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N Scale Entry 6River Valley
My track plan was developed using Atlas RiteTrack design software. I used the N-scale code 55 sectional track templates. Most of the design employs sectional track, with the odd section of flex track thrown in here and there to overcome specific alignment issues. My first step in developing the track plan was to use the templates to build a series of concentric circles within the designated space in order to see which track radius was most practical. I first tried a 30" radius curve, but determined that it was too large to provide realistic aisle clearances around the edges of the layout. (Unless you really want to have a layout that is essentially one large circle of track.) Ultimately it turned out that a 21.25" radius curve was the largest practical dimension the room's size allowed for. I selected that curve for the external loop, and then decided on 18.75" curves on the inner loop. The smallest radius, employed at the interchange track, is 12.5". Which is the standard radius in use on my existing N-scale layout! The two track loops are in reality one continuous length of track; the design is an over-under figure-8 that has been folded in on itself. There is a crossover located at point "A" on the plan that, when the points are properly aligned, allows continuous running around the lower loop only. Otherwise, with the points set straight ahead, the train makes two full turns around the layout for each single orbit of the track. Scenery consists of a river valley with a rail yard and an interchange track. There is an upper plateau that contains a small town with a depot, industries to switch, and a rudimentary engine service facility. There is hidden trackage in the area under the town, and two tunnels on the "northeastern" corner help disguise where the upper and lower segments of the loop diverge from each other. Setting the layout on the diagonal with respect to the perimeter of the room allows for a longer layout, but still permits direct access to the layout from three of the four sides. The additional space provided also allowed me to include a couple of new features that are not part of my current layout. Where the lower track passes under the upper section I have included a passing track that could be used as a hidden staging point for additional trains. There would be openings built into the fascia on the side of the bench work to allow the operator to access the track on the lower level. Access to the tunnel tracks is from the underside of the layout. On my existing layout I have only a simulated interchange track. With the extra space afforded to me on this layout I designed a working interchange track. The inter-connecting railroad line runs parallel to the river and passes off the layout at the back corner opposite the door. The staging tracks for that rail line are on a rollaway cart. The cart can be used for storage of additional rolling stock, tools, etc.; and can be pushed back into the corner of the room to allow for unimpeded access to the "northern" edge of the main layout. This layout represents regional railroading in the modern era. Most of the locomotives would be second-hand 4-axle GP units. Some painted in the colors of their new owner, some still bearing the fading paint of the railroads they were purchased from. On the interchange railroad switch engines could be routinely used as road units, as is the current practice on lines such as the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City (CRANDIC). |
