Large Scale Central

Looking for some feedback

Problem Solving
#1

I’m in the process of building an outdoor layout. I’ve got a thread here: http://www.largescalecentral.com/forums/topic/21020/just-the-begining/view/post_id/242333

Anyway, I’m not sure if I want to go two blocks high the rest of the way around or just one.

  1. If I go two blocks high, I plan on building a small foot bridge over the layout just off the carport. That way I can get a small push mower, and people of course, inside it.

  2. If I go one block high on that area, then the layout will have a decent grade. I’m not sure of the % yet, as I’ve not measured. But I wouldn’t need the foot bridge then. I would just make a crossing. I just don’t think I like how one block looks.

Soooooooooo, what would you do?

Here is a pic from the corner. The area with no grass is going to be a patio. The tracks will run right in front of it. Then go across towards the yard barn. (Please ignor the “vintage carport”. It’s on my to-fix list.

And here I have my back agains my breezway. There’s more room from the house to the edge of the tracks than appears.

Also, for what it’s worth, the track hangs a left behind the yard barn. Then goes another 10ft or so and will circle back along the back fence. The retaining wall just goes straight from the yard barn to the back fence.

#2

In all honesty, I think two blocks is better because you can create more realism. You mentioned a bridge. Well, with a two block set up as the basis of your road bed, that would facilitate the need for a bridge somewhere in the scene. Two blocks also give the railroad some depth. Especially when seeing it from afar. Many folks just plant these G gage layouts right upon the earth and that in my mind is a risky venture considering the amount of debris these engines and rolling stock can pick up along the track. I think two block looks awesome and you obviously have enough room for it. You can always back it down and start over, but somehow, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised how beautiful your trains will look when rolling around a few inches more in the air. Either way, best wishes.

Stacy

#3

I’d keep it 2 blocks high, too, just to be consistent. I’d also make use of that “yard barn”, as you call it, for car/engine storage since it’s so close to the tracks.

#4

Thanks guys! That’s what I was thinking too. It just seems to look better with two blocks and I wasn’t real keen on having that steep of a grade. I will be headeding back to get more blocks this weekend. I’d like to do it today after work, but I don’t think I will have time.

Eventually I will do some storage with the yard barn. But right now it’s a disaster. We have only lived here a few months and it’s became a catch all. I still have to put the new shingles on it and gutters too. Way too much to do, not to mention the honey do list for inside the house. lol.

#5

Matt:

If I were you (and I’m obviously not) I would reconsider the “small foot bridge over the layout”. Instead you could make this section a lift-out or tilt-up bridge of some type.

I would be concerned that there could be a fair amount of ramping on either side of the foot bridge and all that implies. Besides, a bridge adds another piece of cool more prototypical scenery and something for the train to do.

#6

I’d go 4 or 5 blocks high, easier on the knees as you get older. Cost more now , but will pay off later.

jerry

#7

^^^^Good point Jerry. Age can do strange things to a mans legs/knees.

Stacy

#8

I appreciate all the feedback. I think I’m going to stick with the two blocks high. That is if they can get them. I went to get more yesterday and there were none. Supposedly the stone truck will be there Monday.

I’m still thinking of a small foot bridge over that section though. I’m just not sold on a lift bridge for the railroad. Being only two blocks high at the lowest elevation of yard, I don’t think a lift bridge would look good or even be very functional. I’m going to do the two blocks high around and deal with the crossing when time comes.

Doesn’t look like much will get done tomorrow. I might work on the fence that will go in front of my privacy fence. I need to get it all measured to see what I need.

#9

Stacy Krausmann said:

^^^^Good point Jerry. Age can do strange things to a mans legs/knees.

Stacy

Stacy, yea. I am a copier service tech with a walking territory, and my knees aren’t none to happy about it some days. Its not the getting down that’s a problem, I can get down just fine, its the getting back up again that is the issue.

#10

HI Matt. I agree with Jerry the higher the better and not just for your knees but the trains will look better. of course though that means alot more blocks and backfill. I still think you would do better with a lift out bridge section instead of a walk over bridge. Think 2 layers of block 10" then track then you should have 10" of clearance for trains. That is a 20" tall bridge which may look odd in your yard. Building a lift out is cheaper for supplies and it is less block to buy. You can build any style bridge you choose and detail it as much as you want. Here is my lift out. it is a pretty simple through girder span made from wood screwed and glued together to form a U. I took 4 solid track clamps, not the split jaw type and filed down half of the edges on each piece so the track that hangs slightly over the edge of the bridge can sit on top. My bridge is low enough to step over and very easy to lift out of the way.
Keep up the good work.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/capecodtodd/_forumfiles/SHAYexcursions.jpg)

#11

i know, i’m talking lots of additional money and work, but…

measure the hight of your eyes, when sitting in your favorite gardenchair.
that hight minus four or five inches seems ideal.
one does not have to kneel for maintenance, one sees the models from the side, not from above upon the roof - and it’s not very probable, that the lawn will overgrow the track.

#12

Todd, I’m still not sold on the lift out bridge. I’m afraid it would get damaged. I have some young neices and nephews. What do you think a crossing would look like? That wouldn’t be too steep and might look king of neat.

I think I need to get the blocks laid out and see what things are going to look like. Fingers crossed, I can find more blocks tomorrow.

Korm, I’m afraid that would require more blocks than I could afford. The corner where the bridge is at is almost eye level when sitting now.

Thanks for the input guys!