A Request for Suggestions Concerning Mining/Logging Industry Turnout

[James in FL]

Overall the plan looks good.
No problems on the s curves Joe asks about, even better.
What I would maybe have a second look at, is the grade at the point end of the turnout at the bottom of the grade on the left side of the layout. I don't like that.
I would put at least 5-6 in of straight between the turnout and the beginning of the vertical grade and also add vertical easements at both ends.
From dead flat to 3% is going to be a big vertical kink if you have no easement to transition.

Just somethings you may/may not wish to consider.

Good luck and yes...keep posting progress pics.

[kdgrant6]

James, thanks.  I know what you mean.

I was concerned about that, too.  I wanted to get the full incline for the Woodland Scenics 3% set, but that takes 12 ft.  As a way to fit it in, I leveled off on the left hand side of the layout at 1" for the turn outs. 

I shimmed both sides of the 1" flat section and have run 4 different locomotives with different loads through them--both ways and then backed them through to make sure that the section would work.  Initially, there were some glitches--thus, the shims--but no more problems.  Still, if anything arises, I can adjust the incline to the section and away from it.

I appreciate your concern.  Thanks for replying.