Track Plan
Here’s a look at the current working trackplan:
The initial plan was based on the Wisconsin Central layout in Model Railroader. I had to reduce the size to 11′x11′ to fit my space, then I adjust the mainline a bit to make the minimum radius 15″ and the max grade aobut 2.5% instead of 4%.
Originally, I had staging in the peninsula like the MRR plan, but I wanted to keep the construction of benchwork pretty simple since I’m aiming to build everything in sections. Instead of triple decking the peninsula, I decided to wrap the staging around the entire layout and basically create a “twice around” layout. One time being on staging, the 2nd time on the mainline.
I don’t have elevations yet but the staging starts at 0″ at the lower left to the upper right. Then a grade up to 2.5″ for the mainline. The main will drop back down to 0″ as it wraps around the peninsula.
I also removed the liftout bridge in place of a duck-under right now. I may revisit that later, but having a bridge with 5 tracks on two levels… would be interesting to do for sure.
Looks like a good plan. I like all the staging. Looking foward to watching your progress.
A really great plan. I remember that published plan from MR.
Question: What are the tracks at the top of the plan that cross the main? Is it a separate industry or is it supposed to be connected to the main?
Thanks for the compliments. That line at the top is a Metro commuter line. The station stop on the left side is the ‘end of the line’, the track to the ride is supposed to disappear behind the tree line or a cliff or something as the train runs to “elsewhere”.
I plan to look into automating the commuter train, but for the most part the tracks will be more visual than operating.