[vsmith]

I really don't like the coal mine trackage cutting across the spurs, I don't see how that could function in real operations, it would be really restrictive. Why no raise the coal mine track up and over both the lower and upper spur and raise up the mine structure? That will allow unrestricted use of all the spurs and you could use both sides of that mine structure.

 

[vsmith]

Also if you are going to enclose one of the switches in a tunnel make sure you have easy access to the turnout either with a lift out section or from under the layout, because that guaranteed is where you trains will stall. Can you move the tunnel head to expose that turnout? it will make your life much easier in the long run.

 

[vsmith]

Posted By ThinkerT on 19 Apr 2013 05:15 PM
It is an interesting plan...but I see a lot of 'reach' issues. I've redesigned my layout twice to minimize reach issues and I'm still not thrilled.

I believe the same is true of Vic.

I'd give serious thought to working out a track plan which lets you easily reach *all* the track on the tables - no track more than 3.5 feet from an accesible edge.
In regards to 'reach', a big issue is how high is the layout, my own layout is 40" high so keeping reach to a minimum is a big issue least I break out the step ladder. If I recall Tom did you say your layout is much closer to the ground? I remember you saying you could step onto the layout if needed so I am assuming its more like 18"-24" high or so. The ability to, like an outdoor layout, step into the layout to take care of things, does negate most of the 'reach' issues associated with more traditional raised layouts like mine or T's.