Tomix 4x8 Granite Gorge and Northern

[Zappastuff]

Hi -

 

Granite Gorge and Northern is a really fun layout to play with. Decided to check how it would like with Tomix tracks. Initially I used the standard 90o X but it resulted in less scenery area as well as an unwanted S curve on a slope. Attached version is my latest take and what I'm planning to go with. Here are some highlights:

 

- Max 3% slope

- Minimum 11o curve radius

- Lead track allows entry to both directions on layout (double slipswitch on bottom right)

- I can return trains reversed by using the double slipswitch at branch under bridge

- Can have 2 trains running and play with the turntable area independently

 

Any suggestions before it's too late?

 

Thanks

 

Zappastuff

 

BOM:

 

1021 (S140), N Tomix Fine Track, Straight (1801) 5 1/2".    28
1022 (S280), N Tomix Fine Track, Straight (1802/1092) 11".    12
1023 (S72.5), N Tomix Fine Track, Straight (1803) 2 3/4".    16
1024 (S70), N Tomix Fine Track, Straight (1804) 2 3/4".    12
1025 (S99), N Tomix Fine Track, Straight (1805) 4".    8
1099A (S33), N Tomix Fine Track, Straight 1 1/4".    16
1099B (S18.5), N Tomix Fine Track, Straight 3/4".    8
1121 (C280-45), N Tomix Fine Track, Curve (1851) radius 11", angle 45º    11
1122 (C317-45), N Tomix Fine Track, Curve (1852) radius 12 1/2", angle 45º    10
1123 (C541-15), N Tomix Fine Track, Curve (1853) radius 21 1/4", angle 15º    9
1124 (C280-15), N Tomix Fine Track, Curve (1854) radius 11", angle 15º    8
1126 (C354-45), N Tomix Fine Track, Curve (1856) radius 14", angle 45º    6
1127 (C317-15), N Tomix Fine Track, Curve radius 12 1/2", angle 15º    6
1128 (C391-45), N Tomix Fine Track, Curve (1858) radius 15 1/2", angle 45º    4
1144 (C354-15), N Tomix Fine Track, Curve radius 14", angle 15º    6
1145 (C391-15), N Tomix Fine Track, Curve radius 15 1/2", angle 15º    4
1190 (C605-10-PC), N Tomix Fine Track, Curve (concrete) radius 23 3/4", angle 10º    2
1241 (PR541-15), N Tomix Fine Track, Right turnout 5 1/2". (remote)    4
1242 (PL541-15), N Tomix Fine Track, Left turnout 5 1/2". (remote)    4
1245 (N-PXR140-15), N Tomix Fine Track, Double slipswitch 5 1/2". (right)    1
1246 (N-PXL140-15), N Tomix Fine Track, Double slipswitch 5 1/2". (left)    1
1261 (N-PRL541/280-15), N Tomix Fine Track, Threeway turnout 5 1/2".    1
1262 (N-PLR541/280-15), N Tomix Fine Track, Threeway turnout 5 1/2".    1
1321 (X72.5-30), N Tomix Fine Track, Crossing 2 3/4". 30º    2
1421, N Tomix Fine Track, Buffer/Bumper 4 1/2".    8
1524 (S140-RE-PC), N Tomix Fine Track, Straight rerailer (concrete) 5 1/2".    2
1632, N Tomix Fine Track, Straight transition Turntable 1". (1633)    6
1633 (N-AT212-15), N Tomix Fine Track, Turntable diameter 8 1/4".    1
1671 (G70-W), N Tomix Fine Track, Straight separator 2 3/4".    2
3029, N Tomix Fine Track, Straight 5 1/2". (bridge) (blue)    12
3031, N Tomix Fine Track, Straight 11". (bridge) (red)    6

 

Edited January 6, 2021 by Zappastuff

[Kiha66]

Welcome to the forum Zappa!  That looks like a very fun layout, be sure to share your progress as you build it.  

Edited January 6, 2021 by Kiha66

[MeTheSwede]

I notice there are a few places were you've put some mall track pieces to make the track geometry fit exactly in a way that is probably not needed. It looks like it is needed when designing in a computer program, but often aren't in real life as the track will be a bit flexible in the joints and even the actual pieces can bend a bit. Not that there's anything wrong with using more small track pieces than needed, just thought I should mention it.

[Zappastuff]

@MeTheSwede - I use AnyRail and always keep my tracks handy to test how much flexibility I have. Trust me, these small pieces were required to get to the correct connections...

 

Reality is, trying to do way too much here. All I care is run passengers compositions, be able to store them on an Yard and swap my steam locos. Came up with attached V4. Looking much better IMHO. Any takes?

[Kiha66]

Looks nice, although the single track bridge may cause polarity issues as you've made a reversing loop.  

[roadstar_na6]

11 hours ago, Kiha66 said:

[...] the single track bridge may cause polarity issues as you've made a reversing loop.  

That depends on whether the crossing is a slipswitch or just a regular crossig tho, right?

[AhmadKane]

Hey welcome!

 

I believe you could use an autoreverser if youre in DCC? Or one of those kato directional switches?

[cteno4]

8 hours ago, roadstar_na6 said:

That depends on whether the crossing is a slipswitch or just a regular crossig tho, right?

It is a reversing loop and you still have to break the common outside rail (and isolate the inside rail if power routing point) and then reverse the rest of the track run polarity while the train is within the reversing loop section. This requires isolating the loop track and adding a reversing switch to the regular track loop and to the reversing loop track. There are some auto systems for this in dc and dcc.

 

cheers,

 

jeff