Newbie2020

7 hours ago, Smardale said:

Let me see if I can help! It's late so if this makes no sense then I'm sorry! 

Also I have no idea how computer literate you are! So please don't be offended if you already know about keyboard shortcuts.

So this is how I do corners with flex track. Drag a piece into your project then move the little plus arrows. This will alter the angle at the end of the section. Click them with the left mouse button, and then drag them around - whilst still holding the left mouse button down.



You can right click the flexi rail and select 'cut flex here' to alter the length. OR you can drag the end of the pieces by clicking and holding them much like with the plus icons. Up to you!



Once you're happy with the radius of your track then make sure it's highlighted and then on the top bar click 'Smooth flex' first (optional - but it does a good job!) and then click add parallel flex. Type in the distance you require.  


Now that you've got a double track curve, highlight one of the track pieces and then press 'CTRL' and 'C' on your keyboard at the same time. This will copy the track. Then press 'CTRL' and 'V' on your keyboard at the same time. This will duplicate (paste) the piece of track you have selected.

(Another handy shortcut is 'CTRL' and 'Z' which undos the last thing that you did. Handy if you can't see the tiny track icons and you've dragged the wrong piece into your project. Hit CTRL & Z and it vanishes. Easy!)



Drag and 'Snap' the new track piece onto the bottom of your bend and then adjust as you see fit using the +.



Highlight the newest track piece - click 'smooth flex' first (if you want) and then 'Add parallel flex' as before. Then all you need to do is to snap the new curve that you've just created below the top piece as shown below.



That's how I do it anyway! Alternatively you could create a huge curve (far too long for any piece of flexi track), duplicate it using the 'add parallel track' option and then right click in turn on both pieces and select 'cut flex here' from the drop down menu to create reasonable lengths. It's quicker but I like using the maximum length of flex track possible - especially as it's always a struggle to keep under AnyRail's 50 piece free limit! 



I hope that helped!

- James

Thanks James I'll have a look at that later this afternoon.

1 hour ago, DavidB-AU said:

 

I'd agree with this. This is a very quick and dirty idea of something that might work so everything remains within reach. Think of a viaduct like Moorswater.

 

 

 

Thanks for that. I don't dislike that idea at all. I was just about to reply tto part of Harlequins comment that I could put a stock holding area where youve put the Millhampton Low level station!

And I thought having more space would make things easier!!! LOL!!

Clive

4 hours ago, Harlequin said:

Hi Clive,

The rightmost crossover at lynemouth would make more sense outside the branch loop so that clockwise trains could set back directly into the loop.

 

The goods/light industrial sidings look a bit short, a bit randomly laid out and really difficult to shunt, especially if the goods train is any decent length (because you'd have to use the branch line to break it down to smaller sections). If the goods sidings were connected at the left hand end of the loop, with a simple trailing connection, they would be longer and easier to use.

 

What’s the relationship of the light industry to the railway? Why is it associated with the goods yard?

 

The branch line seems a bit awkward in many ways. It obscures a fair distance of the mainline while it rises in front of it. The gradient will limit the stock that can climb it. The branch line doesn’t cross the mainline while it is in its tunnel, which would be more natural. The branch station has no operating possibilities at all. Will the shuttle service, driving the one DMU that will climb the gradient, sustain your interest?

How does the geography of the tunnel work and how does it relate to the branch line in front of it? You've got the tunnel portals right up against the backscene so how do they work scenically?

 

It’s difficult to tell if the TMD layout is reasonable without knowing where the infrastructure is placed; sheds, ash pits, coal stages, water columns, fuelling points, etc. Locos can’t haul their rolling stock into the TMD so is there room for the stock to be stored somewhere while locos are in the TMD?

 

With no fiddle yard you will be lifting stock on and off the track a lot. Is that OK? Will it detract from operations? For instance, a train slows down and comes to a stand at the stop signal in the station, the loco carefully uncouples and heads off to the TMD. All very realistic so far but then some giant hands descend from the sky and lift the coaches off the track… Less realistic. If that has to happen then why bother driving the loco to the TMD? Why bother stopping in the station? You see, the whole artifice starts to break down.

 

Sorry but it seems to me that the design needs a lot more thought!

Thanks Phil. All pretty fair points there! This is still very much a work in progress so still a fair bit of tinkering to be done!

1 hour ago, Smardale said:

Good stuff!

 

I'd probably make the corners more gradual on the right side as you have the space to.

Thanks. Yes I though that too, just struggling a little bit to get the hand of the finer details of AnyRail!

3 hours ago, RobinofLoxley said:

This looks pretty good. Millhampton station is going to be a bit of a reach, even slightly elevated.

 

Will you be able to deal with a derail in the tunnel - it will lift off or something?

 

 

Thanks. Yes the tunnel top comes off (or will!) it's relatively short too.  I'm Hoping Millhampton won't be a trouble spot! The reach is just 800mm so doable with care!

Hi Again!

So here is my latest effort. Taken some time but work and life get in the way! (Lockdown did have some advantages!)

So I have Lyneworth Station at the top with up and down mainlines. Scenic area to the right (Garage door end) - possible new home for Lyneworth  Archers and the Canal idea I've sort of got hooked on after visiting Tonys' Trains in Rugby and ending up sitting drinking beer alongside the Canal there !! (other model railway shops are available!).

There is a branch line coming out of Lyneworth which will take the "commuter shuttle" (Bachmann Class 150) around to Millhampton. This branch line will (hopefully ) gently rise to arrive at Millhampton  station which is raised at the bottom left. Works out at about 2.5% a little steep for prototype but the loco manages it with ease ( I tested it up to 14% incline before it struggled!). Also out of Lyneworth there will be some light industrial/goods yards for shunting things around.

The mainline goes around through the tunnel in the lower right and on to the lower level of Millhampton which will have the TMD with a diesel fuelling point and also a coaling and water point (got to keep the Steam going!).

The mainline then goes around pass the door with minimal scenics and an opening section (I'm too old to limbo) and back into Lyneworth.

Any thoughts, criticisms (polite ones!) etc ????

Clive

Version 4.3!  Branch line between Lyneworth and Millhampton now avoids mainline coming out of Lyneworth, the slowly raises in height to cross over the mainline lower down before going into the passenger terminus at Millhampton which stands above the TMD. Trailing points and crossover to enable access to MIllhampton TMD and refuelling point.

All comments welcome!!! Might regret saying that lol!!!)

Clive

5 hours ago, Chimer said:

I would suggest this change at least .... it avoids a train heading for Millhampton running wrong line (albeit briefly) leaving Lyneworth.

 

 

There's more thinking to be done about how things might work re fiddle yard/TMD/Goods yard!

Yes that makes sense. fiddle yard/TMD is next step, Change of through line has altered the way I thought it might work, so thats next on the rethink list!

Slow progress but taking shape. Single "Commuter Shuttle" from Lyneworth down to Millhampton with the single line rising to cross the main lines at the bottom and into a slightly raised passenger station at Millhampton. Still need to get the entrance into the fiddle yard/TMD/Goods yard sorted.

1 hour ago, Chimer said:

Is Millhampton just a single platform terminus for a DMU service then?  If so, how about running it as a single track branch from a junction at Lyneworth, maybe on the inside of the mainline then crossing on a bridge over the main just before the platform?

I like that Idea!

53 minutes ago, Chimer said:

Meant to respond to you earlier, but life got in the way.  Are you still working on this one?  My immediate thoughts are operational.  A train leaving the terminal platform at Millhampton needs to be able to access the inner (anti-clockwise) circuit and, assuming Millhampton does have platforms on the through lines (?), this will look best if it happens as soon as it clears the platform.  Probably neatest to use a single or double slip to cross the clockwise circuit, this will also allow the returning train to get from the clockwise circuit to the platform, but 3 points will do it if you don't want the complications of the slip.

 

Then you need some way of getting the train back.  The obvious way (assuming it's loco-hauled) is to run round using the loop at Lyneworth, but you now need to be able to access the outer circuit for the return journey.  You can do this as you've drawn it, but would have more flexibility here if the right-hand crossover was to the right of the point giving access to the loop (or again you could use a double slip).

 

And a 3% gradient is actually pretty steep .......

 

Yep Still working on it, work keeps getting in the way! made a few adjustment to the above layout. I'll post the updated one when I get home. The 3% gradient will only be for the Class 150 DMU which I have tested and it has no problem with it. The new layout actually makes it a bit longer run so slightly less than 3%, plus I could drop the paltform lower. I just liked the idea of some height difference to add interest.

Clive

HI Again,

This is so much harder than I thought! I've struggled to get my head around XTrakCad (sorry Chimer!) so gone back to AnyRail 6.

Top station is Lyneworth and bottom Left I have Millhampton. Passenger station slightly elevated right at the bottom (Just 3% grad) with the TMD/goods area/fiddle yard next to it.

Struggling with the geometry a little so used some setrack curves (R2 and R3) in the corners (except top left) Bottom right R2 and R3 Curves hidden by tunnel, Bottom left tight curves disguised by the engine shed in front of it. Thought I could disguise the top Left with a cutting?

Just got to work out the points etc for the TM/goods/fiddle yard.

Any comments or suggestions welcome!

Clive

20 minutes ago, Harlequin said:

Hi Clive,

 

Probably the obvious solution would be: Millhampton (double track through station) down one side, fiddle yard and Lyneworth down the other, (overlapping to some extent so that each has the room it needs), simple double-track non-scenic lifting/duck-under section across the doorway, big scenic countryside curve at the far end (inc. tunnel, canal, archery club, whatever).

 

If the garage door still opens then that could allow you to do more at the scenic end than you could do in a fully walled room but on the downside it will always be colder and more draughty. So if you haven't already, you need to decide baou the garage door before you get too far with planning the layout.

 

You may or may not want a traditional fiddle yard. It could possibly be dressed us as part of Lyneworth station but that would change the character of that station and a set of loops acting as a FY holding disparate stock would never look or operate like any real part of the railway (That I know of).

 

If you have any non-scenic areas (i.e. fiddle yard and/or the section across the doorway) then you will have to disguise the transition from on-scene to off using scenic breaks such as bridges, tunnels, cuttings, or simple view-blockers. If you have any transitions like this, do you really need a separate tunnel in the scenic part as well?

 

Hi Phil,

That's something along the lines I was thinking of.  Lyneworth along the back (right in the pic) with up and down lines and passing loop going towards the garage door more "country" scenic with hill and tunnel at that end coming back up the other side to Millhampton with some sidings for freight/shunting as well as a passenger terminus. Then the up and down lines crossing over the "bridge" section and curving back into Lyneworth.

The garage door is an electric roller so easy to lift up and down as needed but in reallity we rarely use the garage door anyway.

Don't necessarily need extra tunnels if there are tunnels creating scenic breaks.

Not looking to run massive long trains maybe 4-5 coaches max will keep me happy.

9 minutes ago, Zomboid said:

Just combine the archery club with the tunnel, like they did at Chilcompton tunnel. (That might have been shooting actually)

Yes that was the shooting club!

4 minutes ago, Smardale said:

What do you enjoy doing? (ie: Shunting, watching trains go by etc..)

Also don't expect us to know anything about the size dimensions of archery equipment! 

I like a bit of both. Shunting can be fun, for a while!, then its good to just watch the trains go by too.

Archery Clubs don't take up much room, this is Lyneworth Archers current field by the old quarry.

Clive

24 minutes ago, RobinofLoxley said:

So does that mean that you have decided to scrap the previous layout?

Yes ( at least I'm 99% sure!) - I think 

Hi All,

Aftger a lot of thinking and conversations with my dad I've decided I will restart the project from scratch. The original plan was based on little more than an 8x4 board and it's proving difficult to get a satisfactory way to extend the existing layout. 

With that in mind I'm in need of help (again!). What do I need? I need an OO layout using Streamline Code 100 track. Main interests in locos is late steam early diesel. I envsage a complete circuit around the garage with two distinct stations (Lyneworth and Millhampton) Lyneworth is a suburban, semi-rural place, Millhampton a more urban, industrial town. This should allow for some scenic modelling and shunting areas. I MUST have room for my Archery Club (Lyneworth Archers) and I MUST have a tunnel (or tunnels). I've also got a thing about canals at the moment too!

What space do I have? I now have the whole garage (measurements in the pic)! Complete clean slate and I'm open to ideas!

What do you guys suggest?

Clive

Sounds a bit much for an amateur like me!!!

Thought that would be the case. The reason I used setrack in the first place was to get the layout "to fit" ! So can't use Streamline. Phase 2 will consist of streamline electrofrog!

Hi All,

Does anyone know if there is a live frog point that has the same geometry as Setrack points? Few of my smaller locos have probs with the insulfrog points I have used and I would like to swap them out for live frog ones. Haven't got the space for Streamline geometry though!

Clive

2 hours ago, Chimer said:

 

Thanks - by the way, I'm visualising an almost complete separation between main-line and preservation society operations, apart from the odd visiting engine arriving via the main line for a gala weekend.  Just how the preservation society were able to buy the land to build a double track roundy-roundy with a reversing loop is something that can be left to peoples' imagination.

 

Your most likely* Anyrail problem is the fact that Streamline points turn out by 12 degrees, which doesn't match Set-track geometry.  So, for example, in the top right-hand corner on both tracks, I've used 78 degrees of curve of 19.875" radius (equivalent to Set-Track R3) finished off by the right-hand points to complete the 90 degrees.  When it comes to laying it, I would use Set-track curves but cut the last 12 degrees off one of them.  There's also a fudge where the point leading to the preservation line platform comes off the curve, which is basically R3.  The Set-Track point used there equates to R2, so the bit of straight track preceding it is a tad longer than a standard Set-Track straight (7.624" vs 6.625").  All the other points I've added are Streamline small (2') radius, except the two crossovers which use large (5' allegedly) radius and a 3-way which, along with the second crossover, you haven't seen yet - work still in progress.

 

*I've never used Anyrail, and as I've spent 10 years getting to where I am with XTrackCad, you'll forgive me if I decline the opportunity for another learning curve!

 

Incidentally, picking up on one of Phil's earlier points, I wouldn't try to hide the storage loops down the right-hand side under scenery.  Much better left out in the open, so you can fiddle when you want to.

 

Cheers, Chris

No wonder I'm srtruggling. I may set it as close as possible on AnyRail then just do the fiddles when I lay the track. I like the idea of keeping the storage loops open, adds interest. I see the two layouts, the modern mainline and the preserved railway, as separate and, as you say, any movement between the the will be minimal but needs to be there. I also have a Class 150 Sprinter which I see as running as a "commuter shuttle" from Lyneworth to Millhampton and back (I've changed the destination signs on the the front and back accordingly!)

I Think Lyneworth Preservation Society must have a wealthy Dubai businessman as a benefactor!

Clive

1 hour ago, Harlequin said:

Clive,

You’ve done well to get full access to the extra space. You are no longer confined to your small 4ft wide board. It’s time to think big!

Imagine a double track going around the entire space with 2/3rds scenic including a big station and the remainder set up as storage loops from where you can make up and call out any train you want. Does your current layout really fit into that picture?

 

I see what you mean and under any other circumstances I'd be right on the same page! But it would be real heartbreak for me not to complete the part my dad helped design.

What you are suggesting is kind of what I am trying to do , but incorporating Lyneworth into it. Chimers' idea seems to be a good compromise between the two! (I'm struggling to replicate it on Anyrail though lol!

Clive

11 minutes ago, Chimer said:

OK, how about this?  Purple track is existing, blue is new.  You have a dedicated platform for your preservation line which can access the reverse loop (probably needs a run-round loop, but the whole of the preservation side can be developed further).  There is a trailing connecting crossover from the preservation side to the mainline.  A couple of storage loops on each mainline down the right hand side, long enough for loco + 5.  The curves bottom right are R2 - R5 at 2.625" centres.  The mainline between the right hand station throat and the bottom end of the storage loops is at 2" (Streamline) track spacing so your second station can be built using larger radius points.  And I've missed a trailing crossover in the left hand station throat which adds operational possibilities with trains reversing.

 

 

Oh, and you'll see there's a manhole ........ 

 

I could develop this further, but only if you are happy with the essentials.  I still think if it was me I'd start again entirely from scratch, mind!

Hadn't thought about running them around the corner like that. I like that idea.

58 minutes ago, Harlequin said:

WHY do you want a hidden fiddle yard with all the problems that will bring???

 

And why do you want all the problems that inclines bring with them? Remember you need to gain enough clearance between upper and lower levels for a train (~70mm), baseboard (call it 10mm) and support structure (call that 50mm). Add in another 100mm to get your hand in, if it really is a fiddle yard, and that's 230mm in total. At the absolute steepest gradient you should contemplate, 1 in 35, that means you need a run of just over 8m to change levels, not including transitions.

 

You've just quadrupled the space available over your original board so there ought to be room for a proper fiddle yard on the level!

 

(There's a very good song by Orange Juice you need to listen to... )

 

That's definitely out then!! 

Just had a thought. What if the long vertical was modelled as normal but two lines of track "descend to a hidden fiddle yard under  the board I've marked  A. First question is would that be a manageable incline/decline? allowing enough room under A so that the "fiddle Yard" is accessable?