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

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

Well, I think I have the plan about as finalized as I can get on paper.  I did another full scale print and will be laying out on the benchwork soon.

Shaun Track plan

Just been playing with the plan a little bit more to get things more finalized for one more full scale print. Here’s a look:

Notable changes are:

• Moved both crossovers to the Elmwood side, and pushed them down the main little.  Felt the turnouts were a little too cluttered up under Dixie paper.
• With crossover moved, I pushed the North Elmwood siding right turnout more to the right side to extend the siding a few more inches.
• Added a curved turnout (it’s right above the intermodal yard) to the southern passing track on the left end.  I wanted to add this to a) extend this siding a little bit and b) added a nice visual element to the track with the curved turnout. I might move it closer to the tunnel some more to extend the siding a little more so the two mains aren’t so mirror-like.
• The yellow squares are markers for backdrop supports.
• Added an Amtrak butterfly platform near/under the Highway 603 overpass.
• Added a Walther’s yard office to the intermodal yard. The shed from the kit will go up by the Car shop.
• Added Walthers container crane to yard.
• Plan to have Highway 90 come down from the overpass on the right side.  A side street with intersect here for access to Dixie paper and the Amtrak platform. The road will then go up a hill for a 3-way intersection with the 603 overpass. It’ll then drop back down to grade to run off the layout. I’ll add a road to the carshop in there someplace soon.
• Extended the Marigny River left tunnel portal a little more outward into the layout to accommodate backdrop supports.
• Might remove the hill on the left side of Elmwood and keep highway 90 with an overpass again as the scene breaker.  Kinda thinking the tunnel might look out place.

Shaun Track plan