Tranquil Hollow RR: Looking for Input

You are off to a great start. Make sure you can reach everything. With track, I feel that less track/ more scenery is better. 2/3 of my layout only has one track going through the scenes.  Keep posting updates. JohnA

Thank you John that’s an excellent point. Also, there is space all around, between the wall and the bench work.

Your wish list seems extensive given your space.  Engine servicing areas take up a great deal of space.  Running 3 trains plus a pcc loop plus a trolley, well you know, it will be tight.  You may end up with a bowel of spaghetti layout.  I would buy ken oscales book, look at what he has done and modify for you space as needed.

Can you fit in those aisleways between layout sections?

Yes, everything is within my reach.

necrails, you are right, a bowl of spaghetti is not what I want. For an engine facility I was not contemplating a turn table but every railroad needs something along those lines. Two tracks would be acceptable with block control.

Jay,

Consider bridging across the entrance of those aisles with dependable bascule bridges and go for 072 as a main line at a minimum.

If you ramp up and go over  you will double the run.

If you build it with a dual track main line and go up over for a folded "8" you will easily be able to at least four trains at the same time.

I would consider widening the aisles to 20"-24" if possible.  15" may seem like a good idea now, but not so good in the future.

Rusty

First, with your current benchwork design, you have no chance of running O72 curves, even through an oval on the main portion of your plan.  Your maximum width is 6' (72"), but to run O72 with clearance for engine or passenger car overhang, you would need at least 7' (84").  Second, given the width of your middle finger (of the 3 fingers), you can't even run O54 curves consistently through this layout unless you just run some stub-end tracks down that middle finger.  Finally, I agree with Rusty; at 15" aisle width, you and anyone else walking down that aisle (you won't be passing anybody, though) will have to penguin walk sideways to move.  And attempting repairs or working in such tight quarters will be just miserable.

I may regret saying this, but this is a classic example of putting the cart before the horse.  Construct a layout plan to fit your space first, then build benchwork to suit.  Squeezing a plan on to benchwork you've already built will be a very daunting task.

Chuck

Your input is greatly appreciated Tom, Rusty, and Chuck. Chuck you are correct in your assessment that the cart did get before the horse. However, in my defense, I had a plan(s) in mind that did not translate into reality. The aisles, while tight, are workable as I have a moveable step that I can use to lean in. Their purpose is primarily for maintenance and not viewing. I can get 54 degree curves on the outside and 42 on an inner loop. I have been contemplating removing the middle peninsula and perhaps extending the width of the remaining sides.
Again, thank you very much for taking the time to consider my plight.

@Tranquil Hollow RR  Sorry Jay - I totally agree with Chuck.  I think you would be better off taking the benchwork apart and starting over.   There are enough planners on this forum who can help pull a track plan together for you. Given your space you will also need to move away from a walk in to get the 072 dia curves. You will never regret having the big curves even if you are not going to run big iron. I also agree with Tom Tee on the lift ups. I got rid of my walk in due to limitations on track layout possibilities along with small space and ended up being able to have 072 curves and 3 lift out bridges to access the center of my layout.

Since its been a year - throw some track down in a couple of loops and run some trains while the plan comes  together.   

Tranquil Hollow sounds like it needs some verticality so you can have a "hollow" on the layout. Configured as is you are either flat or have to cut holes in the decking. Looks like you already have the foam risers, but you could simply build the sub-road bed to the desired grade.

I would get rid of the center portion to give yourself the luxury of sitting in a comfortable chair to operate. Second, widen the bottom portion of the remaining

extensions to run 72 inch or 80 inch super elevated or canted curves. Sometimes less is more.

I run an around the wall layout just for that reason. One can still add a lot of detail .

This side is only 18 inches including the road.

This side is 22 inches with the road.

@Rusty Traque posted:

I would consider widening the aisles to 20"-24" if possible.  15" may seem like a good idea now, but not so good in the future.

Rusty

I agree , 15:" is not practical

Thank you Ron and your layout looks impressive. Currently there is a a decent  amount of viewing space upon entering the room. I have been thinking about removing the middle and bumping out  a gentle curve to either side of the layout to change the geometry of the bench work away from the straight angles. However, I realize that I will have to test it on a computer program.

Highly recommend SCARM for computer track planning purposes, but it o0nly runs in Windows.  It is free to download and try out, and if you like it, it's relatively inexpensive and includes multi-gauge, multi-vendor track libraries in its price.

Chuck

Jay, are you located anywhere near Philly?

I’m Philly born and raised and now living in Lebanon county. We regularly make it back to the Philly and Bucks county area.

Jay,

Next time down this way hit me up for a visit.  I would be glad to show you first hand how to make easy build outs and cut outs with curved fascia to accommodate genuine 1:1 full size typical 0 gauge waists in your close aisles yet comfortably provide for 0-72" curves.

Do all you can to utilize 0-72" curves.  That will leave the door open for anything in the future.

About 20 years ago when I was actively building bench work,  OGR did a product review on how I provided for 0-72 curves on a 4' X 8' platform.

Contact info in profile.

Tom

@Tom Tee posted:

...About 20 years ago when I was actively building bench work,  OGR did a product review on how I provided for 0-72 curves on a 4' X 8' platform.

Tom, that's intriguing.  Do you happen to know which OGR issue showed how you provided for O-72 curves on a 4' x 8' platform?