Test Unitrack Yard

[Agatheron]

Well, my benchwork is up, as I mentioned in another thread, and I'm finally starting to glue down pink foam as my overall base. However, I couldn't resist before getting it all down and starting slapping some track together to see how it might look.

I have a very rough trackplan idea, but the fortunate thing is that Kato's Unitrack allows for some flexibility without having a concrete plan drawn up. So I decided to experiment. Here's my first pic of my first (and so far only) attempt:

This particular version uses 2 #6 turnouts, 7 #4's (4 Left, 3 right), and a double crossover. My first observation is that the arrival/departure track is too short. Given that the layout ends just below the picture, I don't have a lot of leeway there... but I could extend the A/D track around the curve... although in this present arrangement I'd have 3 parallel tracks. Given that I was planning on a single mainline and not double track, it may be overkill.

I could also flip the yard so that the classification tracks are on the outside, rather than the inside... Anyway, I wouldn't mind suggestions...

 

[MilesWestern]

I've seen a number of N scale layouts that just use unitrack in their final design, and frankly I think it's the best (and easiest) way to build a yard! :thumb:

 

[Triplex]

but I could extend the A/D track around the curve... although in this present arrangement I'd have 3 parallel tracks. Given that I was planning on a single mainline and not double track, it may be overkill.

Don't be afraid of extending a yard into a curve. Often, it's very useful in planning. Is your concern that the layout will look too track-heavy if the yard gets any bigger?

 

[Agatheron]

Actually, my concern is more that the mainline will look too track heavy, given that I think my original hope was to make this primarily a single-track-with-sidings style of layout. The curves of the track just in front of the camera will feed into both the staging yard, as well as be the point at which the branchline splits off from the main track.

However, everything is, of course, flexible.

 

[Triplex]

That is what you said the first time - but now it makes me remember. I sometimes had trouble fitting yards into track plans because the yard leads ran alongside the mainline and prevented the impression of single track.

If I could see the overall dimensions of the layout, I might be able to suggest something.

 

[Agatheron]

I'll try and get you a picture as soon as I have the rest of the foam glued down (hopefully tonight)...

 

[3railguy]

Awesome looking yard. I love Unitrack. The switches work flawlessly. Including the double crossover. Where would N scale be today if it weren't for Kato?