Aye! Easy fix DONE! Leave the right outer-loop crossover for access to the "reverse" but move the other "top-left" where it's much less congested overall. Upon playing with lighter rolling stock also discovered the "slip-switch problem" mentioned earlier -> while still controlled with 1 switch machine I reversed the opposing red/green wiring so all points agree given the direction traveled (lol meaning my simpleton "left/right" switch control no longer applies) In other words, the lighter stock pulls/pushes across slip-switch better but downside is -> one CANNOT stop/change direction mid-switch otherwise DERAIL for sure. In other other words, if crossing from the right then switch machine "left is right" (lol indeed "correct" assuming going "left") otherwise if approaching from the left then "right (machine) is left". SAVVY? Posts later - THANK ALL - more "ta'do"! (ie: affix directional note to self unlike the turntable where clockwise "top to right" IS "right"! BTW can anyone tell me WHY my identical AC motor Walthers locos go in different directions?)
Ok ok plz tell me didn't go OVERBOARD with "avail yard space"! Spent HOURS, originally had three(3) separate turntable crossings, adjusting the diff angles was outrageous! (ps edit: ahh see another potential fix: given the 2 turnouts bottom of the reverse loop -> have the inner-loop branch direct to table -> with the 2'nd then completing the loop? The angles wouldn't be so extreme . . ) (ps: .jpg updated / much simpler!)
Lots of yards and only one little run-around track that I see. If I haven't missed that I'd get one in that is long enough to run around a number of cars at once. If you want to just work trains in yards go for it but maybe also think about taking some of the tracks out so you would have industries to work. If you don't want any countryside scenery then the layout would represent the edge of a town with industries just off the main yard that has a turntable. Personally I don't get the little yard that has to be accessed via the turntable. Possibly put an industry or two in that area and access it differently. Your layout so be sure that it doesn't become ours, Sumner
Sumner, couldn't agree more my sentiment as well! Now that I have the basic idea down (ie: haven't made room, added the 4X8 'L" yet) I've only been minimally tacking the rails & roadbed together with easy-to-pull "pins" in order to rework the yards once decide on "industries" as well. lol As it is, I didn't cover the original plywood with ANYTHING at all duh soooo . . at some point, will prolly be pulling up & re-laying down the original (with changes) too. Want to eventually also change to the "touch toggle" system of control and, while at it, rewire many turnouts with lighter 26g (as I did with LED lighting). lol Hopefully I'll SURVIVE it 4-yr-old will probably graduating college before I'm done? CHEERS! (ps: have a superfluous amount of curves but hardly any straights left at all so perhaps "flex" is in order? Can one still buy track in brass?)
Is the 26g in reference to servos. Just looked them up....seem to be really expensive....wondering why you would move to them? Sumner
No, was referring to "wrapping wire". It's thin, small enough to temporarily slide under tracks rather than cutting board holes everywhere. For turnouts and LED's am using 24v DC which is direct connected, via an auto fuse box, to the house's deep-cycle solar batteries (old style "transformers" run the loco's only ) Berrett Hill Shop talks 'bout power supply issues here but don't think batts would be a problem.
Final approximation of layout as it currently is and am greatly looking forward to moving on to scenery details after new central panel wiring is set. Still waiting delivery of "Acme Control(s)" and, in the meantime, ordered more Atlas 2 cab/block selectors . . achm minus many screws? Have separate reverse loops for outer/inner tracks but they're regrettably only in one/the same direction only otherwise, after much "thought pondering", quite IMPOSSIBLE to do! (ps: am robbing, splitting in half, the Woodland Scenics roadbed off some of the original curves to complete bedding down the new yard on the left. Am thinking of natural coloring/painting the black felt underneath the ties and later adding gravel along the sides?)
The turntable also has connections to opposite polarity (direction) tracks. I'm not sure how the turntable is wired, or how it should be, but it warrants consideration.
Aye but, like most many turntables, it's an Atlas (lol an ACME beep beep?) as the tracks are currently NOT powering up at all so plan to "disassemble" once I find an allen that will fit that center screw. The way I see it it's the direction the tracks approach/exit from/to that dictates "what polarity" (but, then again, my Walther diesels travel in the same direction even after physically flipping 'em 'round?) Will report on findings . . Am currently evaluating & will also report on my multi-position ACME momentary controllers that finally arrived today! ie: do I universal power it via one of my common ground 8-block track selectors OR via the double-insulated reverse-loop instead?
DC locomotives will travel down the track in the same direction, whether they are pointing nose-first or tail-first. That's why tail-tail consists between diesels work, just like nose-tail, etc. If you reverse the power, then all locomotives will travel together in the opposite direction, relative to the track.
Moved the turntable/roundhouses out to far right, adding two more opposite-direction turnouts that lead to yet a third reverse loop (or "return" to top siding/roundhouse), thus having a lot more town scenery room in the middle after relocating all block/switch controls as well . . Dedicated entire new 4X8 to yards that are not "bedded" down (thin 28g wiring on top) as expect siding arrangement will change as new industry develops. (click opens new tab)
Another revision: original inner "Return/to reverse" loop (in middle) caused Walthers diesel derailments due to the inability to maintain an 18r so installed another 25d crossing and made it an "CW Outer Reverse Loop instead. Now both inner & outer lines have a total of 4 or 2 opposite direction reverse loops each! Also new: changed location of 2nd upper turnoff to table/roundhouse (from slip-switch) now off loop instead of siding) Note to self: order another pulse controller for cab2 as high/low-speed performance is greatly improved! I think diff is can put more Tyco volts to the wheels but the controller more evenly "pulses" it out better?
. . . and FINALLY figured out WHY Atlas table rails have zero power as all, as install directions do s t r e s s, must be perfectly FLAT with no warps at all. Drilled extra mounting holes in strategic, non-standard locations . .
BigJake I took your suggestion and did a modified "single, straight line of successive . . switches" to maximize 8 siding spaces, increasing by 2. First turnout leads to 2 pair "inline" (4) then two more for a total of 7 switches arraigned as compact as possible (1 to 2 to 4). And the way it plays out can access any lane with only 3 switch controllers as am using 24v DC so combined switching not a problem . . Of course entire yard layout will change when start adding industries thus didn't "bed-down" track and left individual track power leads "on top" as well as combined switch grounds (used very thin 30g wire) making all easy to "reroute". (ps: also added a CW "reverse loop" in addition to the 2 CCW)
