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DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
The model parameters that I kept in mind during the
layout design for the MKT St. Louis Subdivision are summarized below. These
parameters are what John Armstrong refers to as "Givens and Druthers."
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The layout employs Allen McClelland's "Good
Enough" philosophy. (this is primarily a reflection of my modeing skills!)
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The track plan is relatively simple, like the
prototype. I call this the "anti-spaghetti bowl" concept. Where possible
(and where available), I duplicated the prototype trackage,
emphasizing simple siding arrangements, a single main line, simple industry trackage (no switching puzzles), and no hidden track in the train room.
There is a short stretch of hidden staging yard approach track behind the
furnace.
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I wanted relatively long stretches of single track to
facilitate the through train running experience.
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Interchange and off-layout
staging was incorporated into the operating scheme to enhance the "beyond the basement" concept.
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Franklin Yard is a reasonably-sized classification yard with
a diesel servicing facility and shops area.
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The mainline is long enough to have at least four
passing sidings, in addition to the classification yard.
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The railroad passes through a scene only once (called
a "sincere" layout track plan by some).
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The layout is single deck, to facilitate
construction, maintenance, and operation. While multi-deck layouts can be
very impressive, a single deck track plan will provide us with plenty of
operating potential and sufficient mainline track to satisfy our railroad
operating objectives. |
Track:
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Main line and sidings: Microengineering Code 55
flextrack
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Staging yard: Atlas flextrack
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Main line turnouts: Microengineering Code 55 #6
turnouts
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Minimum radius:
- Visible mainline and passing sidings: 24"
- Non-visible mainline and passing sidings: 20"
- All other trackage: 18" (i.e. yards and industrial sidings)
- Track center spacing to be 1.25 to 1.5" (1.25" in yards or straight
track) |
CLICK HERE for an excellent set of on-line documents relating to model
railroad layout design (from the NMRA Layout Design Special Interest
Group) Minimum turnout number:
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Mainline/passing sidings/crossovers: #6
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Yards: #6
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Industrial trackage: #4 (seldom used)
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Micro Engineering Code 55 flextrack and turnouts
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Some Peco Code 55 turnouts |
Grades:
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Maximum: 1 percent (this particular segment of the MKT route had
some of the flattest track in the country: 88 feet of elevation change
over a distance of 187 miles) |
Train Length:
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Nominal train length: 11 feet (3 locomotives, 30 fifty-foot
cars and a caboose)
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Major passing sidings and staging tracks set at 11
feet (NOTE: A siding/staging track length of 11 feet has proved to be a
difficult criteria to achieve! My first design consisted of one passing
siding following another, so I eliminated one town (siding) to provide for
more single trackage. Although I hated to delete Rocheport, with its
beautiful scenery and the only tunnel on the entire MKT railroad, it had
to go! And I think that the layout is better because of it). |
Physical Dimensions:
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Walk-in and walkaround layout
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The nominal aisle width is 36", and I worked hard to
maintain this width. A support beam column requires a tight aisle for
about 6", but it hasn't proven to be a problem. Yet.
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No on-layout reach greater than 24"
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Layout benchwork height is 53".
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Benchwork depth ranges from 12" to 24" |
Sectional Construction:
Sectional benchwork was chosen because I wanted to
have the option to salvage at least the benchwork if a move was necessary.
The sections are built from 1 ft x 4 ft frames with 1/2 inch plywood tops.
There are several 2 ft by 4 ft sections, a couple of 1 ft by 8 ft sections,
and a few oddball corner/transition sections.
The benchwork sections are lag screwed to the wall
risers, leveled with the support arm, and bolted together. The resulting
benchwork is very strong!
Control
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Trains are operated using a computerized block
control system, incorporating Bruce Chubb's Computer/Model Railroad
Interface.
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Dispatching is accomplished through the use of a CRT
console, tied into the C/MRI. Train movement is
monitored automatically, and block control is handled by the computer.
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The cabs are cordless rotary knob throttles, made by
CVP. 
Rule One
is to relax and HAVE FUN! |
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