[mr_x_ite_ment]

slive...I like your plan as well! I am going to second some of the thoughts that others have on here. The reach could be hard on the left side of the layout. Reaching across a 4-ft. or 5-ft. span can be tough. I wouldn't necessarily discourage you from it, but just make sure you can reach if a problem should result on that side.

I agree that a duckunder is not the easiest to negotiate, although I do have two of them on my layout. There are things I don't really like about liftouts either, but they would be easier to get through them. I opted to have a duckunder just for the fact that I could run the track straight through with no separation. If you have a liftout, I would also recommend trying to have the liftout somewhat square with the layout. All the best to you!

Chad

 

[mr_x_ite_ment]

slive...I feel you can still incorporate a duckunder or liftout if you like. I see two ways you could do it. You could have a duckunder that would connect the "southeast" corner of the left side (by "Team Track") with the slanted track "north" of Industry 4 on the right side. The duckunder would be at about a 45 deg. angle to the layout or so.

The second possibility that you could maybe do would be some kind of liftout that connects a track coming off a turnout on the southernmost point of the left side and joins up with the southern end of one of the tracks on Industry 4. In that case, it would probably have to be a "triangle-shaped" liftout to give you a curve connecting the two sides. You would need a "leg" or support for the corner of the liftout not connecting the two sides. A triangle-shaped liftout would be heavier, and would end up right in front of the door too.

I don't know if my ideas are any good, but it is possible to "connect" the two sides if you choose to. I look forward to your future progress!

Chad

 

[mr_x_ite_ment]

slive...what about coming straight north from one of the yard tracks to an engine facility? You could have back-to-back turnouts on the farthest right track of the yard that would shoot straight north to an engine facility. It could even be a turntable with a small roundhouse or something too.

Chad

 

[mr_x_ite_ment]

Well, I am not sure what works best. I imagine one has to be able to reach easily any area where locomotives are kept. Maybe the area just north of where your aisle ends would be a good spot for any engine facility. As far as a runaround goes, do you even have room for something like that? I really like your layout plan. Perhaps other guys on here have better ideas than me. I think you have a good solid plan, and any improvements to it would only be minor things. I am at a loss right now to come up with anything really better than what you have. Looking good!

Chad