Very true. I’ll pull out my track scraps and throw a little just after the switch and see what happens.
I took a screen shot of your layout and printed a few copies. Then, I took a pair of scissors and trimmed along your curved track in the southeast portion of your layout. I overlaid that curve on the lead track being discussed and there is sufficient room to extend that lead track. That would permit you to add a couple more cars for spotting onto those two spur tracks.
In fact, if the lead track were extended, you could also add cars in front of the switcher to be spotted at the end of the extended lead track and add another industry.
Speaking of adding tracks and additional industries, if you add a left hand turnout to the spur track below the mainline on the northwest portion of your layout, you could add another spur track there.
Just some additional thoughts.
Rich
My assumption was that the plan was “final”… If it’s still an option, I would actually consider simplifying the track plan. The industrial area’s design involves a backup operation to reach the sidings in the centre left. That limits the quantity of cars on that portion of the layout. One option is to remove the sidings in the centre-left, and extend the inner siding in the North West in a circular fashion. Operations would be simpler and it would leave more space for larger buildings or scenery.
Simon
Yeah, you’re right, it may be final. But I think that the various replies, including your own, are meant to suggest some track modifications to increase the opportunities for facilitating operations.
Rich
Overall, I am pretty impressed with how much operation has been squeezed into a small space.
-Kevin
Hello All,
I too am constrained in the size of my HO pike, and like you, have tried to get the most “bang for my buck” given the size limitations.
After ruminating over your track plan since you posted it (thank you for the photo) I have some observations…
The yard ladder in the upper portion of the photo piqued my concern about reliable operations.
Any 4-axle diesel, 0-6-0 steamers, and/or “critters” (small wheelbase locomotives) might have issues passing over that many dead frogs so close together.
Equipping your motive fleet with Energy Storage Devices (ESDs) AKA- -“Keep-Alives” can be a solution. However, ESDs do have their drawbacks.
I suggest that the curve in the right side of the photo be elongated “opened” and the two (2) track yard and single spur track moved to the inside of the oval.
The arrangement of turnouts in the bottom center makes operational sense, but like the yard ladder- -with so many dead frogs- -could provide for less than reliable operation.
Again, thank you for posting a photo of your track arrangement and allowing forum members to give feedback on possible pitfalls.
Hope this helps.
Opening up the continuous running track radius is a good idea unless you want to preserve the length of the sidings. You can’t have both an outside broader radius continuous track and those long sidings.
The clever part of the layout design is exploiting the hypotenuse effect. The loop is offset so that it runs diagonally, in effect, giving just that little bit extra room for the return curves. That leaves the space for longer sidings than if the sidings were inside the loop.
If you like it maximizes the potential of that Rock Ridge layout by laying out the main loop diagonally.
I thought there would be issues as well, but it’s been fine so far. I initially ran my collection of shorty critters and a trolly around and they did ok.
Of course I would like to move up to 18" radius curves, but then I loose the longer sidings as Lastpikemike stated. I haven’t been able to come up with a track plan for this space with 18" curves that allows for a runaround not on a curve, that has this kind of action to support four industries, and have an interchange.
Well, OK, we have thrown enough track plan changes your way. It seems that you are satisfied with your current track plan, so you should just go with it and pick some suitable industries for the sidings.
I will make a final suggestion for your consideration. If you add a left hand turnout to the spur track below the mainline on the northwest portion of your layout, you could add another track there.
Good luck with your layout and keep us posted on your progress.
Rich
Well Rock Ridge includes two slip switches…everybody really wants a slip switch even if they deny it.
Ha! didn’t know those were switches, thought they were crossings lol.
He’s referring to the Rock Ridge track plan. In your track plan, there are only simple turnouts (switches). Not everyone wants or needs double slips.
Rich
Personally I am impressed with what you have. i think you can have a lot of fun with your layout and congratulations on reminding us that small spaces can be more than a loop of track.
+1
I agree. Excellent use of small space. I will be anxious to see what industries the OP chooses and how he sets them up.
Rich
Thanks for all the help / guidance guys, I’ll definitely post back with what I figure out as far as industries go [tup]
UPDATE
Credit goes to “speedybee” and “richhotrain”
I put together a different plan based on speedybees suggestion from another thread, and Rich brought it up again…
I came up with this. I’m also now able to add on a 16x42" yard that will attach to the lower right of the table that will connect from the switch on the east end of the layout where the feeder wires are currently. I’ve been running on it for a few days and it’s growing on me. The flex track spurs are just flopping around at the moment since nothing is tacked down yet.
Good for you. I like the revised plan. Keep us posted as you develop the industries around the layout.
Rich