GEC's Layout Progress

[Green_Elite_Cab]

Naturally, it's your layout, and considering how old you were when you started it, it's a very good one -- and it's your call what you do with it now that you've reached the point where you'd do much better with something started all new. On the other hand, one thing you're saying is that a 4 x 8 doesn't work well with GG1s. You're right!! On the other hand, a bunch of 2 x 4 or 2 x 8 modules hooked together don't work any better. If you want GG1s on a layout, a tweak here and there isn't going to get you there!

A 4 x 8 is, as you say, a tail chaser, and there are lots of compromises involved in it. On the other hand, you can in fact operate on it, just not the Tropicana Train or the Broadway. You really can't operate on modules.

You're right, there is no way I can fit this into any "real" NEC type setting (and I'm not even sure I have enough storage space on my shelves for all the Tropicana cars it would take to model that train reasonably! ).

One of the important things about splitting the layout though, is that i can create new curve sections to fit on the ends. bigger, longer curve sections. Instead of being stuck in 18"-22" radius curves, i can be looking at a minimum of 24" (and i could probably justify it larger than that).

Here is a visual diagram. the none-colored tracks are original. The orange track is the freight mainline (the existing inner oval), the brown track is the yard lead, Grey tracks are yard track extensions (possible once the curves are relocated to separate modules). Blue is the existing outer oval, and green is an additional track meant to compliment the blue track for commuter/passenger trains.

This "three" main track set up would also be compatible with other HO modular groups, should I decide to join them.

To the right is an "alternate" plan with a 4 track oval, in which the brown track connects with the existing "inner oval" maine, the orange track with the existing "outer oval" main, and the blue and green tracks woud be new. I considered this so that I can hook up my NEC modules to the curve sections as well (for testing).

Below the main drawing are all the tracks I'd be removing. These conveniently remove all problematic switches and catenary trouble.