Layout design advice

Slawman

Slawman

Deckline
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Hello all,

I am re-designing my layout. I have around 4m x 4.5m of deck to play with. Track is LGB (because I
already have tons of that). I have attached an image of what I have so far, created in AnyRail.

Constraints and requirements; Reversing loop; Loco shed; Industrial theme.

Any and all critique most welcome.


Layout v2.0

Layout v2.0

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Sorry may be teaching Grany to suck eggs here. Not sure of you will be DCC or Analogue Control but the revercing loop will need special wiring or an LGB/Masoth Reverse Loop Module if DCC. Other than that appears to be a workable OK Plan, though perhaps a separate Shed with another point somewhere might be better to allow more sidings for your Industrial theme perhaps off the first point at the top after the reverse loop has gone downwards if you have any more points.
 
I'd be inclined to keep it simple at first and leave out the reversing loop and have a longer section of single track along the diagonal or perhaps another passing loop.

It depends on the kind of operations you are planning, but I have this view that in general reversing loops should come in pairs so you can reverse trains running in either direction.
 
Loops rather than sidings - but that's just a personal observation based on how I play trains.
 
Personally I like the idea of trains seeming to go somewhere and returning ready to go somewhere again though not an oval nor a circle! The problem with this is either a turn-table or a triangle junction is required to turn the locomotive. But then for someone who has never finished a layout I guess I shouldn't be inputting anything.

I do however enjoy reading others comments and replies.

Sarah Windield
 
Sarah Winfield said:
Personally I like the idea of trains seeming to go somewhere and returning ready to go somewhere again though not an oval nor a circle! The problem with this is either a turn-table or a triangle junction is required to turn the locomotive. But then for someone who has never finished a layout I guess I shouldn't be inputting anything.

I do however enjoy reading others comments and replies.

Sarah Windield
Click to expand...

Sarah, you could have an automatic shuttle so the train is automatically stopped at each end and then sent back, but not straight back. By careful placing of points at each end, the train can come in from one direction and then on the way back branch off in a different direction to return to the original starting point.
 
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Many thanks for the great ideas. I do want to be able to run in both directions so the double loop idea was a banger. I have also put in a long diagonal, perhaps a foundry or similar. I wish LGB did an R2 points set, I am struggling to incorporate the R3 into the R2 loops I am needing to accommodate my space limit...

Layout v2.1

Layout v2.1

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Move the points on your loop away from each other - on to the curve. Put the curved part of the point on the corner and then the R1 points will make no difference and your loop is longer.
 
I agree. You have a double S at each end of the passing loop. That can be troublesome for couplers.
Similar to what stockers is saying. The point's diverging track should be the last part of the curve with the straight part running on the outside. The two points will have to be swapped to the opposite end of the loop.

Also, consider pulling the storage sidings down giving them a little extra length. Perhaps shorten the center siding if that space was intended for scenery. Although then you will loose head shunt while another train can do the loop to loop circuit and it's good to have some straight before points when possible.
 
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I really appreciate your advice but am unclear on what you are saying. I am not familiar with trackspeak :) Does my drawing indicate the points your are referring to?
 
Slawman said:
Thanks Alan, do you mean these two points?

V2.1 edit

V2.1 edit

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Click to expand...
I think that Alan means use the actual points circled by you (switches) at the other end but on the curve that will make your track between them (loops) longer.

Hope I am ok answering your query Alan.

Still not seeing that Engine Shed location.
 
Yes - those that you have circled.
Like this
loops.jpg
 
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Slawman said:
I really appreciate your advice but am unclear on what you are saying. I am not familiar with trackspeak :) Does my drawing indicate the points your are referring to?
Click to expand...

Yeah, just swap each of them to the opposite end and incorporate them into the curve with the straight part on the outside.:whew:
 
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