First, this is a great resource but I still need some help. Love reading the posts here
I have an odd shaped area, well not so odd as a little restricted. It’s basically a 21ft x 8ft L shape. I have abilit to have two 4x4 or there abouts "anchors at each end with a 2x2 corner section. Problem is I’m only able to get a 1ft shelf going between the bigger sections.
this is a freelance design with one 4x4 being the edge of a city on the great lakes, think milwaukee. the other 4x4 section on the end of the short leg of the L will be a nature setting, something like Devils Tower. the corner section will be mountainous, with the long section of the L climbing towards that. I will have at one some point, a modular yard that attaches in towards the city 4x4.
Thoughts on this, I’m running into a problem where I don’t like the lack of sidings available or when I put them in I have no room for anything on the longer runs.
A lot of typing but I had to get my thoughts somewhere where others could comment.
BTW, because of the limits on the turn around 4x4 I’m limiting myself to min 18" curves. this will be a fairly modern layout, but I understand I cannot use 6 axle locos on these curves.
as for the room; to the right side of the layout is an exterior door a few few from the end of the layout. At the end of the bottom left section is a window. Between the two there is nothing. It’s an open room, 2nd story of a large garage, but trying to not eat up the space I could with train. Believe me, I would if I could
Is there any way you could come out another foot or so on the back wall? (the long wall) That would give you some room for switching and staging. At least you have room for 22" curves at both ends.
Really can’t take more than a foot off the wall, a few inches for clearance is all that I’m able to take. Curves on the end are 18", since my minimums elsewhere were 18 I liked the look of the turnarounds better in 18, was able to get them less round if that makes any sense
Thanks for the grid diagram. Two things hit me immediately. If you shortened the two ends of the L, you would have access to the tracks, that now require a four foot reach to retrieve any derailed or stalled trains. A 28" reach is maximum, unless you plan to have removeable access holes,(which would be awkward.) Leave access room on both ends of the L. Secondly, this layout is a, rather dull, single loop, with only one passing siding, short spurs, no double-slip switch crossovers, and no way of reversing the direction of travel. Two double-slip switches along the long leg, allow for passing, or reversal of direction of travel, and would help make your layout much more interesting for running two trains. You mention having a “Yard”. You may not have room for a seven track yard, with spurs, as shown in the picture, but by the use of double-slip switches attached a Y, and 2 regular switches, you can have a four track yard, with equal length staging tracks. Note the overpass which allows more room for my yard tracks. You could employ somewhat the same idea. Your proposed layout reminds me of the original phase of my “garage loft” present layout. As planned, when we constructed the 24’x24’ garage with an inside stairway, the layout was to be eventually, around the four walls,(seven years later), but started out with a C shape at the head of the stairs. Keep us “Posted”
Thanks for the input HHPATH56, the two ends are actually reachable from 3 of the 4 sides, so reach shouldn’t be a problem. Hmm, now that I look at it there could be a couple tough reach spots…
I definetly want to add a little more operation to the plan, just not sure where or how I guess while still leaving some room for scenery. I keep tinkering witht he plan, but haven’t come up with anything that i’ve fallen in love with yet. I’ll see what happens if I incorporate a couple of your ideas into it. thanks again
Thinking a little outside the box, if you substitute helices for the simple turnback loops you could have two narrow shelves, one 14-18 inches above the other, with a single track running through each. The steep grades (4%) would limit your train lengths (or call for helpers, which could add operating interest,) but that isn’t as much of a disadvantage as it could be.
You can fit a lot more into a 12" space with a single track than with a double track.
