Full Version: ACTRR is being dismantled and re-constructed
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I know the ACTRR is very very near completion but I have made a large error in the construction.
We have a lot of people stop to look at it and it is a great layout BUT , there is confined space for operators and visitors.
I am also thinking of double main line and the use of Kato Uni-track.
If I proceed with this I will rescue all the structures and try to re-use what I am able to. The layout was designed for switching and that never happens so new layout will have minimal switching and bi-directional mains. My helix works perfect but will go as well (it is a space monster).
Right now I am in the thinking stage and working on a plan of some sort.
It is tough to give back real estate but it has become an issue having the shop and friends over.
Mike
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Eek Eek Eek Eek
Well Yes but are we ever happy?
I have started working up some plans with AnyRail.
Mike
Sometimes I think we build layouts just so we can destroy them!
Shoot 35 790_smiley_picking_a_fight Icon_lol
I hear you Ty , it must be the Gomez Addams in us!

Mike
Oh Man...!!..What a shame..... :cry: :cry:
Yours is a layout that I've "used" as a "prototype" to follow.....

I'm sure your next one will be even better....so that's a nice thought...

Will look forward to seeing your progress...And good luck..!!! Thumbsup
Thanks Gus , It will likely be simpler and generally flat. Here is a rough begining plan.
[Image: newactrr.jpg]

Mike
Newest version.
Comments ?
[Image: act2.jpg]
Thanks , Mike
No comment.....
Looks like its gonna be cool. can't wait to see the results.
Thanks 88 , I'll try to keep a good log.
Mike
Mike, it depends on what you are going after.

Continuous running.... YES
Lots of yard space..... YES
Lots of room for scenic effects.... YES

Lots of variety operating.... NO

If youy are going for a continuous running highly detailed layout, this has potential.
If you want operations this has not much potential.

It is personal taste.
I'd suggest forming the layout's benchwork just a bit closer to the track. If those grid blocks are 1 foot square, you've got about a 3 foot reach in some places. It might make it easier on you if you reduced that reach especially if a car derails in one of the corners. But if those blocks are only 6 inches...forgetaboutit.

How would you add scenery to the area between the two yards? If you add anything over a two story building, that would make trying to uncouple cars in the yard a tough reach for such a precise Nscale movement...but if you combine both yards into one giant yard, you could bring the whole yard closer to the front edge of the benchwork (making it easier to reach and work with) plus gain space behind the yard area for either a spur to somewhere or added scenery possibilities. If I understand correctly, and judging by the RR's name, I'm guessing you're going with a high desert theme? So you could add some great mesas or mountains along the back behind the mega-yard where a single mainline track could be elevated high above the yard area. And as always...these are just my crazy ideas for your consideration.

One of these days I'm going to get an overnight around your city and stop by the shop to say hello. Will this new layout be located at your shop?
Will_Annand Wrote:Mike, it depends on what you are going after.

Continuous running.... YES
Lots of yard space..... YES
Lots of room for scenic effects.... YES

Lots of variety operating.... NO

If youy are going for a continuous running highly detailed layout, this has potential.
If you want operations this has not much potential.

It is personal taste.
Will , You have observed exactly what I was trying to accomplish .
Thanks Will , Mike
Herc Driver Wrote:I'd suggest forming the layout's benchwork just a bit closer to the track. If those grid blocks are 1 foot square, you've got about a 3 foot reach in some places. It might make it easier on you if you reduced that reach especially if a car derails in one of the corners. But if those blocks are only 6 inches...forgetaboutit.

How would you add scenery to the area between the two yards? If you add anything over a two story building, that would make trying to uncouple cars in the yard a tough reach for such a precise Nscale movement...but if you combine both yards into one giant yard, you could bring the whole yard closer to the front edge of the benchwork (making it easier to reach and work with) plus gain space behind the yard area for either a spur to somewhere or added scenery possibilities. If I understand correctly, and judging by the RR's name, I'm guessing you're going with a high desert theme? So you could add some great mesas or mountains along the back behind the mega-yard where a single mainline track could be elevated high above the yard area. And as always...these are just my crazy ideas for your consideration.

One of these days I'm going to get an overnight around your city and stop by the shop to say hello. Will this new layout be located at your shop?
Herc , The distances are actually the same as the old layout and no problems with reach. The lake actually slides back to reach that corner and it already exists.
Herc , I do not think your ideas are crazy at all , but what you are calling a yard in the back is actually a passing siding on each main. They may be elevated a little and the plan was to just put some LARGE industry flats behind them ( like a large grain elevator and I was already working on a medium size chile packing plant flat).
The upper right corner will be very much like what is on the current layout , a mesa with a cut so only the tops of the cars are seen rounding the turn.
The lower left will be a mountain with an open back and the section that is off the paper will go into the wall and there will be a viewing tunnel on the outside of the room along with access.
The yard is purposely set back because on the current layout , I constantly had people talking and knocking stuff over with their elbows. It also keeps grandkids and kids in general from getting too close when they grab the front of they layout to look. The front edge will likely be a street and in some places river.
Herc , we would love to meet ya . the shop is our home and the layout is here and we welcome people here as long as we know you are coming.
Thanks for the most exellent feedback.
PS , yes 1 foot squares.
Thanks , Mike
I figured I was giving too many "ideas" to someone who clearly has a great plan in mind. Misngth The "big picture" sure sounds great. Cheers I'll sit back and wait for the production pictures to be uploaded. Popcornbeer
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