Quote from: ebtbob on February 02, 2010, 06:17:03 PM
Reverse loop to the left that is a hidden reverse loop,...  I hope you plan on having some way to access all that hidden trackage for maintenence, derailments, etc.

The blue-tint and left-hand red-tint are both reverse loops. A lot of the red-tint stuff is hidden track. Good observation and thank you.

The advice so far seems to be that it won't work in this version. I'll try a redesign.

Quote from: pdlethbridge on February 02, 2010, 04:01:23 AMDo they have software like that for the Mac?

I'll have to have a look around for something like that. In the meantime, I guess the central issue for this layout idea is - how much of a hairpin can one make with flex track?

Also, if reverse loops cause wiring troubles, what's the best way to have a turn-around?

Quote from: pdlethbridge on February 02, 2010, 01:56:20 AM
Try this software to get your layout planned.

Ah, is there a Mac-based version or equivalent?

Most of this track is flex track, making as tight a curve as possible in some of that image.

So, this is what I'm thinking. Is it clear? Any thoughts/suggestions?

I think that helps a lot. I'm trying to determine how much area I should plan for a bridge. This seems to answer that or at least point to one.

Can someone inform me of the average grade recommended when using the 18-Piece Graduated Pier Set? Also, what are the heights of each part?

Thanks. I suspect two extra coaches are my next purchase(s).

Thank you for the response. In essence, this is a pulling strength question. Just to confirm, is that the two the set comes with or two in addition. Thanks again.

I'm just beginning in the HO hobby and my latest purchase (as of about 15 minutes ago) is the Emily, tender, and two cars set. I'm wondering how many additional cars is possible without making the train far too slow or risking damage to the engine.