Modified Scenic Ridge Layout version 18...

[pasayten]

Well, I have just recieved my Scenic Ridge kit, Kato Unitrak, and some Atlas diesel locos and frieght cars... I had previously modified the ridge layout to add an outside loop so I can easily run two trains... I had also expanded layout to 3 1/2 x 7ft and had 11in minimum radius turns...

Now in looking at the layout, I am strongly thinking of adding a reverse section to the inner loop... only need to add a couple more turnouts and small section of track... Will have to section the power to the inner loop track sections and understand I need a bunch of toggle switches... To keep it somewhat simple, I plan to just stop loco in small section and flip toggle switches and then continue... all my cars have plastic wheels... (so far)... so that section can be isolated. I am not using DCC for this first layout, but a 2 cab dc power setup (mrc tech 4 280)... It the train is going the other way against the switches... I will stop and back thru to reverse... Most likely will limit length of train and increase chances of derailments doing this...

Anyway, I am thinking this will add an additional layer of complexity and "fun" and give me a mechanism to reverse my trains...

I am a N scale newbie, but had an HO scale 40 years ago... and enjoy challenges...

Any thoughts, suggestions, or obvious pitfalls I may be running into?
Thanks much in advance!

Happy RR
pasayten

 

[nolatron]

Hey.... I really like the idea of the reversing loop too. I never thought about that.

I'll be running DCC and already have auto-reversing unit from Tony's Trains. Excellent idea! (just like the loop I'm using too, heh!)

I've never used traditional DC power, so I can't say if there's any power issues here, but with DCC this should be a piece of cake with the auto-reverser.

 

[umtrr-author]

On layouts on which I've had one reversing section, I've then become frustrated by the lack of ability to "re-reverse" or in other words send the train back in the opposite direction. I don't know if that will be a bother for you but it's something you might want to consider.

 

[nolatron]

with only a "one way" reverser, you can just backup through the reverse section like he said. Maybe not be "prototypical" or anything, but it works.

 

[jshack]

pasayten
nice work on the plan,anyway you could post track elevation? I would like to barrow
from "your plan" thanks much.
jshack

 

[pasayten]

jshack...

Sure, here is the "latest" revised layout... With an Inglenook Puzzle switchyard added thanks to a comment from disisme at the Layout Party Board forum...

I added the elevations at the approximate locations where I will start/end the Woodland Scenics riser kits... I bought an extra set of 3% risers as the Scenic Ridge kit only had 4%...

If you would like the XTrkCad file, I can always post that also... Even though all the elev points for each track piece shows up in XtrkCad on the screen, it does not show out in the printed version... Most likely an option I have not yet figured out how to turn on...

Happy RR!

pasayten

 

[jshack]

pasayten
Thank You for the quick reply,looks like a fun layout.
A little bit of everything I LIKE IT, Dont know if im ready for a reverse loop yet
looks like all the sidings can be backed into for pick up and delivery
and two trains can run.Hope you post pictures as your layout grows

thanks again
jshack

 

[kpoole]

Xtrkcad file

Pasayten, Any chance you could post the Xtrkcad file for that? I like it with the reversing loop, and the expanded size. I'd be fine with the original plan, minus the Inglenook, if you have it that way. I'm looking at connecting via the interchange to an existing door layout that I have, based on the Carolina Central.

Thanks!

 

[railroader9731]

really nice i like that layout. no to get it going and see some pics:mrgreen::thumb:

 

[pgandw]

jshack...

Sure, here is the "latest" revised layout... With an Inglenook Puzzle switchyard added thanks to a comment from disisme at the Layout Party Board forum...

I added the elevations at the approximate locations where I will start/end the Woodland Scenics riser kits... I bought an extra set of 3% risers as the Scenic Ridge kit only had 4%...

If you would like the XTrkCad file, I can always post that also... Even though all the elev points for each track piece shows up in XtrkCad on the screen, it does not show out in the printed version... Most likely an option I have not yet figured out how to turn on...

Happy RR!

pasayten

Just a couple of suggestions to improve operations. As its stands right now, there are no runaround tracks to assist with switching - the engine has to complete the continuous run to get to the back of the train. And an engine switching the yard has to block traffic on the outer loop.

First add a drill track or lead for the yard. Use a right hand turnout where the yard curves into the main, and add some track beyond the turnout sort of (not strictly) parallel to the main, extending to the left. Ideally, the length of the lead (from beginning of yard turnouts) should be equal to your longest yard track after the yard turnouts.

Second, you could add a crossover that ties the outer right hand curve into the first yard track, giving you a passing track on the outer loop. This passing track will also serve as your yard arrival and departure track.

You may have to place announced limits on the usage of track when playing the Inglenook switching game, but the rest of the time you will have a much more efficient and usable yard.

Again, it's a suggestion, not a command. But I feel the addition will make operations a little more interesting than just watching trains run around the 2 loops.

my thoughts, your choices

 

[platypus1217]

I can't wait to see pictures of the construction!

 

[GWoodle]

I'd be tempted to drop the Inglenook to make the whole layout a bit wider. That can be one way to reduce the 3% & 4% grades.

As drawn, you would have to back out of the Inglenook to go forward with a train. Needs an outlet to the mainline and at least a pocket for the switch crew. I'd put the Inglenook somewhere else as a interchange connection to the outside world or a car ferry float. You could switch it to end closer to the lake & river and make that a port area.

The area with the reverse section could be used for a passenger station. You have a lot of road & rail access there.

Not sure if the Blue Coal could be at a 1" mark with the track continuing upgrade to 2".

 

[tetters]

I'd like to take a stab at this.

I think this is sort of what Fred was describing to you. You can play around with the Inglenook while still running a train on the loop. It might need another t.o. somewhere, however I'm not too sure where to put it. Perhaps just above the first Inglenook t.o.?

I also moved your river over to the corner. I figure you could have the option of build a short wood trestle or a simple brick or concrete "tunnel" for the river to pass under. I also got kinda of creative and thought that your mountain is begging for a waterfall which is what the crude black lines are supposes to simulate.

I'm not saying this is what you should do. Just my 2 cents. :mrgreen:

 

[b28_82]

On layouts on which I've had one reversing section, I've then become frustrated by the lack of ability to "re-reverse" or in other words send the train back in the opposite direction. I don't know if that will be a bother for you but it's something you might want to consider.

I have an auto reverser from Tony's and it didn't really matter which set of isolated rail joints the loco passed over, the train still kept going the same direction. This is with DCC of course. I'm not exactly sure why an auto reverser wouldn't "re-reverse" as you put it. I've always thought that an auto-reversing section sensed a short at the isolated point and immediately swapped polarity. Maybe you could enlighten me.