New Layout

[Nolan]

Hi All,

Okay, been a while since I have had a chance to really build my own layout so would appreciate some input. As of right now I'm looking at an 8' x 10' HO layout. All of the main line track is code 100 and 24" radius. Sidings and yard are code 83 with yard 22" radius and with a minimum of 12" radius. Double loop and a passing siding on the hidden track. This is basically the "Georgian Southern" from Model Railroader, April 2001.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.:)

[gunrunnerjohn]

My only initial comment is you seem to have very few places to have continuous running.

[lajry]

To use the yard will require WAY to many switchback moves. This would not be done on any real RR as it takes too much time and therefore costs more money. And after awhile even you will get very tired of it. Also what is the point of the double Xover in the yard? Also Put a RIP track somewhere around the yard as it can add move switching.
Here's a rough sketch to give you some ideas to think about. As a RR civil engineer once told me "if it's on paper it's nothing more than a wet noodle making it very easy to move. And when you do start building it just loosely tack the track down & operate it to see if your plan meets your needs.

[lajry]

My only initial comment is you seem to have very few places to have continuous running.

The 2 "A" indicate the tracks are connected at those points but not shown on the plan

[Nolan]

To use the yard will require WAY to many switchback moves. This would not be done on any real RR as it takes too much time and therefore costs more money. And after awhile even you will get very tired of it. Also what is the point of the double Xover in the yard? Also Put a RIP track somewhere around the yard as it can add move switching.
Here's a rough sketch to give you some ideas to think about. As a RR civil engineer once told me "if it's on paper it's nothing more than a wet noodle making it very easy to move. And when you do start building it just loosely tack the track down & operate it to see if your plan meets your needs.

Thanks for the input and especially the "marked up" drawing, really made things easier to understand. I think that I just lost sight of the operation aspect while trying to squeeze track into the space I had allocated. Sooo, back to layout mode with a new perspective.

Also, you were right about the "A" to "A" connection. They link together via a hidden track with a long passing siding. Idea being to be able to run two trains at the same time.

Really glad I found you guys. Have already saved me a major rebuild.:thumbsup: