My track plans, feed back welcomed

Marrowleaf

Marrowleaf

Registered
Hi All,

This will be my first "permanent" G Scale layout and due to limited space will be relatively small, certainly compared with some of the fine examples to be found on this forum.  My available space is 5400mm (18` ish) x 1350mm (4` 5").  Messing around with Scarm I found you can fit a lot of track in that space but wanted a less cluttered feel.  I also wanted a loop to run a train while shunting in the "middle".

So these are the three I Like the most, I`d appreciate any feed back and if I`ve made any glaring errors.  I appreciate that the loop will be R1 curves and therefore limit me to short wheel base locos and rolling stock and I am (for now at least) happy with this.

The simple plan with inglenook:
LGB Garage Simple.jpg

Looking at this I figured I could use a passing loop:
LGB Garage Simple w Passing Loop.jpg

And finally I figured I had space to maybe make the continuous loop a little more interesting to watch trains run on, possibly with an elevation change (albeit slight) as well:
LGB Garage Simple w Passing Loop extnd.jpg

Thanks for looking,
Phil
 
Personally I'd favour either plan with a passing loop - it provides more operating potential.

Rik
PS - I'd also increase the length of the headshunt - to make life easier
 
I agree with Rik, the more versatility the better. I'd probably make siding one (top), parallel to siding two.
 
I´m for a slight elevation of the back curve to add visual interest - but good luck whatever you do ;D
 
Thanks,

Increased head shunt would improve things during those more relaxed sessions, although the inglenook shunting puzzle is designed with specific lengths in mind, however I can always park a couple of box cars in it to shorten it again.

bobg, parallel sidings does make for better symmetry and free up some baseboard for other purposes, however my experience with other scales is that the curve can hinder coupling and uncoupling during operations, is that not so much of a problem in G? Stock LGB couplers will be used.

Thanks,
Phil
 
Marrowleaf said:
bobg, parallel sidings does make for better symmetry and free up some baseboard for other purposes, however my experience with other scales is that the curve can hinder coupling and uncoupling during operations, is that not so much of a problem in G? Stock LGB couplers will be used.
Click to expand...

It can be a problem still, as with all these things the tightness of the curve also has an effect. It never easy to couple or uncouple on a curve.
 
I reckon the third version looks really good, Phil - the gentle curves along the rear of the layout will, as you say, add a lot more visual interest while the "yard" area is extensive enough to allow some enjoyable shunting.
It's a shame you don't have just that little extra bit of width to let you fit in R2 curves rather than R1, but that's not a huge problem if you stick to shorter locos and stock as you've already identified. Larger stock will still handle the R1 curves, of course, but just look a little odd when doing so.

A great plan - wish I had a suitable area to do something similar indoors, but until I can retire and convert my business workshop into a railway room.....! ;)

Jon.
 
I'd go for #3 if shunting is your thing, and make use of planting and scenery to break things up visually and make it appear less train-set like.
 
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