Well, this is the general idea of what i want to do. Mine and the ability to switch maybe 8 or 9 loads for a like number of empties. This is the first layout i have ever tried to design with any sort of operation in mind (My previous one was an engine terminal, more a diorama than a layout capable of much)
The black lines of course represent tracks, the blue box the tipple, the green squiggly the mountain “face” . The layouts intended size is 24 x 48, in N scale, the cars will be 32 and 40 foot hoppers, the loco a 2-8-0 or 0-8-0. Will it work? I would like to be able to move cars 2 or 3 at a time, and i think with some shifting about i can get 8 or possibly 9 loads on the “main” and a like number of empties from the “main” to the tipple. The lowest line isnt intended for use, just as a representation of the actual main. The idea is that my runaround is long enough for 3 cars, my spur to the left is long enough for 3 + the loco. I am not sure whether to keep the spur or to ditch it and just have my 3 tipple tracks, with my runaround between the lowest tipple track and the main. My worry is that in doing this i would have insufficient space to perform the movements. 3 40 foot N scale hoppers measure out to be about 10 inches long. Have at it folks, im open to suggestions. I would like to stay with a 2 or 3 track tipple at least however, as this will be my layout for the foreseeable future, and a truck dump i dont think would hold many operation opportunities. Might make the small spur to the left a storage and service track for a mine owned switcher, havent decided yet (something else to be in the way when it comes time to operate!)
Its not to scale (as i am sure you all know) i think no 6 turnouts will be needed to function with the steamers. And yeah, i have that atlas rail drawing program, and dont think i will ever figure the thing out…
Thanks for the time, Tim
PS click on the pic to make it show clearly please!
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