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.

Shaun Track plan

Before working on the new layout, I did some updates to my layout room (aka, the garage).

Insulated the garage door and added a new 2nd floor seal.

Extended the T4 lights on the side walls from 2 fixtures long to 3 fixtures.  Also moved the switch to be closer to the door.

And then carpeted the garage floor.  Nothing fancy, though.  Just a 11′x16′ roll of basic, $0.50/sqft carpet laid out right on the concrete. Makes a world of a difference on the feet though and pretties up the room.

Labor day is coming up next week and I have the entire week off, so I’m planning to make that benchwork building time.  Hoping to have all of the benchwork built by the end of next week while I have some “alone” time from the wife and kid.

Shaun General

So recently has I’ve been working on the layout and running trains on it, I slowly began to come to the conclusion that the simple two track roundy-round layout just isn’t for me.  I want some staging for all trains I own. I want some passing sidings. I want a little better operations for when I get into that aspect.

So I decided before I get to much more into the scenery work, and while almost all the track is re-useable, to call it quits on the Elmwood & Marigny.

Here’s a basic look at the plan now. It’s based on the Wisconsin Central layout from Model Railroader.  Since all my trains are UP based, it’ll continue to follow a UP theme.

The layout will be built with a series of sectional pieces, with all aspects of the layout (roadbed, track, scenery base) built within the confines of its’ section. That way whenever the time comes for us to buy a home and move, the layout can moved in smaller pieces up to around 4′x4′ sections.  The total size is 11′x11′.

A lift out section will allow access into the inside of the layout.

Looking to use Spline roadbed this time around for the continuous grade around the layout.  Max grade is 2.5%.  The staging areas will be cookie cut plywood.

Average train length will be about 8.5′.  Sidings are 8-10′.

Shaun Track plan

Just tossing an idea around. Stay tuned!

Shaun General