GEC's Layout Progress

[Green_Elite_Cab]

Thanks for the input guys!

I would go with your new 3 track plan I guess. To be truthful everybody I know (myself included) that tried to use parts of a previous layout in the new layout ended up trashing the new layout. I would either keep what you have and live with it until your life settles down and it looks like you have permanent space for your dream layout or trash the board and start over so you can make it what you want rather than make it use things you weren't that happy with to start with.

Well, I don't think I'd cry to much if I couldn't incorporate parts of this layout into a new one. I should point out that this isn't really plan to make a new layout, its more a plan to make the existing one more mobile, and to give it a little "breathing room" in terms of scenery and curve radius.

As for a future new layout, I probably wouldn't incorporate parts of this current layout into it, except maybe as a branch off of the new layout (not as a main part). More than likely they'll end up stored someplace (stacked to avoid taking up space).

The "curve" modules can be re-used for other projects, just so long as they are just curves with nothing "special" about them limiting their use.

I'll stick in my 2 pesos worth ....when I was with the local model railroad club , they had been running triple main line modules for several years . In time there was a lot of grumbling about boring sessions , trains essentially running in circles and limited opportunities for " real railroading " . I didn't say much because , at that time , I was just happy to be running trains and they were the only game in town . I hadn't even begun to finish by basement yet let alone build my own layout .

In time they decided to scrap the whole triple main line idea and went on to construct a permanent layout with a single main and lots of diversions . As has already been stated , it's your layout , and you can do whatever you like . Personally I like the "free-mo" idea with modules and a single main .

T

In my case, three tracks is operationally justified. In particular, the original inspiration for the "setting" of my layout is Perth Amboy, NJ. This area has NJ Transit's double tracked "North Jersey Coastline" and Conrail's Chemical Coast Secondary merging together to form a three track mainline.

Ultimately, all the operations take place on the "inside" oval of the layout anyway. While I could route a freight train over the outside oval, I'd still just be "running in circles" anyway. The only time a freight uses the "outside" oval trackage in operation is to make a run around move to get to the other end of the train. the "third" track would allow me to run my commuter trains around this freight train.

The extended "straight" sections, and wider radius curves will also give the trains a longer run.


My layout already does run in a circle, so having the extra "commuter" trackage will at least give me some increased traffic. If I want to be a pain in my own butt, I can stick to the "two-track" mainline, and have to route commuter trains "around" the freight as it switches, which could be interesting. The only problem there would be trying to juggle two trains at once.