I have always wanted to build the App. Central layout… I made a few changes to the plan… widened the ends from 36" to 42" and redid the yard… and gave it a double main to add more traffic. Thinking about adding 2 staging tracks to the top end of layout to through in some thru freight and Intermodal hot shots in…
I wanted to have one operator switch and run local turns and mine runs… as well someone to run the through manifest trains… as well as pushers for the grades…
My locale and theme is WVa and Kentucky, Norfolk Southern and CSX traffic from mid 80’s to today…
Please let me know of any changes I may need…
Thanks again!
Cheers,
Chris
Unless you have access to all sides of the layout, you will encounter serious reach issues with this design.
Hi!
The plan is pretty neat, but I also have concerns about access - not only around the layout itself, but especially in the staging under the mountain. Ha, I speak from experience…
Looks like you could use more crossovers between the double mains. At least 1 more.
hi Chris,
the two extra crossovers that are needed IMHO are drawn in red.
I do agree with Ulrich about reach-in issues. If your layout is not placed against a wall far better footprints seem possible. Have a look at Byron Henderson’s site. A drawing how your plan fits into your room might help.
Wish you a great time with your layout.
Paul
Is Main #1 (outer track) predominantly counter clockwise? and Main #2 clockwise in travel?
Where do you propose the load out from Mine #1 end up? Right now it either goes to the classification yard (after circling through/around the mountain to the Branch Line Junction) or just orbits around Main #2 (assuming CW traffic) ???
While Paul’s crossover allows CCW Main #1 traffic into the classification yard, I don’t see how you would get traffic from the yard onto Main #1 (if CCW) without fouling Main #2.
Staging seems to fall into the same traffic pattern as Mine #1 traffic as well.
This is pretty neat plan for being able to run lots of trains at once in a small space.
I would suggest that at the top of the plan where you have two crossovers between Main 1 and Main 2 that you separate the crossovers so that you can fit the crossover from the inner main to the yard lead track in between them. This will allow more direct access between the outer main and the yard lead track.
Alternatively, you could use a double slip switch on the right side to do the same thing.
Second on the branch line where it passes the classification yard on the left side of the plan, I would add a passing track. Bend the lower end of the divider to the right and you can fit in a 3rd mine with a spur off the passing track.
Good luck
Paul
Excellent comments guys… I so appreciate it, I will make some changes and repost…
Main #1 is Counter Clockwise (West) Main #2 is Clockwise predominantly but also used to return to yard…
in replies from the other forum I posted it on I probably will not hide staging on branch line,… and I will add more crossovers… to allow traffic into yard… and for other obvious reasons…
please keep responses coming I will post back as well
thanks guys, it is great to share this great hobby… I am fairly new to layout design… but have been studying and reading many book on prototype model railroad design… I want to be close to proto as possible but I know I have very limited space.
thanks again
Chris
