http://www.flickr.com/photos/39963563@N05/3833654871/in/set-72157622076245310/
here is the plan for my layout, currently under construction.
Great plan Jeff
Jeff,
What are you plans for the open area of the railroad?
So, I seen that it is set up for 18" curves. Are you going to use that tight of radius? Are you also going to use #5 turnouts and a 4% grade? Seems kind of steep to me.
I would think you would want a run around track in the yards.
to answer the questions:
the open area in the center of the plan will probably be a town site. i have left the center free of benchwork so that i can pop up through the hole and work on the back portions.
yes, the grades work out to about 4% up one side and 3% up the other. the curves are 18" radius and the switches are number 5. all track is handlaid.
as built, i have made some modifications to the original plan. first of all, the plan is drawn using atlas software, but laying my own track allows me alot greater flexibility. for example, the first switch coming into the yard was moved back towards the main, and the curved side laid at 18" radius. this made the whole switch a curve and allowed the yard tracks to be lengthened. i was able to make a runaround track, and also i am adding a turntable at the far end of the yard. the radial tracks from the turntable will fit under the upper level industrial area.