Goetheweg is a great solution. When I visited KentKeith's line with Stockers and Muns we were running anti clockwise. Inevitably slightly quicker runners than myself cought up with me. I just backed intoJust a few ideas & key elements when you design your layout on the given space of ca. 3 x 5 m
Again - this is just to encourage you to think about some potential options.
- Provide 2 stations so that 2 trains (one clockwise/ one counterclockwise) don’t have to cross always on the same station
- Use R3 as minimum Radius of 1.200 mm
- Minimize the gradient: 300 mm clearance realized with a R3 circle of 3.700 mm circumference plus the straight sections will give you an approx. track length of 8.000mm for the gradient of 300mm/8.000mm = 0,037 = 3,7% (or 1:27 – like on the Selketalbahn…)
- The inner loop will have sufficient track length for the gradient. When you provide in B a similar station like A (with no gradient in the station) , you will interrupt the gradient of the outer loop – this reduces the effective track length and leads to a steeper grade (300mm / 5.800mm = 0,052 = 5,2% or 1:19) – this is a grade rather for a cog rail.
- To solve this issue you can re-apply the Harzbahn solution for the old Drängetal-Station or the Station "Goetheweg" : Provide a siding with no gradient where the uphill trans can push back (and “boil steam”), and let the main track keep the gradient constant. This makes train crossing a bit more complicated, but can bring more operational life to your layout.
- http://www.forum.gartenbahn-stammtisch.de/viewtopic.php?t=1603
- Dotted lines indicate a few sidings to be installed later, e.g. gravelworks / logging area etc.
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A siding Goetheweg Style let them pass then I carried on. Added so
Much more enjoyment to an already enjoyable running session.