Enough theory. At some point I have got to build some real track. Questions, questions.
Here's a rough preliminary sketch of my idea for a free-mo module -- "Susquehanna Junction", can be used as a corner, straight, or both:
This was sketched with general-purpose drawing tools; I gather I'll do better using a dedicated track layout CAD application. No easements are yet shown. Track 4 is drawn straight; only optical illusion makes it appear to bend away from the double main.
The benchwork fits inside a 63" (5-1/4') square. Tracks 1, 2, and 3 are all through mainline. The radius on 1 and 2 is 48"; all other curves are radius 24" -- if your equipment can't negotiate, you don't need to go down those tracks, eh? All track is level, no grades. No track is closer to the benchwork edge than 4"; the mains are all 12" from an edge.
Track 4 might be modelled as a passenger terminal except that pax cars are just the sort that might have trouble getting around the tight curves -- and long trains will foul the main. Perhaps it will be better as an industrial siding. I see Track 5 as a heavy industrial spur -- literally on the wrong side of the tracks from town inside the corner. Track 6 might be fairly dilapidated, even abandoned. The area to the side of Track 3 might be agricultural.
I like a road leading out of town to the farms, at the bottom, crossing Track 6 and the double main. Another road connecting the heavy industry to town seems wise. That gives me opportunity for two grade crossings, with attendant annoyance to town drivers.
I don't think I have enough patience or skill to hand lay track. So, I'm thinking flextrack and bought turnouts.
Questions, questions:
* Who likes which manufacturers of track and turnouts? This will be all code 83.
* How should I handle the easements? Free-mo standards mandate 2" spacing of the double mains at module end but around the big curve, that needs to go up to about 2-1/2".
* This is a pretty big module. Does it make sense either to (a) shrink it a little for better portability or (b) enlarge it a bit for better operations?
* Should I account for the optical illusion when planning Track 4? That is, should I build it with a slight curve throughout its length? I don't want to foul the inside main any more than I must; as it is, the siding will only accommodate a few cars.
* Recall that free-mo has no "front" or preferred viewing angle. Still, the probability seems high that at least at times, the junction will be used simply as a corner and shoved into a room corner. Therefore, the town area will be towards the viewer. Does this work for me or against me?
When operating this module by myself, I won't have much ability to do anything at all as it stands. This is actually my plan for my *second* module, the first being a long, straight double main with a couple of crossovers. (Maybe in two sections). That will allow me to run a train, say, from Track 5 onto the "first" module, change mains at a crossover, and back on Track 1 or Track 4, perhaps setting out a car on Track 6.
* Would I be totally insane to consider a curved crossover between Tracks 1 and 2?
As always, general comments of any nature are not only welcomed but practically demanded.
Here's a rough preliminary sketch of my idea for a free-mo module -- "Susquehanna Junction", can be used as a corner, straight, or both:
This was sketched with general-purpose drawing tools; I gather I'll do better using a dedicated track layout CAD application. No easements are yet shown. Track 4 is drawn straight; only optical illusion makes it appear to bend away from the double main.
The benchwork fits inside a 63" (5-1/4') square. Tracks 1, 2, and 3 are all through mainline. The radius on 1 and 2 is 48"; all other curves are radius 24" -- if your equipment can't negotiate, you don't need to go down those tracks, eh? All track is level, no grades. No track is closer to the benchwork edge than 4"; the mains are all 12" from an edge.
Track 4 might be modelled as a passenger terminal except that pax cars are just the sort that might have trouble getting around the tight curves -- and long trains will foul the main. Perhaps it will be better as an industrial siding. I see Track 5 as a heavy industrial spur -- literally on the wrong side of the tracks from town inside the corner. Track 6 might be fairly dilapidated, even abandoned. The area to the side of Track 3 might be agricultural.
I like a road leading out of town to the farms, at the bottom, crossing Track 6 and the double main. Another road connecting the heavy industry to town seems wise. That gives me opportunity for two grade crossings, with attendant annoyance to town drivers.
I don't think I have enough patience or skill to hand lay track. So, I'm thinking flextrack and bought turnouts.
Questions, questions:
* Who likes which manufacturers of track and turnouts? This will be all code 83.
* How should I handle the easements? Free-mo standards mandate 2" spacing of the double mains at module end but around the big curve, that needs to go up to about 2-1/2".
* This is a pretty big module. Does it make sense either to (a) shrink it a little for better portability or (b) enlarge it a bit for better operations?
* Should I account for the optical illusion when planning Track 4? That is, should I build it with a slight curve throughout its length? I don't want to foul the inside main any more than I must; as it is, the siding will only accommodate a few cars.
* Recall that free-mo has no "front" or preferred viewing angle. Still, the probability seems high that at least at times, the junction will be used simply as a corner and shoved into a room corner. Therefore, the town area will be towards the viewer. Does this work for me or against me?
When operating this module by myself, I won't have much ability to do anything at all as it stands. This is actually my plan for my *second* module, the first being a long, straight double main with a couple of crossovers. (Maybe in two sections). That will allow me to run a train, say, from Track 5 onto the "first" module, change mains at a crossover, and back on Track 1 or Track 4, perhaps setting out a car on Track 6.
* Would I be totally insane to consider a curved crossover between Tracks 1 and 2?
As always, general comments of any nature are not only welcomed but practically demanded.
