GEC's Layout Progress

[Green_Elite_Cab]

well, i've been tinkering with that SCARM program, and now, for the first time, i have a more accurate track plan. the only thing wrong with this plan is the crossovers, but they are different because i had to custom cut them (and obviously there are no parts for that!).

Sometimes though, i think i should have left the crossovers as they are in the diagram below, since the modified ones are more problematic. Its a good time to switch to numbered crossovers, i think! #4s appear to fit in place of the snap switches, so i'll have to see.



A 3D view, because its cool. if only i could put buildings into this!



Here is my Long term layout expansion plan. its not perfect, and i would have liked to get more out of it, but this is what i've got. It includes a double track mainline, two terminals (with 4-car MU/3-car Push-pull train capacity), and a more spacious yard with arrival and departure tracks so that trains that mainline electric freights (with GG1s, E33s, E40s, or E44s) can arrive, drop off the train, and diesel switchers can take over from there.

Unfortunately, i don't think i'll be able to add additional industries like i thought i would be able to, and so the large yard may be unnecessary in the end. In fact, the arrival and departure tracks seem doomed, as the curvature at the bottom left is below 18" radius, and so that will not be any good for my purposes. I'm already redesigning this, but you can see what i have in mind. The trackage on the bottom left also looks problematic, and i think all those snaky crossovers might harm train reliability, so i might redesign the whole area. I'm considering abandoning any sort of commuter train stations except for whatever i can fit next to the tracks. They take up to much space and need to much track to interconnect so that they can be properly routed when they reverse direction. Just as i measured out the trains for the interim plan above, i'll have to accurately measure the length of freight trains will all the industries that need to be switched so that no space is wasted or under-utilized.

the Thick black line is a view block of some kind. I had planned to fit an industry or two (like my American Hardware Supply and Protech Plastics from my old layout), but its seeming increasingly unlikely that will fit. "rerailer" sections represent commuter station tracks. a 4 car 85' MU train can barely fit.