08-12-2009, 05:34 AM
Josh,
A bit of feedback for your consideration.
First about operating - in a couple of areas, you have places to reach in excess of 3 feet (close to 4' behind mill #1 & #2). While it is obviously possible to use switch machines for the turnouts, derailments may still require the "0-5-0" switcher to get in there. This is a function though of having continuous running, and given all the trackwork and structures, I am not sure that you could work in an access hatch either.
I am wondering what the continuous running loop adds to the plan, other than the ability to orbit the complex? The reverse loops enable you to turn the engine, although that is not really necessary in such a (relatively) small place. And from the way you've drawn it, I don't think that any of the track will be hidden. I guess for me, the layout lacks a representation of the connection to the rest of the world - there's no track I see as the "main line" that gets everything to (or from) the world beyond the mill. Where do the loaded coil cars or flats with steel slabs leave the mill?
My last comment is more about the aesthetics of the proposed plan. With the exception of Mill #3 and nearby buildings (which are at 45*) all other buildings are parallel or at 90* to the edge of the layout. The edges are also perfectly straight. Varying the angles of the buildings, and/or having a more flowing edge may make things look more "natural", if you know what I mean. Also, by changing the angles of the buildings, you may straighten some of the track and avoid tighter radii.
My $0.02 - take it or leave it as you see fit!
Hope it helps.
Andrew
A bit of feedback for your consideration.
First about operating - in a couple of areas, you have places to reach in excess of 3 feet (close to 4' behind mill #1 & #2). While it is obviously possible to use switch machines for the turnouts, derailments may still require the "0-5-0" switcher to get in there. This is a function though of having continuous running, and given all the trackwork and structures, I am not sure that you could work in an access hatch either.
I am wondering what the continuous running loop adds to the plan, other than the ability to orbit the complex? The reverse loops enable you to turn the engine, although that is not really necessary in such a (relatively) small place. And from the way you've drawn it, I don't think that any of the track will be hidden. I guess for me, the layout lacks a representation of the connection to the rest of the world - there's no track I see as the "main line" that gets everything to (or from) the world beyond the mill. Where do the loaded coil cars or flats with steel slabs leave the mill?
My last comment is more about the aesthetics of the proposed plan. With the exception of Mill #3 and nearby buildings (which are at 45*) all other buildings are parallel or at 90* to the edge of the layout. The edges are also perfectly straight. Varying the angles of the buildings, and/or having a more flowing edge may make things look more "natural", if you know what I mean. Also, by changing the angles of the buildings, you may straighten some of the track and avoid tighter radii.
My $0.02 - take it or leave it as you see fit!
Hope it helps. Andrew