POLL: Bullet train layout Viaduct on yard

[Bernard]

Okay, I have the Kato double Viaduct set which I was going to use as a test track but the thought was always in the back of my mind, "Can I use this somewhere on the layout?" I saw I could fit it around the yard. Here are some photos, what do you think and I am open to all comments.

[CaptOblivious]

It is interesting, but I'm unsure of its purpose. It might be nice if you had a way to bring trains up to the test track (or down) from the yard? Are you using DCC? If so then, with the addition of a small switch, you could turn the loop into a combination test-track and dedicated programming track. You put a train on the test track, program it, switch power from programming track to regular track power to see if you like the results. Run it around for a while to break it in, then spot it in the yard or directly on the layout without having to take it off the tracks again. Just an idea  ;D

[Darren Jeffries]

It is interesting, but I'm unsure of its purpose. It might be nice if you had a way to bring trains up to the test track (or down) from the yard? Are you using DCC? If so then, with the addition of a small switch, you could turn the loop into a combination test-track and dedicated programming track. You put a train on the test track, program it, switch power from programming track to regular track power to see if you like the results. Run it around for a while to break it in, then spot it in the yard or directly on the layout without having to take it off the tracks again. Just an idea  ;D

 

My thoughts exactly, I think it looks a little out of place when you consider the vast expanse of the rest of your layout. I would also try to incorporate it into the main layout if even only with a straight run-on run-off junction into the yard...

 

Are you going to fill the yard area with some sort of scenery or are you leaving it as it is?

[Bernard]

I'm slowly working my way to the "yard area" but I think it is going to be the last area I'll work on.

Okay, I think  the "oval" was a way to get to have more trains running but again, it is an oval and all you see are the trains going around & around & around....as compared to the rest of the layout.

 

CaptO - That is an interesting idea as sort of an "off ramp" for the trains. Any ideas as a sketch of what you would do?

As a program track I'm not sure and here is way.

I'm running the Lenz 100 system and I used to have the program track as part of the mainline with insulted blocks. It didn't work. I spoke with Tony @ Tony's train exchange, where I bought it from, and he told me to keep the program track separate off on a spur and use 16 guage wire on that block. I did that and I've never had a problem programming since. So I'm a little leary about using the viaduct as a program track.

[Martijn Meerts]

Have to agree with the others, it looks a bit strange because it's not connected to anything. But other than that, I'm really into the "as much tracks as possible" thing.. All my layouts up to now have had that design philosophy ;)

[Bernard]

Okay, the viaduct is coming off.

I tried to have it connected to two of the tracks in the yard and going to the town on the other side of the yard but, there is no way to get the elevation I need to go over the 4 other main line tracks on the back radius. The viaduct will be there for the time being just to test trains until I finish detailing other areas of the layout. I have taken off all the bridges, so until I finish, none of the trains can run on the main lines.

[Guest ___]

Is the viaduct gone?

[Bernard]

Is the viaduct gone?

 

Oh yeah, a long time ago.

[traindork]

I think the viaduct would have worked if it wasn't just an oval over the yard. Maybe if it was an "L" shape or something.

[bill937ca]

Can you work it in from tunnel to tunnel?

[Bernard]

Can you work it in from tunnel to tunnel?

 

I tried many different variations to work it into my present track plan but I kind of ran out of "real estate".