Layout Plan - First Draft

So after swearing that layout planning software was not for me, I found AnyRail. I found it pretty easy to work the learning curve, and have created a draft of a layout design. My layout will be 14'x11', multi-level, with a couple of peninsulas to walk around. The concrete walls of my basement area are depicted with the thicker black lines. My layout is a fictitious railroad called the Riverdale Subdivision. Primarily, we are hauling coal from our Ft. Young Facility to our as yet to be named City and power plant, as well as points beyond. There will be some general freight operations as well, but to a much lesser extent. I really enjoy having trains running around the layout, while I operate other areas.

My lower level will have a staging area, as well as two double track helics (22" radius on the outer track for each) I did not try to draw the double tracks on either helix, as it seemed rather difficult to see. I also used (for drawing purposes) a slightly inconsistent radius, so I could see each loop, and plan accordingly. The west helix goes from the 30" level of the lower level, to exit at 45.5" with a 2% grade. The east helix is a little taller, exiting at 48".

The upper level depicts the mainline in purple, passing sidings in orange, with the areas exiting/entering the helics in yellow. I imported my layout into TrainPlayer, and it seems to operate pretty well. Not sure if that would show me any major issues or not. The JPGs don't show it very well, but the areas of track overlap are elevated with 2% grades. I am concerned about my yard area. I am not sure if I have overdone the yard.

I have sent this to the experts on NScale.net for some input, so stay tuned for further updates!

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AnyRail to the rescue?

In my previous post, I mentioned that I had tried demos for some different track planning software packages. I really didn't like any of them. I am a financial guy who feels quite at home in spreadsheets and powerpoints. CAD is not really my thing. I had been using pencil and paper to design my layout, until I tried the demo for AnyRail. This program seems a little easier, and for the last few days, I have been playing around. What I have discovered is what I had on paper will likely not work. I am going to purchase the full version of AnyRail and play a little longer with a layout design.

STAY TUNED!

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Just Getting Started

Greetings, and Happy Holidays!

At this point, I have cleared my corner of the basement (which is shared with my 10 year old son, and his play area), and laid out some painters tape on the floor in the dimensions that I am wanting to use. I have actually been using my stools between the lines in order to get a feel for things. The layout will have two peninsulas, will be 14'x11', and will have two levels. The lower level will be approximately 30", and will be mostly for staging. The upper level will be the main layout area at about 45". The most ambitious part of my plan is to have the upper and lower levels connected with a Helix on each end of the layout. I really like watching trains run, as well as some operations, so I designed my layout plan so that I can have a train run continuously, while I perform various other operations on other areas of the layout. I have a couple of friends who will at times joins me, but mostly it will be me, with an occasional visit from my son (I hope!).




















This will actually be my third layout effort, but I am hoping that working in a smaller area (last time I took up most of the basement!) I will not bite off more than I can chew on my own. Of course now, I am sharing my unfinished basement with my 10 year old son, and his play area.

I have been in planning mode for a couple of months. My home office is quite a mess, with layout plans, notes, and magazines all over. I figured the extra pre-planning would payoff in the long run. I tried a couple of different layout planning program demos. I have discovered that I like pencil and paper, along with my N-scale track planning template. I have seen some incredible layouts prepared with the track planning software, but I do not envision mine to be one of them.

My goal is to start my bench work in the next week, so I will post more soon.

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