I currently am running a 4x8 HO layout but after reading several of the posts on the forum I have decided to make a new layout. I have a 15x4 space in my loft. What I would like is a 7x2 shelf area connected to a 5x4 return loop at each end, basically a dogbone type layout. I would like to make this as prototypical as possible, perhaps a classification yard in the center section with a main line having a couple of branches for small industry; a cement plant and orange grove in each of the loop areas. I would like to do some operating sessions. Any suggestions on a design for something that meets these criteria?
hi Tas
I’ll give you the plan of one of my previous layouts. It came from “small railroads YOU can build” from 1978 by our host. Version 5A is drawn as close as possible to the original 14x4, my built was two feet shorter and was followed by two expanses.
When you want something prototypical you have to give much more information. Era, locale and kind of railroad at least. And you could make a drawing of your room/space with all the obstacles. In “102 realistic trackplans” Andy Sperandeo is showing the way how do do such a thing. “See the space first” and the footprint of your pike later…
A remark however: classification yards and railserved industries were and are huge or very huge. If you want to be prototypical the short and single spurs, as on my old layout, are not the way to go.
And a question: do you have any idea’s about staging?
Paul
Paul,
Thanks for the comments, I plan to model the 1955-1968 time period as I am running both NYC and SCL locomotives. The layout you mentioned, the Marquette and Independence RR seems to be something that I could look into. Do you have that layout in digits? I plan on having a staging area below the yard or some landscape feature of the layout. The space I am working with is open but I need to be able to reach across the layout as it will be against the wall, this is where I came up with the wide “U” shaped layout. I would like to continue the idea of a small classification yard if possible.
TAS
Tas
I asked you to draw your room first and look at the plans later; with reasons. The information you gave about your pike is can’t be right. Your blobs are 5x4, so when you add them lengthwise your space must be 17x4; when you add them widthwise you space is 15x5.
You chose a dogbone footprint, as on my old layout. But did you explore other footprints, like the “O” or donut?
You have set an era; in my language it means max. 60 feet cars and using 20 - 24 inch radii and #5 switches (#6 when crossovers are involved). Can that be done in your space?
Wanting NYC and SCL is nice , but way to general for understanding your desires. And did both met somewhere? Both had big mainlines and small rural or urban branches. Makes a hell of a difference.
Small classification yards did and do not exist. This was the place where real railroads were building their trains. Tony Koester speaks about small yards and shows us Frankfurt. Having a small yard near spurs is handy, you only need a runaround (or passing siding) and a track where you can put some cars on, to get them out of your way. Such a relief yard is also handy for reblocking a train. Remember you have a small pike.
Keep smiling and have fun
Paul
One suggestion of combining a yard and a mainline, is to have an overpass for the mainline, as shown in the following photo. The yard has two rather lengthy drill tracks and by using double -slip switches, the switcher has access to all 7 tracks and never has to tie up the main line. Bob Hahn Click on the photo to enlarge it. Then, click on the series of photos, to see parts of my 24’x24’ around the room HO layout. Please Post a drawing or photo of the proposed layout and the outline of the room,(with doors,window, and other obstructions. If you need help with Posting a drawing, let us know and we will help. Bob Hahn 