In this episode, our host takes up the challenge of selecting the ideal design for his unique, custom-built layout space. Follow along, as Gerry walks and talks you through his process for auditing the wide assortment of plans he created using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Back on Track: Evaluating track plans, Episode 3
By Jenny Freeland | March 18, 2021
| Last updated on April 21, 2021
On track plan 8, you could have used an offset helix. I also have a 34 inch ruling radius and I put an offset helix at the entrance to my train room. It makes for a spectacular mountain scene.
Kind of wish I had seen these videos and used the track planning 9 years ago when I started.
Now I’m glad I stuck with single level. Had one window in the room but not that great of view, ended up with a window AC in that window for summers. Ran my track along all the walls but below the level of the window.
Thanks Gerry, that’s a lot of work on the drawing board. I enjoyed it.
Donald — the lowest benchwork (the lower return loop) is 34″ off the floor. The helix track radius is also 34″, coincidentally. The grade in the helix is 1.477%. The distance from railhead to railhead in the helix is 3 5/32″, but you need to subtract the 1/2″ of plywood from that to get the actual clearance for the train.
Is the benchwork 34 inch or the track 34 inch radius? What is the lift per revolution?
David — I don’t know that there’s a definitive answer for packing up train stuff. One tip I have is to hang on to all your plastic grocery bags, Target-like bags, etc. and use those to pack your structures, tying off the top. That way, when details fall off structures, you’ll know what building they came from, and you won’t lose them. As for me, that’s what I did, and then all of those bags went into something like 10 moving boxes, no bubble wrap or any other padding. Lots of details fell off moving from the house to a car to a storage unit to a truck to the attic and to the train room, but nothing broke beyond repair. Best of luck with your move!
It’s been very interesting to see the process of dismantling your old layout and development of the new track plan. How were your rolling stock, buildings, signals, etc. packed for safe storage during the move? My wife and I are looking to down-size, and although there’s no layout, I do have a fair number of detailed locomotives and rolling stock. The original boxes are long gone and probably wouldn’t work anyway because of added details. The only reference to packing model railroad equipment I can remember at all is a passing comment by Cody Grivno on having problems with bubble wrap–something about issues with the model paint, I think. Any suggestions would be appreciated, and my apologies if I missed any comments you may have had regarding the topic. Thank you.
Look forward to seeing the results. I just finished constructing benchwork, and laying mainline on my own layout. Even after drawing numerous plans, some times things just don’t quite fit when you see it full size. Amazing how much progress has been made on my layout during COVID. Can’t go any where or do anything else. Layout has provided many hours of safe enjoyment and sanity during these trying times. It’s great to finally see trains running as the plans become reality.
Thanks for comments! Sandy: layout building is well underway, as you’ll see in future episodes. I like your idea, but running the mainline down the wall behind the workbench would block the window with the great view. Plus, since benchwork in that area is already built, there isn’t as much room overall as you’d think (or I’d think). It’s surprising how much room 1:1 benchwork eats up! The layout decks would have to be pretty narrow to accommodate an aisle down the middle, and that’s the area I’ve designated as both my classification yard (lower deck) and staging yard (upper deck) — both of which are fairly wide. But I appreciate your suggestion! Stay tuned as stuff gets built!
Gerry,
I’m not sure if you have started building yet, but have you considered placing the helix and return loops in the corner by the door where the chair sits. It seems that you could place them there and extend the mainline peninsula down behind your workbench and then dogbone back up toward your couch area. This would still leave an aisle around the outside of 3/4 of the room, and a rather healthy width to the center aisle. It would give a longer mainline by utilizing the area in that corner. You would need to be able to dive under the helix for access. All in all I like your approach to design and experimenting with different configurations.
I’m loving this methodical exposition of your thought process. As it happens, I’m also currently designing a small 2 by 12 switching layout using 3rd Planit. I’m already up to plan 14!