DoorTop 3D Model RailRoad Design

Описание: I used a 3D model railroad CAD design program called "3rd PlanIt" to test my layout design ideas against realistic limitations of model railroading. I call it a "Door-Top" layout because - well, it will be built on an interior door (36" x 80") as a table top!

The track planning software 3rd PlanIt supports realistic control of railroad layout design, such as using realistic specs for commercial model track turn-outs, track sections, easements (smooth transitions between curved and straight track), usable grade slopes, clearances, etc. This software not only helps design your layout, it also provides 3D views of your design (including terrain and landscaping) including actually running a simulation of trains around the layout design (as shown in the video)!

This layout design is inspired by parts of the "tunnel district" of the historic railroad Moffat Road that runs up along Coal Creek Canyon in Colorado. There were originally 33 tunnels on the Moffat Road - there are 29 remaining today.

The best way to show the 3D design of the layout is to capture a video of the simulation in 3D, rotating around the layout and running trains on the track. So, I created a YouTube video of my layout, including some train simulations around all the track. Hopefully you can visualize the basics of the layout with this video.

One of my goals for the layout was to make it interesting (complex) enough to be interesting for both me and first-time viewers (I hope to bring this to some model RR shows) for a while. So, I designed it with what I hope are some "challenges" both operationally and for first-time visitors.

Challenges for You:

Sketch out the complete track plan. What exactly is happening inside those mountain tunnels? Can you be sure to know exactly where the train will come out, once it goes into each tunnel opening? There's a bit of a "secret surprise" here (demonstrated in the video) - please let me know what you come up with! Note that the minimum curve radius on my design is 12", meaning the tightest 180 turn takes up 24" of the 36" width available on the door top.

Also, figure out how to turn the train around, using the track plan you've come up with. Once you get it turned around, how do you get it back in the original orientation?

Just a couple of thought exercises, for your entertainment!