12-05-2009, 07:47 AM
TW,
Some other (random) thoughts I hope are helpful...
How do you intend to operate the layout? Are you interested in having the empties in - loads out scheme for your coal trains, or will they just run through the scenery, with operations left to other trains? Will you be operating alone, or with a crew (or multiple crews)?
Is continuous run a "must have"? If yes, would you consider building across the opening (with a duckunder, gate, or liftout) from the 18x72 section to the 20x96 section? That would certainly help to keep the curves broad. How do you feel about point-to-point operations?
In terms of "expanding" the layout (or at least the feeling of distance), one thought is to have the yard in the other room where the town currently is. That way you will automatically get a feeling of distance from one operation to another. With the yard currently in the same room, the tail end of the train could possibly still be in the yard when the engine reaches the first industry.
Andrew
Some other (random) thoughts I hope are helpful...
How do you intend to operate the layout? Are you interested in having the empties in - loads out scheme for your coal trains, or will they just run through the scenery, with operations left to other trains? Will you be operating alone, or with a crew (or multiple crews)?
Is continuous run a "must have"? If yes, would you consider building across the opening (with a duckunder, gate, or liftout) from the 18x72 section to the 20x96 section? That would certainly help to keep the curves broad. How do you feel about point-to-point operations?
In terms of "expanding" the layout (or at least the feeling of distance), one thought is to have the yard in the other room where the town currently is. That way you will automatically get a feeling of distance from one operation to another. With the yard currently in the same room, the tail end of the train could possibly still be in the yard when the engine reaches the first industry.
Andrew