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Offline Alsterstreek  
#51 Posted : 19 March 2015 22:55:40(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Dimensions: 400 x 200 cm with a width of 65 cm. There are hidden fiddle areas foreseen on the lower level, more precisely three straight stub tracks extending under the elevated area on the left side, two tracks under the low relief backdrop buildings, and a curved switching lead under the right side. The rear track on the left side and the curved switching lead on the right side would be connected with both, visible "continuous" platform tracks and two rear hidden "continuous" shadow station tracks.

For simulating main line operations, e.g., a loco-pulled passenger local arriving from the left would disappear on the right, to be pushed back out of sight via the shadow station tracks in order to re-appear from the left. The same would happen - mirrored so to speak - with a train appearing from the right, disappearing on the left, being pushed back out of sight in order to reappear from the right. The two trains could meet either on the visible platform tracks or on the invisible two tracks under the low relief backdrop buildings.
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Offline Irish Rail  
#52 Posted : 19 March 2015 23:07:59(UTC)
Irish Rail

Ireland   
Joined: 04/03/2014(UTC)
Posts: 123
Location: West Cork
Originally Posted by: Alsterstreek Go to Quoted Post
Dimensions: 400 x 200 cm with a width of 65 cm.


Ah. That would be bigger than the room! Total is 350 X 250 but has pesky door, window and radiator in the way.
But I might "borrow" the idea... :) If you don't mind.
Another plan with a similar shape also appealed to me (see attached)
Irish Rail attached the following image(s):
hafen-bf20-N.jpg
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#53 Posted : 20 March 2015 13:04:04(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Originally Posted by: Irish Rail Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: Alsterstreek Go to Quoted Post
Dimensions: 400 x 200 cm with a width of 65 cm.


Ah. That would be bigger than the room! Total is 350 X 250 but has pesky door, window and radiator in the way.
But I might "borrow" the idea... :) If you don't mind.
Another plan with a similar shape also appealed to me (see attached)


Very nice one, too. An arranged freight train can be up to 2 m long. And there is no nasty ramp to be constructed.

:o)

Do you have a floor plan of your room?
Offline Irish Rail  
#54 Posted : 20 March 2015 15:42:18(UTC)
Irish Rail

Ireland   
Joined: 04/03/2014(UTC)
Posts: 123
Location: West Cork
Originally Posted by: Alsterstreek Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: Irish Rail Go to Quoted Post


Do you have a floor plan of your room?


Room is 360 X 240 cm with door and window as shown below. Door opens into the room and there is a radiator below the window. Window is centred in the wall i.e. 60 cm each side.
Irish Rail attached the following image(s):
Train room layout.jpg
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#55 Posted : 20 March 2015 23:02:56(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
That is a good starting point, the room has a good potential. 60 cm alleys are normally sufficient Since the heating radiator size and window "swing" are unknown, 80 cm alleys should be on the safe side. For a comfortable arm length reach, 60 cm layout width is manageable. For M track, 100 cm is good enough for a R1 & R2 double track diameter. Thus, a layout area could look as follows - see attachment.
Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
TRL1a.png
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Offline Irish Rail  
#56 Posted : 20 March 2015 23:40:50(UTC)
Irish Rail

Ireland   
Joined: 04/03/2014(UTC)
Posts: 123
Location: West Cork
You're brilliant, Ak. I wouldn't have thought of a shape like that. The door opens to the right, so there would have to be a bit of space to allow it to open fully. But the window opens outwards, so no issue there.
I will work on the idea and see what I can come up with.
Thank you!!
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#57 Posted : 20 March 2015 23:42:16(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Then, you could mirror the harbour freight yard plan into the upper corner and add a main line climbing up before traversing the yard throat on a bridge. The main line could lead to the lower corner leg where it ends in a return blob. To allow for continuous running, the elevated return blob could be stacked on another return blob which connects to the main line ramp at the yard throat. Somewhere in between is still room for a passing siding, e.g. on the straight stretch on the upper level. This is just an initial sketch which could be elaborated.
Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
TRL1b.png
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#58 Posted : 21 March 2015 11:37:58(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Originally Posted by: Irish Rail Go to Quoted Post
The door opens to the right, so there would have to be a bit of space to allow it to open fully.



Some M-track ideas: For a single track R1 based return blob with a "defused" S-curve (i.e. a straight piece of track inserted to avoid derailing) the minimum space requirement behind the door is 155 cm. Reducing this to 150 cm would still allows for a horse shoe arrangement. See attachment. Either arrangement gains length for straight stretches along the longer room wall.
Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
155-150.png
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#59 Posted : 21 March 2015 13:32:18(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Lummerland on 110 x 200 cm:

Inspired by the German children's novel Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver (German: Jim Knopf und Lukas der Lokomotivführer), who live on the tiny island Morrowland (German: Lummerland), which has just enough space for a small palace, a train station and rails all around the island, a grocery store, a small house, a king, two subjects (= Jim and Lukas), and a locomotive named Emma.

Source: http://stummiforum.de/viewtopic.php?t=116789
Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
lula.png
lula2.png
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#60 Posted : 21 March 2015 13:39:02(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Originally Posted by: Alsterstreek Go to Quoted Post
I retrieved the source:

http://model-railroad-ho.../node/3262#comment-26076

The work is based on the "Lilliput Logger" track plan. I understand it is 4 x 8 ft in HO scale.

Further to this post:
https://www.marklin-user...rototype.aspx#post461316

Here is the C-track "translation" on 120 x 225 cm
:o)

Source: http://stummiforum.de/viewtopic.php?t=116789
Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
lilo1.png
lilo2.png
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#61 Posted : 21 March 2015 13:45:34(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
And finally (for today) Maerklin C-track on 100x 200 cm in the High Sierra of the Far West, complete with mine, engine turning wye and trestle.
:o)

Source: http://stummiforum.de/viewtopic.php?t=116789
Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
wildwest 100x200.png
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Offline kiwiAlan  
#62 Posted : 21 March 2015 17:30:09(UTC)
kiwiAlan

United Kingdom   
Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC)
Posts: 8,067
Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
Originally Posted by: Alsterstreek Go to Quoted Post
Then, you could mirror the harbour freight yard plan into the upper corner and add a main line climbing up before traversing the yard throat on a bridge. The main line could lead to the lower corner leg where it ends in a return blob. To allow for continuous running, the elevated return blob could be stacked on another return blob which connects to the main line ramp at the yard throat. Somewhere in between is still room for a passing siding, e.g. on the straight stretch on the upper level. This is just an initial sketch which could be elaborated.


The 'return blobs' could be a couple of turns helix to under layout schattenbahnhof, allowing more trains to come and go.

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Offline Shamu  
#63 Posted : 22 March 2015 10:20:24(UTC)
Shamu

Australia   
Joined: 12/07/2011(UTC)
Posts: 1,068
Location: In a building site in Yeppoon
Originally Posted by: Irish Rail Go to Quoted Post
......... The door opens to the right, so there would have to be a bit of space to allow it to open fully.......


How about re-hanging the door to the left ?
Sad when its cheaper to buy a new 29640 starter set from Germany than a CS2 on its own in Oz, welcome to the joys of Marklin down under .
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#64 Posted : 22 March 2015 12:33:31(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Originally Posted by: Alsterstreek Go to Quoted Post
Lummerland on 110 x 200 cm
Source: http://stummiforum.de/viewtopic.php?t=116789


Improved version with curved layout on the lower left side "pulled" into the open. Same source as above.


Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
lula3.png
lula4.png
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#65 Posted : 22 March 2015 14:25:09(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Originally Posted by: Alsterstreek Go to Quoted Post
Maerklin C-track on 100x 200 cm in the High Sierra of the Far West


The planner forgot to add 2 x 24071 to complete the slim turnout. Can be overcome, but needs to be considered in case of actual construction.



Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
ml.png
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#66 Posted : 01 April 2015 02:11:50(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
M-track 100 cm x 100 cm, minimum radius R1.
Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
image.jpg
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Offline Irish Rail  
#67 Posted : 01 April 2015 17:31:27(UTC)
Irish Rail

Ireland   
Joined: 04/03/2014(UTC)
Posts: 123
Location: West Cork
Originally Posted by: Alsterstreek Go to Quoted Post
M-track 100 cm x 100 cm, minimum radius R1.


R1 = 5100?

There are three M-track curves - 5200, diameter 874.8mm; 5100, diameter 720mm and 5120, diameter 572mm (all measured from track centre). Where can the 5120 curve be safely used? Is it suitable for all traffic or only for shorter wagons?
Offline Alsterstreek  
#68 Posted : 01 April 2015 21:00:30(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Originally Posted by: Irish Rail Go to Quoted Post
R1 = 5100?
Yep.
:o)

Originally Posted by: Irish Rail Go to Quoted Post
Where can the 5120 curve be safely used?
Well, define safely...
;o)

Originally Posted by: Irish Rail Go to Quoted Post
Is it suitable for all traffic or only for shorter wagons?
Only shorter wagons and locos. Coaches will "jump out" of the curve. I would not use 5120 to avoid frustration.

No running limitations on 5100 and 5200 though.
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#69 Posted : 12 April 2015 14:01:58(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
100 x 200 x 5 cm foam boards are readily available at local DIY shop. Glueing two layers, i.e. four boards, across leads to a sturdy and light 200 x 200 cm x 10 cm baseboard. Cutting of a little bit for better access leads to an L-shape. Was playing around with track planning software to see what could be achieved on the above area, focusing on the (long) main line: ca 20 m round trip. Basic concept is a dogbone design. The return blobs are stacked upon each other. Each curve starts with an easement, S-curves are gentle, R2 radius in visible and R1 radius in hidden areas. A prominently located horseshoe arrangement serves as eye catcher and allows for lengthening runs and easining the slope between the two levels: only 1.7%! On the right hand side is space for a level station area; using curved layouts, 160 cm track lenght(s) should be possible.
Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
L200v0.png
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#70 Posted : 12 April 2015 16:59:19(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Same surface, similar "geometric" approach, but more action. Double track line reaches division station, where the former splits into two separate single track lines, requiring switching and loco changes. Sidings allow for passing of trains or run-arounds of locos for trains changing direction between upper blob and lower blob 2, etc. Alternatively, benefitting from sprung turnouts, a lazy spectator type operator lets train run for a long time (= 25 m) by following the sequence from lower blob 2 via station to lower blob 1 via station to upper blob via station to lower blob 2. Upper blob offers industrial or mining area tracks. Ramp now at 1.9%. Scenic highlights remain as described in preceding post.
Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
L200v1.png
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Offline TrainIride  
#71 Posted : 15 April 2015 14:26:49(UTC)
TrainIride

France   
Joined: 23/10/2010(UTC)
Posts: 1,900
Location: FRANCE
Such playability in such a small area OhMyGod .
You are a magician !

Best regards
Joël
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#72 Posted : 03 May 2015 12:31:00(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
"Double-oval" M-track layout on 1 x 1 m.
Source: http://www.stummiforum.de/viewtopic.php?t=42007
Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
image-0.jpg
image-1.jpg
image.jpg
image-2.jpg
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#73 Posted : 18 May 2015 00:20:06(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Elaborating on the starting point given in post 69 and building on past layout building experience, I present you:

Track Planning Extreme on 200 x 200 cm !

Inspired by a certain venue in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania (which could alternatively be the setting of a wooded approach to the German Ruhr area or somewhere in the French Lorraine region) this is about a four-track mainline on a hillside. A spectacular horseshoe curve serves to gain height. In the middle of the Wottah horseshoe curve is a lake which is doubling as emergency access manhole cover. Traffic flows back and forth between the Alto(o)na terminal and the Gal(l)izia Tunnels. On the inner side of the curved view block is countryside scenery, while the city and industry dominate the outer side. This arrangement has been proven viable and satisfactory on my current layout "Badland". Basic concept is a folded dogbone design with stacked return blobs. The curvy length-extending ramp allows for an easy 2% grade. Each lap equals 18 m, i.e. 36 m on both lines combined. Without further controls, two trains could run simultaneously on the two separate laps. Block control would allow for more movements. Of course, track laying would require careful execution since I am not adhering to standard Maerklin C track geometry. The track list is only indicative, because if I went "live", I would defuse the R1 curves (benefitting from the C track slack), but for the feasibility study stage this is good enough. My ultimate motivation was to convert this to N or Z scale for a square coffee table layout with plexiglass-clad sides and cover. E.g., in N scale this should measure 110 x 110 cm only.

Edited by user 18 May 2015 20:48:37(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
0-2-2- extreme-artist.png
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#74 Posted : 18 May 2015 00:25:48(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Track list:

7 | 24064
6 | 24077
6 | 24094
11 | 24107
18 | 24115
31 | 24130
12 | 24172
33 | 24188
10 | 24206
8 | 24207
7 | 24215
1 | 24224
30 | 24230
12 | 24330
9 | 24430
3 | 24530
2 | 24611
2 | 24612
6 | 24671
9 | 24672
26 | 24912
5 | 24977
Alsterstreek attached the following image(s):
0-2-2- extrem-split.png
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#75 Posted : 28 June 2015 10:25:22(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Brain storming for new layout (to replace Thunder Mountain) for the younger generation and SWMBO. Yes, they showed indeed interest.

Givens:
Foam board-based.
Maximum space 200 x 200 cm (dictated by foam board size available at local DIY shop).
Access from three sides.
Minumum radius R2.
HO scale C-track.

Druthers ((“you druther”):
Triangular or heart shape layout.
Single track mainline.
Realistic operations – this means dogbone design.
Longest main line runs possible.
Green rural landscape.
"Uncramped" perspective(s).
Village area for free lance embellishment by younger generation.
Passing siding to accomodate Orient Express with short coaches and steam engine for SWMBO.
As many bridges as possible.
Tunnels minimized.

Here is the first approach on a rectangular 100 x 190 cm basis. Starting point was using an inverted return "loop" on the lowest level. This allows for a nice diagonal run, but is demanding to incorporate. Ramps look look more audacious than they are - actually only 3%. The double track curve with the switchovers at the beginning and end, respectively, is meant to server as passing siding: One train can be parked on the inner curve, while being passed on the outer curve. The station might be too urban, thus not meeting the "Druthers". Using turnouts on the ramp in the middle of the layout might pose an operational challenge.

However, I love the valley views and the innovative inverted return loop. I attach track plans.
inv.png
Note that I "overwrote" some of the uppermost altitude entries by the track planning program, because I reconsidered one clearance but did not have the track plan file any more to go back to the source.

:o)
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#76 Posted : 28 June 2015 11:43:21(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Here a variation of the same theme with a - in my view - more elegant station trackage. The longest track could hold a steamer with two long or three short four-axle coaches.
inv2.png
And for this one I still have a parts list:
Count | Description
------+-------------
1 | 24064
1 | 24077
1 | 24094
1 | 24115
16 | 24130
3 | 24172
8 | 24188
2 | 24206
2 | 24207
1 | 24215
2 | 24224
9 | 24230
8 | 24330
3 | 24430
2 | 24530
1 | 24611
5 | 24612
1 | 24671
1 | 24672
8 | 24912
4 | 24977
------+-------------
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#77 Posted : 28 June 2015 11:57:32(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
And here comes the favorite. Kind of triangular, L- or heart shape. Outer legs length 200 cm. Not cramped, wide panorama valley views, space for a village, an elegant station with sweeping tracks and station throats without S-curves which is not stealing the show from the mainline, a long run (20 m round trip)- with trains running somewhere and returning from that destination - always in view, following a pleasant course and everything (mainly turnouts and village area) in reach. The long ramp has an incline of 2%. As usual this a feasibility study, thus details are subject to change. Track plan:
uc2.png
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#78 Posted : 28 June 2015 11:59:06(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Ever since I started building L-shape layouts (Slumburg-Alltoofar, Badland...), I am amazed how much more they offer than plain rectangular shapes. Artist´s perception:
uc1.png
Parts list:
Count | Description
------+-------------
1 | 24064
5 | 24071
3 | 24077
1 | 24094
1 | 24115
19 | 24130
1 | 24172
2 | 24206
3 | 24215
9 | 24230
3 | 24330
7 | 24530
2 | 24612
2 | 24671
1 | 24711
2 | 24712
18 | 24912
1 | 24977
------+-------------
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#79 Posted : 29 July 2015 19:05:33(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
School holidays: Family demands layout replacement for Thunder Mountain which is designed for all the family, thus offering straightforward operation that lets everyone from kids to grandparents join in the fun (plus area for village, woods and wildlife). I am too lazy these days for a multi level solution and new benchwork but do not want to watch a circling train. Here is my idea on a 100 x 200 cm surface which - using styrofoam boards - could be quickly built without too much effort. Track plan:
PnP-1.png

Artist´s perception:
PnP-art.png

Operation: Trains originate from terminal, circle as much as desired, turn around via reverse loop, circle as much as desired, return to terminal eventually. Two trains can meet or pass at the long siding. Then, some shunting is possible, scale cars can be pushed around, etc.

Scenery:
At the same time, I could enjoy the pleasant view axis along the river valley. Before the backdrop of a steep cliff, the rear mainline is slightly elevated above the river. The R1 curve on the rear left side is hidden by an elevated station and a spa town above the river valley, which is served by wing trains and sees some freight traffic.

Track list:
Count | Description
------+-------------
8 | 24064
7 | 24071
7 | 24077
2 | 24094
3 | 24115
8 | 24130
6 | 24172
12 | 24188
1 | 24206
2 | 24207
3 | 24215
2 | 24224
4 | 24230
2 | 24330
1 | 24430
1 | 24530
3 | 24611
2 | 24612
2 | 24649
1 | 24672
2 | 24711
2 | 24712
3 | 24912
6 | 24977
------+-------------
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Offline Sparrow  
#80 Posted : 30 July 2015 00:31:39(UTC)
Sparrow

Spain   
Joined: 05/09/2011(UTC)
Posts: 219
Looks great for such a small layout!
As usual you seem able to squeeze all the juice from any given space.
Best regards.
Luis.
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Offline BrandonVA  
#81 Posted : 09 September 2015 22:48:38(UTC)
BrandonVA

United States   
Joined: 09/12/2011(UTC)
Posts: 2,533
Location: VA
Originally Posted by: Alsterstreek Go to Quoted Post
Ever since I started building L-shape layouts (Slumburg-Alltoofar, Badland...), I am amazed how much more they offer than plain rectangular shapes. Artist´s perception:
uc1.png
------+-------------


Ak,

I have been away a while and missed a bit. I like this one for compact D&RGW operations :)

-Brandon

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Offline Alsterstreek  
#82 Posted : 20 September 2015 00:14:24(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Imagine somebody with an interest in US railroading and owning some emblematic equipment, say a California Zephyr set and some other diverse classic locos and rolling stock that used to operate in the Rocky Mountains wants to build a rather simple single-level layout, maybe even modular, that offers the right scenic flavor - mountain backdrop, river valley, diamond crossings - and some running of longer trains that change direction, disappear in the distance (aka simple shadow station) or change direction, like an eastbound train becoming a westbound train and vice versa, simulating interchanges between different railroads and even a little bit of shunting. No space for the Feather River Canyon or Salt Lake City? Inspired by my layout designer idol John Armstrong, and encouraged by the results of my most recent layout construction, the Blue River RR, I dreamt up this 400 x 122 cm design with an "operating bay" in the middle - see screenshot.
PLC1col.png

At Pepper Lake City four large Railroads meet, the Rio Grande (D&RGW) from the south, Union Pacific (UP) from the east, the Southern Pacific from the north, and the Western Pacific (WP) from the west (through the Plume River Canyon). Here the California Zephyr (CZ) streamlined passenger train changes motive power between WP and D&RGW; the curved connection between the WP and SP crossing the Plume River serves as turning wye for the WP ABB F-units which have only one cab unit and therefore need to be turned around after handing over the eastbound CZ to the D&RGW and before picking up the next westbound CZ for the trip back to Oakland. Then, freight trains require crew changes and swap locos and cabooses. Thus, idle locos and cabooses populate sidings and spurs. Further, freight trains passing through spot freight cars at local industries.
PLC-fodder.png

The lean and mean shadow station in the rear has two tracks, the longer one can hold a long freight train like a F7 ABBA consist with 15 or 16 tin plate 50 ft freight cars plus caboose, and the shorter one can hold a passenger train consisting of a F7 ABBA lash-up with eight coaches.

C track list:

Count | Description
------+-------------
1 | 24077
1 | 24094
10 | 24172
22 | 24188
5 | 24206
4 | 24207
1 | 24215
1 | 24230
2 | 24330
1 | 24430
1 | 24530
1 | 24671
2 | 24672
------+-------------

Edited by user 21 September 2015 20:46:42(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

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Offline BrandonVA  
#83 Posted : 21 September 2015 20:51:08(UTC)
BrandonVA

United States   
Joined: 09/12/2011(UTC)
Posts: 2,533
Location: VA
Ak,

I have a strong suspicion that a post like this may be aimed in part at me ;)

This may be your best yet single level design. Or perhaps I am biased when someone says DRGW :) I really like the lack of strict parallel geometry, which lends it to be much more "believable" than a rigid oval maybe be. The yardwork in Pepper Lake City reminds me of Chicago's sea of switches. It will take a careful engineer for multi-train operations with all those crossing tracks.

Or perhaps this is a future project?

-Brandon
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#84 Posted : 21 September 2015 21:06:29(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Thank you, but suspicious you are?

;o)

Indeed this was my first shot, but I believe you deserve better. The trackage looks right, but plausible operation requires mental manipulation:

While initially being fierce competitors, the railroads cooperate in the Pepper Lake City area. As WP and SP lines on the one side and UP and D&RGW lines on the other side parallel each other for the first miles, the respective railroads agreed to share the single track lines, thus having the effect of separately running paired tracks. E.g., this was done on Cajon Pass by the AT&SF and UP and south of St. Paul by the Milwaukee & Burlington. This explains why a D&RGW train disappears on own trackage but returns on the UP line, and why a WP train disappears on the SP line, but returns along the Plume River on own trackage. While this could lead to simple oval or figure-8 traffic, the depot location and spurs stemming from old times together with the need for crew changes lead to complicated runs across diamonds and bridges.

:o)

Edited by user 22 September 2015 10:40:46(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

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Offline BrandonVA  
#85 Posted : 21 September 2015 21:17:44(UTC)
BrandonVA

United States   
Joined: 09/12/2011(UTC)
Posts: 2,533
Location: VA
Certainly I'm flattered. BigGrin I see this as a ploy to have me get some SP motive power now! And with this, when are you releasing your own track planning book?

-Brandon
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Offline BrandonVA  
#86 Posted : 23 September 2015 20:28:48(UTC)
BrandonVA

United States   
Joined: 09/12/2011(UTC)
Posts: 2,533
Location: VA
Connections, connections. D&RGW, WP, SP, ATSF, UP....all popular road names for Marklin. :)

UserPostedImage

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Offline Alsterstreek  
#87 Posted : 24 September 2015 12:05:03(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Well, it seems that you use a different scale, but the basic setup is identical.

;o)

Awesome map, giving a crystal clear overview. A printout will get a place of honor in my train room.


P.S.
Dunno why you renamed Pepper Lake City to Salt Lake City though.
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Offline BrandonVA  
#88 Posted : 24 September 2015 16:11:09(UTC)
BrandonVA

United States   
Joined: 09/12/2011(UTC)
Posts: 2,533
Location: VA
Originally Posted by: Alsterstreek Go to Quoted Post

P.S.
Dunno why you renamed Pepper Lake City to Salt Lake City though.


D&RGW, known for being fiercely independent, would surely respect this BigGrin

-Brandon
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#89 Posted : 27 September 2015 17:41:26(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
BrandonVA´s D&RGW map found a place of honor on the orange train room wall.
honor.jpg
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#90 Posted : 10 October 2015 18:27:46(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Inspired by deliberations in other threads, I made a quick sketch of a private shunting / switching heaven. The feasibility study is still "geometric" and serves for brainstorming only. The idea is to have a layout module based on one of the locally available thick 200 x 100 cm foam boards which could have a permanent or temporary connection to another MRR emporium. Cowling up trains and having tracks with double roles, as reverse loop, switching lead, temporary layover for breaking up or building trains should allow for versatility on limited space. The space is shared by a hump yard and loading tracks. Team tracks could be swapped for industrial spurs or even a port basin on the left hand side. Turnouts in front of classification tracks (below the hump) are designed in a way to have the identical retarder effect for cars rolling into either classification track. Probably track around the hump crests need to be broken down into quarter and half curve pieces (like 24107 and 24115) in order to form a perfect hump. Hump track length, incline and decline sections and grades are based on a similar Roco HO scale testbed described here: http://de.rec.modelle.ba...-h0-erste-testergebnisse

See screenshot.
hump1shunt.png

Other threads:
https://www.marklin-user...Layout-design#post498513
https://www.marklin-user...Layout-design#post498513
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#91 Posted : 08 November 2015 13:22:12(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
In case somebody is planning a not-so-large L-shape layout with a lot of operational potential. Here is a Trix C track project I found on the web.

Here is the initial draft.
Plan1-1.jpg

Finally, it evolved into a multi-deck design with a shadow station. The outer legs measure 230 x 230 cm
Plan1-53.jpg

http://cyberrailer.de/An...unftsplaene/Plan1-57.jpg
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#92 Posted : 08 January 2016 23:33:13(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
stfmmm22.png
http-/stummiforum.de/viewtopic.php?t=67301

stfmmm21.png
http-/www.abload.de/img/stummi_125x108_351vw
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#93 Posted : 11 January 2016 17:51:25(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
M track on 100 x 210 cm.
Source unknown.
rm-gleisplan3kgu78.jpg
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#94 Posted : 06 February 2016 17:59:56(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Something out of the ordinary: Neither oval nor circle visible here, but they could be added at each end of this great module.
tal0cc81.jpg
Photo source unknown.
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#95 Posted : 09 February 2016 13:57:53(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Here the evolution of a Swiss 100 x 200 cm bi-level layout with shadow station; the builder switched from M- to C-track during construction.
Gleisplan H0 1m x 2m M-2.png
Gleisplan H0 1m x 2m M.png
Doppelte_Acht_v5.jpg
http://www.modellbahnfor...gleisige-nebenbahn.2731/
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#96 Posted : 15 February 2016 00:07:00(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
An own brain child for a change. I got fascinated with a square layout shape, ideally a plexiglas-clad coffee table design which could sit in a "normal" environment to avoid isolation of the hobby from real life and/or allowing to pursue it under confined living conditions without "spoiling" the room. Therefore this feasibility study to determine minimum space requirements - here 160 x 160 cm - versus maximum mainline run potential - here ca. 12 m for a full dogbone round trip. The horseshoe ramp between the two levels has a 2.5% slope (height = 10 cm). Return blobs - to be camouflaged by landscape for completing the illusion of trains traveling between distant destinations - are stacked on top of each other to save space. R1 radius is tight, but that could be eased during further design refining.

Kaffee1H0.png
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Offline Alsterstreek  
#97 Posted : 26 February 2016 13:38:25(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Now, that is innovative!

A turntable-based fiddle yard ...
2010_02200007.jpg

...enriching the operational potential of a simple-oval layout.
2016-02-26_12-02-05.jpg

http://alte-modellbahnen...Anlage-oder-gar-nix.html
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Offline kiwiAlan  
#98 Posted : 26 February 2016 17:52:19(UTC)
kiwiAlan

United Kingdom   
Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC)
Posts: 8,067
Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
Originally Posted by: Alsterstreek Go to Quoted Post
Now, that is innovative!

A turntable-based fiddle yard ...
2010_02200007.jpg

...enriching the operational potential of a simple-oval layout.
2016-02-26_12-02-05.jpg

http://alte-modellbahnen...Anlage-oder-gar-nix.html


That is quite a common feature of layouts on the UK exhibition circuit, except the tracks are not normally curved as much.

I'll have to take a photo of the one I have for an ex-club two rail layout, and post it.

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Offline Alsterstreek  
#99 Posted : 28 February 2016 21:01:44(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Originally Posted by: Alsterstreek Go to Quoted Post
An own brain child for a change.

That is how the artist wanted it meant to be understood.
Kaffee2H0.png
A double-faced backdrop - employed on my current layout - is a great feature to create the feeling of distance.

Edited by user 29 February 2016 16:47:53(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

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Offline Alsterstreek  
#100 Posted : 28 February 2016 21:28:57(UTC)
Alsterstreek

Germany   
Joined: 16/11/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5,664
Location: Hybrid Home
Brainwashing, I mean brainstorming with, BrandonVA during the warming up phase for his new layout, I came up with this approach. Since he eventually made an U-turn to an U-shape, I allow myself to release this sketch to the interested general public.
1ab.png
For operating, the layout needs access from at least two sides (for maintenance from three). A double-faced central backdrop creates a diorama feeling and makes the mainline scenery appear longer than it actually is. The river serves as scenic divider visually separating the tracks on the different river banks. Meant for continuous running on a two track mainline with the odd station stops, meets and passes plus limited switching and shunting. Dimensions: ca. 190 x 250 cm, i.e. roughly the size of a large bed. The radius of curves around the castle rock - viewed from outside - is wider, while the radius of the curves in the bridge areas - viewed from inside - is tighter. All switches/turnouts/points are easy to reach. The station stubs could serve a small river port; ships sailing upstream pass under the taller bridge while the lower bridge next to the quay hinders them to continue their journey, leading to an exchange of goods between water and rail transport.
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