Layout Planning - Given and Druthers Matrix

 

In Layout Design Process 4 - Railroad Modeling I identified that the layout design process can be broken down into three primary functional areas: Concept, Structure and Layout Detail.

Structure. Structure identifies the parameters within which the layout must be designed. It is broken down into two main elements: 3) resources available, and 4) layout planning to build the railroad.

Now that we've gone thru the process of identifing the parameters within which the layout must be designed its time to spreadsheet them so we can go to the next area of layout design - Layout Detail.

Givens

I have a number of givens:

• Space. I am going to construct the WWSL in the 30' x 25' basement. Approximately 75 percent of the basement will be used for layout and the other 25 percent for utillities, workshop and crew lounge.

• Scale. I am continuing to model in HO scale and will reuse my existing locomotive and rolling stock as appropriate to the WWSLs concept.

• Finances. I have sufficient finances to initiate construction and bring the layout to completion within the time frame established.
  

• Benchwork. I will recycle the benchwork I had used for WWSL v2.0

• Modules. I will continue to use the 2' x 8' transportable modules I had used for WWSL v2.

• Trackwork. I will continue to use Shinohara / Walthers code 83 track, turnout and special works.

Druthers

Using Bernard Kempinsk's spreadsheet format, I have outlined my druthers based on functional area.

 With these givens and druthers identified, its time to design the WWSL ver 3.0.

 

 

 

Layout Planning 8 - Control Parameters

In Layout Design Process 4 - Railroad Modeling I identified that the layout design process can be broken down into three primary functional areas: Concept, Structure and Layout Detail.

Structure. Structure identifies the parameters within which the layout must be designed. It is broken down into two main elements: 3) resources available, and 4) layout planning to build the railroad.

The eighth area of consideration in Layout Planning is Control.

Documentation.  Each employee knows their duties and responsibilities based on:

• the Uniform Code; 
• the Train Handling Instruction Manual that covers basic freight, passenger and yard operations procedures, 
• an Employee Timetable that identifies exact train schedules and rule modifications that are in effect, 
• Special Instructions related to the safe movement of trains, 
• Dispatcher train sheets and Modified train order Form 19.
  

Operators. Personnel required are:

• Dispatcher to issue Form 19's, develop special operating requirements and instructions such as  clearance cards, bulletins, train orders, loco fueling, within-train car placement and other prototypical elements as appropriate for operating engineers.
• Yardmasters
  
• Conductor/engineer who walk around following the train, controlling speed and direction with the hand-held throttle focused on realistic, slow speed movements and common kinds of delays, such as pumping up air brakes, setting retainers or cooling hot wheels after a steep descent. 
• Station agent/car distributor to use waybilling process to identify car movement requirements.
  

Train Movement. Radio controlled block system is based on the principle that the dispatcher gives a train exclusive authority to occupy a segment of main line. As the train proceeds it gives new authority to occupy additional track and returns to dispatcher the use of track already passed. The dispatcher communicates with the crew via radio. Both Dispatcher and Conductor/Engineman have identical Form 19 (modified). By radio the Dispatcher directs the Conductor/Engineer as they fill out the form.

Car Movement.  Car movement is by waybill and switch list.

Signals. The WWSL is a busy operation, but not sufficiently so to justify any investment in a signal system. It is dark territory, operation is by Train Order Form 19, prepared by the Dispatcher. Block signals are only encountered at Montesano Junction when the WWSL crosses over the NP.

Throttle Control. DCC will be used to operate the layout. I plan to use EasyDCC wireless throttles and SoundTraxx decoders. No provision for standard DC operations is planned. The handheld compact rotary throttle units are connected to the layout through radio control.

Turnout control. The turnouts are under local control by push/pull rods at each location.

Layout Planning -7 - Scenery Parameters

In Layout Design Process 4 - Railroad Modeling I identified that the layout design process can be broken down into three primary functional areas: Concept, Structure and Layout Detail.

Structure. Structure identifies the parameters within which the layout must be designed. It is broken down into two main elements: 3) resources available, and 4) layout planning to build the railroad.

The seventh area of consideration in Layout Planning is Scenery.

Backdrops. 

Fluorescent lighting (behind a valence) a sky-blue backdrop, a fascia panel and benchwork curtains present a net finished appearance. Backdrop 24 inches in height, colored sky blue and backdrop hand painted as necessary.

Geology.

Pacific Northwest locale - Olympic Peninsula - Grays Harbor County.

Scenery contours, foliage and other features. Conventional hard shell scenery techniques as appropriate to the geologic requirements. High ratio of scenery to track. Model relay boxes, signals, small bridges, power/telegraph poles, track bumpers, two lane roads, smaller towns, 3-4 track classification yards and small engine facilities.

Right of way and roadbed.

Cross-sections. Flattened ballast slopes, drainage ditches and fill, rivers and streams, culverts and bridges, tunnels. Relaxed standards (representing the dimensions, shapes and colors as they actually appeared during the modeled period, rather than as engineering departments specified them.

Track appearance.

Ballasted, weathered, scenicked and wired. Nut and bolt details; rail fishplates, turnout rail braces and missing hardware. Over sprayed for mineral industries, sand on uphill helper grades, litter on spur and yard clean out tracks, oil drippings in engine yards and along fueling points and spurs.

Roads and Highways.

Suitable width and curvature, horizontal and vertical easements, paved/gravel road shoulders and banking, drainage, signs and curbs as appropriate.

Structure selected.

Plausible building choices added to the layout. Use of a few detailed foreground structures that imply their presence elsewhere. Adoption of regional architecture and building materials.

Aisle Edge Decoration.

Uses the railroad's predominant official color to paint the aisle way surfaces. Use of light valence over layout as a storyboard of prototype structures, scenes, and layout sketches all tell the observer about the modeled or future intention and purpose of each area.

Layout Planning 6 - Layout Oriented Parameters

In Layout Design Process 4 - Railroad Modeling I identified that the layout design process can be broken down into three primary functional areas: Concept, Structure and Layout Detail.

Structure. Structure identifies the parameters within which the layout must be designed. It is broken down into two main elements: 3) Resources available, and 4) Layout planning.

Under the element Layout Planning, the following area is considered: Layout Oriented Parameters.

Back in the 90's when I was a member of the Layout Design SIG the organization had a series of articles discussing the need to develop layout-oriented and people-oriented parameters to aid in the development of sincere layout design. In particular was an article written by xxxxx describing 'state of the art' model railroads. As I was thinking about the Western Washington Short Line v1.0, I used that article to come up with parameters to guide my thoughts.

Theme

• Freelance prototype. Uses one or more prototype railroads to establish a set of guidelines and then create a railroad within the chosen framework.

• A variety of natural resource and commercial customers (lumber, grains, fertilizers, chemical, wood chips, logs, sand, gravel, cement, coal, etc.)

• Believable train lengths of no more than engine 8 cars and caboose. Not more than 75% of train’s cars to be to one industry.

Layout Configuration

• Walk in with no backtracking.

• Walls to the ceiling in a spiral pattern allow an around the room type track plan to be extended to a point-to-point distance of 100 feet.

• Multi-tier bench work: Double decked to provide the increased main line running time.

• Shallow design - not more than 24 inches in depth.

• No duck-unders. No pop-up hatches

Track plan schematic

• A point to point route, preferable avoiding any repeated use of the same track. No continuous loop operation desired.

• Single track with multiple passing points. Several intermediate stations with passing track long enough to hold a train while others pass or meet it.

• Terminals. A terminal at each end with facilities to accept arriving trains and hold them as well as release departing trains when required.

• Yard Placement and Design. Small yards of no more than 3 or 4 tracks with a divisional point yard placed near the class 1 interchange.

• Junction and Interchange. A non-operational junction with a working interchange with a Class 1 railroad.

• Sufficient spurs and sidings to provide interesting operations.

• Engine servicing facilities. Appropriate sized engine-servicing facilities at terminals for all locomotive types. Turntable lengths of 75 and 90 feet are suitably short for regional steam locomotives and first generational diesels.

Special features

• Helix. Starts at 36 inches at its lowest and 60 inches at its highest . Two tracks 18 and 21 inch radius with crossover located on level 3.

• Staging yards are provided in each end of the line and a division point yard is provided, approximately in the middle of the main line run.

Right of Way

• Standards will be based on prototype ROW/MOW operations for appropriate class track. In the absence of prototype standards, ROW will follow NMRA standards.

• Easy access to all turnouts and track. No hidden tracks. 

Technical Standards

• Track Work. Track, turnouts and special works is Code 83. Main line curves are a minimum radius of 24 Visible and 21 (hidden) with spiral easements on each end. Track work will be constructed for operational perfection, but sceniced for appropriate Class I and Class III standards.
  

• Grades. Grades prototypical on viewable sections. Helix grade no more than 4 percent.
  

 

Layout Planning 5 - People oriented Parameters

In Layout Design Process 4 - Railroad Modeling I identified that the layout design process can be broken down into three primary functional areas: Concept, Structure and Layout Detail.

Structure. Structure identifies the parameters within which the layout must be designed. It is broken down into two main elements: 3) layout planning, and 4) resources available to build the railroad.

Under the element Layout Planning, the following areas are considered: 5) People oriented Parameters.

History

•  Create a history of the railroad and its industries based on and consistant with the actural history of the region and the existing industrial base of the period.

 Operations

•  Uses one or more prototype railroads to establish a set of operational guidelines and then create a railroad within the chosen framework.

• Layout design to achieve believable operation with plenty of action and suitably challenging.

• The layout to accommodate the owner and his interests and at least 4 operators for any public operating sessions.

•  Design a walk around track plan so operators can follow their trains.

Construction

• Construction, maintenance and operation of railroad to be within the capability of the owner.

• L-girder benchwork. 1x3 and 1x4 L girders.

• Benchwork based on WWSL vers 2  portable modules. Modules are connected to each other and the benchwork with alignment pins.

• Recycle as much of the previous WWSL version 2 layout as possible. 

• Railroad operating levels are between 38 and 58 inches above the floor allowing room for under layout storage and work space.

Control  

• Walk around control of trains.

• Manual control of switches whenever possible.

• Train Order dispatching.  

•  Use of railroad manuals etc
  

• No signaling except at junctions with Class I or II railroads.

Human Factor 

• Prepare the layout room for year round comfort and usability. Include a small crew lounge and work area.

• Create an inviting space (I feel a layout should invite the visitor/operator into the layout space) 

• Storage space under the layout. 
  

Layout Planning 3 - Operating Style

In Layout Design Process 4 - Railroad Modeling I identified that the layout design process can be broken down into three primary functional areas: Concept, Structure and Layout Detail.

Structure. Structure identifies the parameters within which the layout must be designed. It is broken down into two main elements: 3) resources available, and 4)  layout planning to build the railroad.

The third area of consideration in Layout Planning is Operating Style.

In my post Welcome to the Western Washington Short Line  I referred to my three phases of railroad modeling. As I look back at the numerous layouts that have been published and the ones I've actually built and operated I've noticed a couple of operating styles that influences the layout design process.

The Railfan

This operating style is based on the concept that the operator is a rail fan - a line side observer  - whose interest is primarily focused on watching a series of trains move past him at a particular point of time. He has no interest in where the train was or where its going. This permits three type of layout design:

• The oval with a single or double track main line with a yard or yards configured to hold and stage a variety of trains - passenger, freight, maintenance of way, etc - in either direction to the observer.
• A point to point main line with staging yards at both ends configured to hold and stage the trains.
• A figure 8 with yards or staging tracks where the crossing is a junction of two railroads.

The observer's location can be anywhere - a train station, depot, interlocking tower at a junction, even a railroad - road crossing and his operational focus is the next train on the employee timetable approaching his location. A large number of layout plans published in the model press in the 69-90's were rail fan oriented layouts.

The Engineer

This operating style is based on the concept that the operator wants to move the train from point A to point B -  starting in a yard, controlling the speed and obeying signals, meeting and passing other trains, and ending in another yard. Some local switching could occur based on the layout design.  As expected the engineers location is in the locomotive cab and his observational focus is forward - the next hill, curve, signal, station, etc.

Some of the designs of Allen, Armstrong and Wescott could be adapted to Engineer oriented layouts with selected tweaking of sidings and yards. Many of the layout plans published in the model press in the mid to late 90's  - early 2000's were Engineer oriented. The modular layout designs of clubs that show their modules at conventions, train shows etc are certainly Engineer oriented layout designs.

The Engineer/Brakeman

This operating system is based on the concept that the operator wants a greater degree of switching activity - moving the railroad car from point A to point B. The layout designs that promoted this operating system includes:

• Switching modules ala John Allen's timesaver.
• Lance Mindlein style industrial modules.
• Club sized yards involves switching cars into block order at local yards.
• Dave Barrows domino style layout designs.

This operating system gave rise to greater interest in car movement, and in particular, car card and waybill operations.  The conductor/brakeman's location is at the switch and his observational focus is the car and its movement to the car spot.

The Conductor/Engineer

What other operating system allows you the opportunity to climb off the locomotive, line the turnout, climb up on the car, ride it to the spot, tie down the brake, close the air line, pull the pin, wave the engineer off, mark the switch list, reline the turnout, climb back on the locomotive and then start all over again at a new industry spot?

This operating system is based on the concept that the operator wants to move the train from point A to point B -  controlling the speed and reacting to situations as they occur over the route - getting clearance and train orders, obeying speed limits and signals, meeting and passing other trains, reacting to weather and other operational situations imposed upon him by the scenario. As expected the engineers location is in the locomotive cab and his observational focus is forward - the next hill, curve, signal, station, etc.

This is the layout design espoused by Allen McClelland, Tony Koester and others in the model press early in the 90's but really taking off in the early 2000's thanks to the Layout Design SIG and Kalmbach publishing Model Railroad Planning and Great Model Railroads annual publications.

The WWSL Operating System. I had all three operating schemes in the layouts I built in prior years. While all provided a great deal of entertainment, it was my overwhelming preference to model a complete system influenced me greatly to implement the Conductor/Engineer operating system.

Layout Planning 1 and 2 - Space and Scale

In Layout Design Process 4 - Railroad Modeling I identified that the layout design process can be broken down into three primary functional areas: Concept, Structure and Layout Detail.

Structure. Structure identifies the parameters within which the layout must be designed. It is broken down into two main elements: 3) resources available to build the railroad, and 4) layout planning.

Under the element Layout Planning, the following areas are considered:

1. Space - the amount of space you have to dedicate to your layout.
2. Scale - the physical size of the locomotives, rolling stock and structures youre going to model.
3. Operating Style -
4. Shape - the shape of the layout.
5. People Oriented Parameters - specifications to be followed in the design of the laout.
6. Layout Oriented Parameters - specifications established through the layout concept process that will be used in the design of the layout.
7. Scenery - the type of scenery (including the absence of such) that will be incorporated in the layout.
8. Control - the electro-mechanical control of the locomotives, the turnouts and other facets of railaroad control as part of operating the layout.

Space

Scale 

The second area of consideration in Layout Planning is Scale. Scale of the railroad model is its relative size in proportion to the real thing.The model railroading hobby presently has 6 common scales. HO scale is the most popular, N scale is second in popularity. Space is a controlling factor with respect to scale only if the available space is so limited as to make an operating layout in such a space impractical.

I have been model railroading off and on for 50 years. I started with HO scale and have modeled and operated primarily in that scale. I have had the opportunity to operate N, HO, S and O scale layouts and I find that my personal preference continues to be HO scale. 

 

The next blog will discuss operating style in the layout planning process.