Hello Justin,

I like plan number 2!

I vote for layout 2 also. It seems to offer more variety of operation, enabling you to not get bored from your operations, before you go for the inevitable 5-year major rebuild...

Luis

Hi Justin: #2 is top, definitely

Best Regards
John

That's a great idea!! I could have a very small layout on the bench next to the PC... It is like a game... Thanks for the site Gino..

Many thanks, Gino - really a great site (put it in my favorites, now!)

John

Kimmo:
Glad to hear it. I don't have one, but I have heard from others that they had some reliability problems. I was just passing on a caution. Perhaps it was with the early models or they were installed incorrectly. I had an occasion with a standard C-switch where I had a slight inflection in the subbase causing the switch to flex slightly causing it to hang up. I couldn't even see it, but when I loosened the screws on the adjacent tracks, one branch lifted about 1mm and the switch worked perfectly.

I've done a little revision work on the 2nd plan. I've added two reversing loops and changed up the shunting area. I'm going to stick with the 3way b/c i've always liked them.

I have added colors as well to make it easier to understand. There are 3 distinct levels and the lighter colors are hidden.

Also, the large green box in the middle is the Brawa container crane I bought earlier this year.

Justin:

Nice modifications. Getting a little more complex! (= more fun in operating)

Thanks for all the comments. Kimmo: your layout is a great inspiration and an excellent use of available space. Peter: I could have been in trouble if you hadn't caught that!

I hope you all like seeing track plans as much as I do. That's why I keep posting my revisions. I really like the double reversing loops, it will make operation more fun. Also went with the suggestion (from Kimmo) on making the lower rev. loop a double track line into the tunnel.

Also added a R3 curve half circle. It is the 3 blue curves on the lower right.

That lower section will need to be sloped downward, so I may turn it into a small station. Much smaller than the picture suggests. The town area (in red) will consist mainly of the container terminal and related loading areas and a few small industries, along with the usual homes and shops. I know this isn't very prototipical, but i like it anyway.

I looked into the shunting puzzles and may add it later with expansion. That is cool stuff. I also have allowed room to add storage sidings onto the lower reversing loop. The sawmill and rail maintenace expansion sets (#78010 & 78020) will be in soon, and then construction can begin!