan. Right now maybe you do not have any large engines but you might in the furture. If you can squeeze in one large main with 072+ and keep the inside to 063. Just my humble opinion.

 

Best of luck.

Looks great with a lot of running room. 

Guys, thanks for the all of the replys and advice!  My brother-in-law and I reworked the mainline to get rid of the few pieces of O54 track.  We don't have quite enough room to go all the way to O72... but we now have a mainline with a minimum of O63.  Construction has begun...

CWEX,  I checked out your "How to" youtube videos and your track looks awesome!  Makes me want to attempt to hand lay our trestle tracks!  keep up the great work!

Great progress Greg. Your photo is worth a thousand words  I now see how your curves will fit. Keep us posted.