Thanks in advance to all who might help me with some suggestions on best using the fixed space I have for this layout–benchwork substructure completed, will top with 1/2" plywood and 2 inches of foam. for visual interest I could have slight changes in levels even using some of the 2" foam to go down but no mountains with tunnels as I’m not supposed to block the view out the windows to the patio and water view (see photos).
The layout will be DCC. I really want to be able to run 2 trains at once, maybe in opposite directions, with the longest trips possible (including reverses where feasible); most likely scenario watching one train run while doing some switching operations or puzzles with another train. (Is the correct term double track main line)
I’ll include photos of some switching puzzles (at least one or two of which) I’d love to incorporate somewhere. You’ll see one switching layout is from a book i bought–i like the left hand side s
You’ll get more response if you post your photos so they aren’t behind the dropbox login. It’s totally up to you, but I’d be bored silly after a couple of passes through those old-fashioned puzzles. Seems a shame (to me) to waste that space and switches on something so artificial.
I think you’ve got one to many reversing loops, there’s a curve that looks like it’s physically impossible and that shunting puzzle from MR 3/72 is meant to end at Spur E and it’s a yard, so having it on the main is not quite right as all shunting moves there will block the main, presuming it’s a single track main. I recommend separating it from the main, I see two ways of doing it the first is turn that coke bottle curve into either a branch or a passing loop. The second is make the upper section of the lower reversing loop into purely being the entry track to that yard.
I don’t know how the Atlas or Peco N gauge track geometry compares to Kato unitrack as their track template might be of some assistance in drawing up a track plan.
A control panel is great if you’ve a lot of motorised turnouts and you have difficulty remembering which switch does what - something that still throws me on my simple layout, usually with the double slip.
Oh and one thing to remember for your switching puzzles is what’s the length of your longest loco or car that you’d use there, as I believe that’s what the (#) is a reminder for - something I keep on forgeting about whenever I put down track.
As a start, it is OK to hand draw your ideas and historically that is how most larouts have bee designed initially, but these programs will let you check the fit and run “trains” on your computer to check out the operational possibilities of your plan which is worthwhile doing and can also be a lot of fun.
Yes, thank you for your comments. I have SCARM but was holding off entering track until I saw if experienced modelers observed some part of the plan that was just a bad idea and should be deleted (based on building prior layouts).
track template might be of some assistance in drawing up a track plan.