Andy Hewitt

Many thanks to all the help so far, it's got me well into this now.

Thanks to the chap that sent me the 6x4 two tier layout. I set up a mock
layout using that design (or as near to as I could get). However, I just
couldn't get enough traction on the 0-4-0 to pull more than two (small)
carriages up the incline - even after a small redesign to lengthen the
incline. It's this loco that was intended to make this run too, as a
small hillside route.

I have now abandoned the 6x4 layout, and have rebuilt it as a 6x6 with a
central access panel. I decided to invest in track layout software for
my Mac (RailModeller), and using that I have now managed to design a
rather busy plan, but one that I'm happy with. It gives me two main
lines, a passing loop, and a branch line on the outer part of the
circuit, and I have an inner circuit with a compact loop with sidings
off it. My plan is to make the outer lines as passenger routes with two
or three stations, and the inner circuit as either a rural line, or
perhaps a goods yard.

I'm currently making a switch panel, using two rows of switches - upper
for points, lower for track objects (such as lights). I have some LEDs
and I bought a set of two way momentary toggle switched from CPC.

Picture of it here (if anybody is interested):
http://www.thehewitts.eclipse.co.uk/railway/

I've yet to decide on the final details of where to put things like the
control panel, and the controllers. I intend to make this a fairly open
plan layout, with only a small amount of relief detail, but mainly an
open countryside kind of look. I also haven't worked out where to put
things like track breaks.

Anyway, it's been fun so far.

All the best.

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

Fred X

On Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:21:30 +0100, Andy Hewitt <wildrover.andy@googlemail.com> wrote:

> Many thanks to all the help so far, it's got me well into this now.
>
> Thanks to the chap that sent me the 6x4 two tier layout. I set up a mock
> layout using that design (or as near to as I could get). However, I just
> couldn't get enough traction on the 0-4-0 to pull more than two (small)
> carriages up the incline - even after a small redesign to lengthen the
> incline. It's this loco that was intended to make this run too, as a
> small hillside route.
>
> I have now abandoned the 6x4 layout, and have rebuilt it as a 6x6 with a
> central access panel. I decided to invest in track layout software for
> my Mac (RailModeller), and using that I have now managed to design a
> rather busy plan, but one that I'm happy with. It gives me two main
> lines, a passing loop, and a branch line on the outer part of the
> circuit, and I have an inner circuit with a compact loop with sidings
> off it. My plan is to make the outer lines as passenger routes with two
> or three stations, and the inner circuit as either a rural line, or
> perhaps a goods yard.
>
> I'm currently making a switch panel, using two rows of switches - upper
> for points, lower for track objects (such as lights). I have some LEDs
> and I bought a set of two way momentary toggle switched from CPC.
>
> Picture of it here (if anybody is interested):
> http://www.thehewitts.eclipse.co.uk/railway/
>
> I've yet to decide on the final details of where to put things like the
> control panel, and the controllers. I intend to make this a fairly open
> plan layout, with only a small amount of relief detail, but mainly an
> open countryside kind of look. I also haven't worked out where to put
> things like track breaks.
>
> Anyway, it's been fun so far.
>
> All the best.

The way you have set out the sidings on the inner loop seems a bit weird
with them both having a double kickback. It's not a very efficient use of
siding space and it also means that trains are going to have to do a lot
of back and forth movements to get out of them and it will restrict the
length of the trains you can fit in them. It might be better to do the
inner loop something like this. BTW don't lay your track like this!

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/7...ckplan1zl6.jpg

Fred X

Andy Hewitt

Fred X <alexserv@himki.net> wrote:

> The way you have set out the sidings on the inner loop seems a bit weird
> with them both having a double kickback. It's not a very efficient use of
> siding space and it also means that trains are going to have to do a lot
> of back and forth movements to get out of them and it will restrict the
> length of the trains you can fit in them. It might be better to do the
> inner loop something like this. BTW don't lay your track like this!
>
> http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/7...ckplan1zl6.jpg

Thanks Fred.

Luckily my track is stiff enough to avoid that kind of fixing ;-)

I've done some more fiddling in my software (worth the cost already),
and I couldn't get a layout to fit initially, always ending up with the
last piece not quite fitting (I really need to get some flexi-track I
suppose).

Anyway, after a little more thought, and fiddling, I came up with a
modified layout, with a full passenger area at one side, and a goods and
sidings area on the other. I've also made the two full passing loops
through the station, so this layout has a potential to run 6 trains at
once.

http://www.thehewitts.eclipse.co.uk/...6x6layout6.jpg

Many thanks.

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

manatbandq@hotmail.com

On Jul 30, 9:20 am, wildrover.a...@googlemail.com (Andy Hewitt) wrote:
> Fred X <alexs...@himki.net> wrote:
> > The way you have set out the sidings on the inner loop seems a bit weird
> > with them both having a double kickback. It's not a very efficient use of
> > siding space and it also means that trains are going to have to do a lot
> > of back and forth movements to get out of them and it will restrict the
> > length of the trains you can fit in them. It might be better to do the
> > inner loop something like this. BTW don't lay your track like this!
>
> >http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/7...ckplan1zl6.jpg
>
> Thanks Fred.
>
> Luckily my track is stiff enough to avoid that kind of fixing ;-)
>
> I've done some more fiddling in my software (worth the cost already),
> and I couldn't get a layout to fit initially, always ending up with the
> last piece not quite fitting (I really need to get some flexi-track I
> suppose).

Setrack curves are good for laying accurate small radius curves but
you are limited to what is available. Definitely consider flexitrack
for larger radiuses and straights.

MBQ

manatbandq@hotmail.com

On Jul 29, 10:05 pm, "Fred X" <alexs...@himki.net> wrote:
> On Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:21:30 +0100, Andy Hewitt <wildrover.a...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> > Many thanks to all the help so far, it's got me well into this now.
>
> > Thanks to the chap that sent me the 6x4 two tier layout. I set up a mock
> > layout using that design (or as near to as I could get). However, I just
> > couldn't get enough traction on the 0-4-0 to pull more than two (small)
> > carriages up the incline - even after a small redesign to lengthen the
> > incline. It's this loco that was intended to make this run too, as a
> > small hillside route.
>
> > I have now abandoned the 6x4 layout, and have rebuilt it as a 6x6 with a
> > central access panel. I decided to invest in track layout software for
> > my Mac (RailModeller), and using that I have now managed to design a
> > rather busy plan, but one that I'm happy with. It gives me two main
> > lines, a passing loop, and a branch line on the outer part of the
> > circuit, and I have an inner circuit with a compact loop with sidings
> > off it. My plan is to make the outer lines as passenger routes with two
> > or three stations, and the inner circuit as either a rural line, or
> > perhaps a goods yard.
>
> > I'm currently making a switch panel, using two rows of switches - upper
> > for points, lower for track objects (such as lights). I have some LEDs
> > and I bought a set of two way momentary toggle switched from CPC.
>
> > Picture of it here (if anybody is interested):
> >http://www.thehewitts.eclipse.co.uk/railway/
>
> > I've yet to decide on the final details of where to put things like the
> > control panel, and the controllers. I intend to make this a fairly open
> > plan layout, with only a small amount of relief detail, but mainly an
> > open countryside kind of look. I also haven't worked out where to put
> > things like track breaks.
>
> > Anyway, it's been fun so far.
>
> > All the best.
>
> The way you have set out the sidings on the inner loop seems a bit weird
> with them both having a double kickback. It's not a very efficient use of
> siding space and it also means that trains are going to have to do a lot
> of back and forth movements to get out of them and it will restrict the
> length of the trains you can fit in them. It might be better to do the
> inner loop something like this. BTW don't lay your track like this!
>
> http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/7...ckplan1zl6.jpg
>

I don't know. I've seen plenty of pictures of layouts in various web
forums that seem to win plaudits from other forum members where the
track work is very close to your sketch;-)

MBQ

Andy Hewitt

manatbandq@hotmail.com <manatbandq@hotmail.com> wrote:

> > Luckily my track is stiff enough to avoid that kind of fixing ;-)
> >
> > I've done some more fiddling in my software (worth the cost already),
> > and I couldn't get a layout to fit initially, always ending up with the
> > last piece not quite fitting (I really need to get some flexi-track I
> > suppose).
>
> Setrack curves are good for laying accurate small radius curves but
> you are limited to what is available. Definitely consider flexitrack
> for larger radiuses and straights.

Aye, I think I'll consider that for sure. I'm trying to work with what I
have available at the moment, which is working to a budget, and finding
bits at the right prices on eBay (I've done pretty well with some job
lots).

Anyway, I have got myself a reasonable setup for now, and I think I'll
see how it works for a while, and then perhaps I can start on fixing it
down and making scenery.

Cheers.

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

beamendsltd

In message <1i228ek.urk6bky364f8N%wildrover.andy@googlemail.c om>
wildrover.andy@googlemail.com (Andy Hewitt) wrote:

> manatbandq@hotmail.com <manatbandq@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > Luckily my track is stiff enough to avoid that kind of fixing ;-)
> > >
> > > I've done some more fiddling in my software (worth the cost already),
> > > and I couldn't get a layout to fit initially, always ending up with the
> > > last piece not quite fitting (I really need to get some flexi-track I
> > > suppose).
> >
> > Setrack curves are good for laying accurate small radius curves but
> > you are limited to what is available. Definitely consider flexitrack
> > for larger radiuses and straights.
>
> Aye, I think I'll consider that for sure. I'm trying to work with what I
> have available at the moment, which is working to a budget, and finding
> bits at the right prices on eBay (I've done pretty well with some job
> lots).
>
> Anyway, I have got myself a reasonable setup for now, and I think I'll
> see how it works for a while, and then perhaps I can start on fixing it
> down and making scenery.

That's a good idea - once you start playing you'll quite likely change
you mind about what works and what doesn't.

>
> Cheers.
>

Richard

--
www.beamends-lrspares.co.uk sales@beamends-lrspares.co.uk
I have become... comfortably numb

Andy Hewitt

beamendsltd <beamendsltd@btconnect.com> wrote:

> > Aye, I think I'll consider that for sure. I'm trying to work with what I
> > have available at the moment, which is working to a budget, and finding
> > bits at the right prices on eBay (I've done pretty well with some job
> > lots).
> >
> > Anyway, I have got myself a reasonable setup for now, and I think I'll
> > see how it works for a while, and then perhaps I can start on fixing it
> > down and making scenery.
>
> That's a good idea - once you start playing you'll quite likely change
> you mind about what works and what doesn't.

Yes indeed, I have managed to accumulate quite a lot of track off eBay
(rather too many R605 corners though), and have got a reasonably full
6x6 three track layout already. I'd just like a few more bits just to
tidy up the sidings a bit, and maybe replace some of the older style
points for new ones. Apart from that, I'm pretty happy with it so far.

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

Chris Brown

In article <1i224cq.jdqvvgvstf8kN%wildrover.andy@googlemail.c om>, Andy
Hewitt <wildrover.andy@googlemail.com> writes
>
>Anyway, after a little more thought, and fiddling, I came up with a
>modified layout, with a full passenger area at one side, and a goods and
>sidings area on the other. I've also made the two full passing loops
>through the station, so this layout has a potential to run 6 trains at
>once.
>
>http://www.thehewitts.eclipse.co.uk/...6x6layout6.jpg

Now that is very reminiscent of the display layouts seen operated by
Hornby O gauge collectors. Excellent for running trains, not so easy
perhaps to swap engines around.

That kick-back siding upper right doesn't look too useful.
Why not take it off the inner loop into about the same space?
Or *inside* the inner loop instead off the right hand side R600

Alternately, take the whole fan of sidings off the inside loop,
starting alongside the left-hand station?
Shunting there wouldn't foul your main-line so much.

Oooh, I want to fiddle with this...
But it's your layout!
Whatever you choose and are happy with is exactly right.

Best wishes.

--
Chris Brown

MartinS

wildrover.andy@googlemail.com (Andy Hewitt) wrote:

> Fred X <alexserv@himki.net> wrote:
>
>> The way you have set out the sidings on the inner loop seems a bit
>> weird with them both having a double kickback. It's not a very
>> efficient use of siding space and it also means that trains are going
>> to have to do a lot of back and forth movements to get out of them
>> and it will restrict the length of the trains you can fit in them. It
>> might be better to do the inner loop something like this. BTW don't
>> lay your track like this!
>>
>> http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/7...ckplan1zl6.jpg
>
> Thanks Fred.
>
> Luckily my track is stiff enough to avoid that kind of fixing ;-)
>
> I've done some more fiddling in my software (worth the cost already),
> and I couldn't get a layout to fit initially, always ending up with
> the last piece not quite fitting (I really need to get some
> flexi-track I suppose).
>
> Anyway, after a little more thought, and fiddling, I came up with a
> modified layout, with a full passenger area at one side, and a goods
> and sidings area on the other. I've also made the two full passing
> loops through the station, so this layout has a potential to run 6
> trains at once.
>
> http://www.thehewitts.eclipse.co.uk/...6x6layout6.jpg
>
> Many thanks.

Looks better. Now all the sidings except one are straight. You could run
3 trains continuously around the 3 loops. More would require more than
one operator and some dexterity - and of course DCC.

My 8' x 6' 00 layout has a double track loop with a passing track
through the station accessible from either loop, plus 5 through storage
sidings, one dead-end for my DMU, plus a turntable and loco shed. It
makes extensive use of curved points to maximise the straightaways. I
can run five-coach passenger trains.

--
Martin S.

Andy Hewitt

Chris Brown <chris@x-track.demon.co.uk> wrote:

> In article <1i224cq.jdqvvgvstf8kN%wildrover.andy@googlemail.c om>, Andy
> Hewitt <wildrover.andy@googlemail.com> writes
> >
> >Anyway, after a little more thought, and fiddling, I came up with a
> >modified layout, with a full passenger area at one side, and a goods and
> >sidings area on the other. I've also made the two full passing loops
> >through the station, so this layout has a potential to run 6 trains at
> >once.
> >
> >http://www.thehewitts.eclipse.co.uk/...6x6layout6.jpg
>
> Now that is very reminiscent of the display layouts seen operated by
> Hornby O gauge collectors. Excellent for running trains, not so easy
> perhaps to swap engines around.

My idea is to run multiple trains as a priority, so I can make a good
working display. The shunting part is pretty secondary in importance
really, and I wasn't trying to put a great deal of realism into this at
this time. However, I was also not intending to hide the shunting yard
away either, which I see is quite popular with some layouts, I think
it's just as interesting a part of the layout as the rest. It'll take me
a while to work out the power supplies, and rail breaks though.

> That kick-back siding upper right doesn't look too useful.
> Why not take it off the inner loop into about the same space?
> Or *inside* the inner loop instead off the right hand side R600

Well, I do want to put some scenery *somewhere* :-), but that is a good
idea. I still need to obtain some more track to complete this layout as
yet, but I'm 90% of the way there so far, and running on a reduced
layout.

I also plan to have a few graveyard bits around too, so an odd useless
bit of siding could actually be, erm, useful :-)

(I have a few old Tri-Ang coaches, and a 4-6-2 loco I got off eBay that
won't fit the track, but could be made into static items).

> Alternately, take the whole fan of sidings off the inside loop,
> starting alongside the left-hand station?
> Shunting there wouldn't foul your main-line so much.

Righto. Now, my mum has just been round, and suggest a small amount of
reorganising in the shed might offer me the chance to make a completely
seperate shunting yard off to the top left of the layout - this might
give me as much as a 4x2ft extension to make this a fat 'L' shape. But
it'd give me a much better 'fiddle' yard to work with.

> Oooh, I want to fiddle with this...
> But it's your layout!
> Whatever you choose and are happy with is exactly right.

Of course, although I'm glad of any suggestions to change bits that are
not going to work well.

> Best wishes.

And you, and thanks.

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

Andy Hewitt

MartinS <me@my.place> wrote:

> wildrover.andy@googlemail.com (Andy Hewitt) wrote:
>
> > Fred X <alexserv@himki.net> wrote:
> >
> >> The way you have set out the sidings on the inner loop seems a bit
> >> weird with them both having a double kickback. It's not a very
> >> efficient use of siding space and it also means that trains are going
> >> to have to do a lot of back and forth movements to get out of them
> >> and it will restrict the length of the trains you can fit in them. It
> >> might be better to do the inner loop something like this. BTW don't
> >> lay your track like this!
> >>
> >> http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/7...ckplan1zl6.jpg
> >
> > Thanks Fred.
> >
> > Luckily my track is stiff enough to avoid that kind of fixing ;-)
> >
> > I've done some more fiddling in my software (worth the cost already),
> > and I couldn't get a layout to fit initially, always ending up with
> > the last piece not quite fitting (I really need to get some
> > flexi-track I suppose).
> >
> > Anyway, after a little more thought, and fiddling, I came up with a
> > modified layout, with a full passenger area at one side, and a goods
> > and sidings area on the other. I've also made the two full passing
> > loops through the station, so this layout has a potential to run 6
> > trains at once.
> >
> > http://www.thehewitts.eclipse.co.uk/...6x6layout6.jpg
> >
> > Many thanks.
>
> Looks better. Now all the sidings except one are straight. You could run
> 3 trains continuously around the 3 loops. More would require more than
> one operator and some dexterity - and of course DCC.

Indeed, the three is find for now, and I now have three controllers too.

> My 8' x 6' 00 layout has a double track loop with a passing track
> through the station accessible from either loop, plus 5 through storage
> sidings, one dead-end for my DMU, plus a turntable and loco shed. It
> makes extensive use of curved points to maximise the straightaways. I
> can run five-coach passenger trains.

I have tried to incorporate a couple of curved points into mine, but I
only have some very old ones, and I'm having trouble intergrating them
into my layout, so I'm giving them a miss for now.

I am beginning to wonder if a turntable might be a good investment,
especially as I'm intending to concentrate on steam era stuff.

Cheers.

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

Fred X

On Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:43:01 +0100, Andy Hewitt <wildrover.andy@googlemail.com> wrote:

> MartinS <me@my.place> wrote:
>
>> wildrover.andy@googlemail.com (Andy Hewitt) wrote:
>>
>> > Fred X <alexserv@himki.net> wrote:
>> >
>> >> The way you have set out the sidings on the inner loop seems a bit
>> >> weird with them both having a double kickback. It's not a very
>> >> efficient use of siding space and it also means that trains are going
>> >> to have to do a lot of back and forth movements to get out of them
>> >> and it will restrict the length of the trains you can fit in them. It
>> >> might be better to do the inner loop something like this. BTW don't
>> >> lay your track like this!
>> >>
>> >> http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/7...ckplan1zl6.jpg
>> >
>> > Thanks Fred.
>> >
>> > Luckily my track is stiff enough to avoid that kind of fixing ;-)
>> >
>> > I've done some more fiddling in my software (worth the cost already),
>> > and I couldn't get a layout to fit initially, always ending up with
>> > the last piece not quite fitting (I really need to get some
>> > flexi-track I suppose).
>> >
>> > Anyway, after a little more thought, and fiddling, I came up with a
>> > modified layout, with a full passenger area at one side, and a goods
>> > and sidings area on the other. I've also made the two full passing
>> > loops through the station, so this layout has a potential to run 6
>> > trains at once.
>> >
>> > http://www.thehewitts.eclipse.co.uk/...6x6layout6.jpg
>> >
>> > Many thanks.
>>
>> Looks better. Now all the sidings except one are straight. You could run
>> 3 trains continuously around the 3 loops. More would require more than
>> one operator and some dexterity - and of course DCC.
>
> Indeed, the three is find for now, and I now have three controllers too.
>
>> My 8' x 6' 00 layout has a double track loop with a passing track
>> through the station accessible from either loop, plus 5 through storage
>> sidings, one dead-end for my DMU, plus a turntable and loco shed. It
>> makes extensive use of curved points to maximise the straightaways. I
>> can run five-coach passenger trains.
>
> I have tried to incorporate a couple of curved points into mine, but I
> only have some very old ones, and I'm having trouble intergrating them
> into my layout, so I'm giving them a miss for now.
>
> I am beginning to wonder if a turntable might be a good investment,
> especially as I'm intending to concentrate on steam era stuff.
>

I would avoid curved points if possible, particularily Setrack ones, as
they are more trouble than they are worth. But your layout plan does look
a lot better, although the sidings are now on a "facing" point which is
a bit of a no-no on the prototype and also means that trains can't back
into the siding as is the norm. That's what happens when you to listen to
these self proclaimed internet experts!

Fred X

Andy Hewitt

Fred X <alexserv@himki.net> wrote:

> > I have tried to incorporate a couple of curved points into mine, but I
> > only have some very old ones, and I'm having trouble intergrating them
> > into my layout, so I'm giving them a miss for now.
> >
> > I am beginning to wonder if a turntable might be a good investment,
> > especially as I'm intending to concentrate on steam era stuff.
> >
>
> I would avoid curved points if possible, particularily Setrack ones, as
> they are more trouble than they are worth. But your layout plan does look
> a lot better, although the sidings are now on a "facing" point which is
> a bit of a no-no on the prototype and also means that trains can't back
> into the siding as is the norm. That's what happens when you to listen to
> these self proclaimed internet experts!

OK, I've given up on the curved points anyway. As for the sidings, if
the trains are going clockwise, then the sidings are facing the right
way, surely!

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

Chris Brown

In article <1i239sh.18e3gow13yzhdN%wildrover.andy@googlemail. com>, Andy
Hewitt <wildrover.andy@googlemail.com> writes
>As for the sidings, if
>the trains are going clockwise, then the sidings are facing the right
>way, surely!

British practice is normally "left hand running"
(if there's a pair of tracks, a train from the driver's point of view
would almost always be on the left-hand one)
So with a double track main line, such as your dark and light blue
loops, the light blue line should be running counter-clockwise.

It's a different countries thing, again, and where France (LHR) meets
Germany (RHR) it gets complicated, with flyovers replacing crossovers
for speed in several places nowadays.
Oh, and Alsace and Lorraine still follow the German rule, a residual
effect of them being German from 1870-1919.
That may be too much information!

A turntable would take up quite a bit of space.
Provided you keep half your tender engines facing one way, and half the
other, a turntable needn't be a priority. To change a train's direction
uncouple the clockwise loco, and then back on an anticlockwise loco on
the other end. But you can't get away with that quite so easily with
two termini.

--
Chris Brown

Andy Hewitt

Chris Brown <chris@x-track.demon.co.uk> wrote:

> In article <1i239sh.18e3gow13yzhdN%wildrover.andy@googlemail. com>, Andy
> Hewitt <wildrover.andy@googlemail.com> writes
> >As for the sidings, if
> >the trains are going clockwise, then the sidings are facing the right
> >way, surely!
>
> British practice is normally "left hand running"
> (if there's a pair of tracks, a train from the driver's point of view
> would almost always be on the left-hand one)
> So with a double track main line, such as your dark and light blue
> loops, the light blue line should be running counter-clockwise.

Understood. I hadn't even considered that of course, so thanks for the
pointer.

Mind you, I have another problem now, in that I might be planning a
separate siding board, but it's in the wrong place for the direction of
travel, as it'd have to come off the main outer line.

> It's a different countries thing, again, and where France (LHR) meets
> Germany (RHR) it gets complicated, with flyovers replacing crossovers
> for speed in several places nowadays.
> Oh, and Alsace and Lorraine still follow the German rule, a residual
> effect of them being German from 1870-1919.
> That may be too much information!

Erm, yes :-)

> A turntable would take up quite a bit of space.
> Provided you keep half your tender engines facing one way, and half the
> other, a turntable needn't be a priority. To change a train's direction
> uncouple the clockwise loco, and then back on an anticlockwise loco on
> the other end. But you can't get away with that quite so easily with
> two termini.

Righto, so I need to buy at least four locos then? ;-)

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>