Ok, let me run this idea by you folks. Scale is HO, theme is small logging operation. Power would be a PFM Hillcrest 25ton shay, either 40 foot logging flats from Bachmann or Kaydee logging skells, and the Kaydee logging bobber caboose. Normal train would be Shay, 3-4 logging cars and caboose. Using the same table as my current Marklin layout sits on, which is 33" deep by 55" long. At the front left corner would be a 2 track yard, single track engine house, tracks combine to single track just in front of the engine house. Track curves inward a bit then curves back toward the right corner to a dead end. In the middle of the inward curve is a right hand turnout that leads upgrade, roughly 4% up the toward the first switchback. There is enough tailspace on each switch back for the normal train consist listed above. The upward climb would curve to the rear left of the layout to gain upward altitude then flaten out as it goes thru the left hand turnout that will start the next switch back. Train then reverses again and goes up another 4% climb, the curvature matches the lower switchback but slightly inset toward the rear of the layout, now we are back at the front right corner but much higher up the mountain than before, we then proceed up the final switch back at much less of a grade but still climbing to the small reload camp. There is a short runaround track and some temporary sidings for the camp cars. The logging camp is situated at the rear left of the layout, and nestled in a small clearing in the trees. The whole trip up thru the lower, middle and upper switch backs are heavily with trees, track grown over with grass/moss. Giving the whole operation the look of a small run down logging operation. The trick is, can i do this in my small space provided above? My minds eye says it can be done with some creative curvature of the track. I plan to use Woodland Scenics styrofoam grades to create the 3 switchbacks up the mountain. Then build the rear mountain up with foam board ect. I
There was at least one, maybe 2 switchback layouts similar to this in the classic old Kalmbach book 101 Track Plans. I think they had a mining theme, and one was South American, but the switchback-on-little-more-than-a-shelf concept was there.
I am going to dig out my standard HO track and do some mockups on a piece of cardboard the size of my table and see if it will work. If not then I will look into a second table that is longer but not as deep for the logging layout. Cheers Mike
Check this one out. He is using a Riv Heisler. Test your equipment to find maximum grade, and remember, curves will needed to be factored in with the %.
I designed an On30 logging layout, might be of some ideas for an HO Layout, same track. Hope this helps a little
Mike
Before you bother with track mockups, I strongly suggest you measure the length of your proposed engine and cars. My estimates are as follows:
Shay - 5" long
40ft log car - 6" long
30ft log car - 5" long
Kadee logging caboose - 2" long
4 car train with 40ft log cars, engine, and caboose - 31" long
3 car train with 30ft log cars, engine, and caboose - 22" long
2 car train with 30ft cars, engine, and caboose - 17" long, but now we’re getting silly but practical.
Iain Rice suggests in one of his articles/books that the maximum train length for a shelf layout should be 1/4 to 1/3 the length of the shelf to look reasonable, and to be able to
Now I like that 3x6 foot switch back layout, that is what I have in mind, just need to expand my layout size a tad. I think I might be able to do that along the front wall and leave the Marklin layout where it is. I saved all the pics of his layout, not sure if I would go that high up, but I might. Would love to know what he is cutting the pink foam with? Razor saw of some kind? I know they make hot wire cutters, but it doenst look like that is what he used. Mike
Mike
Sign up and ask him, friendly folks over there, I’m sure he would be happy to answer your questions.
Keep us posted.
Mike, Since you’re asking for input, have you asked yourself the following questions?
Other than running empties up the hill and loaded log cars down the hill, what else are you showing? You mention a small yard at the bottom, but what is there in reality or implication? Where are the logs going to? Where is the sawmill? Is there a connection with an outside RR line for supplies and for outbound product?
Quality detailing of a mountainous logging line can be a delightful project, and there is plenty of work to do to make that look good (fallen trees, scrap logs and brush where the loggers have already been, lots of stumps, the complexities of the log loading scene at the top). Operationally, though, it seems that just having trips up and down the mountain might be limiting.
Also, 33" deep is too deep for effective detailing from one side, so hopefully access is available from the “back” as well.
Bill