Hi, I'm new here, I got a few posts over at the N scale forums, but I figured I might as well post an idea I have for a layout over here. Space I have really only allows for an HCD, I did have room for bigger, but I lost it because a twin bed is going to be in that room. Here is what I have so far: Code 55 atlas track min radius is 13.5" max is 15" #5 turnouts using snap track mostly because I dont really feel like messing with flex, I will if I need to, and also I cant find code 55 flex anywhere I have been thinking of a logging theme but with less space some of my grand ideas may not fit so well anymore, so industry wise I have a lone grain elevator to stick somewhere, probably off on the lower right side of the layout base is going to be a 36x80 HCD with blue or pink foam on top, probably a 2" piece to let me have room to make a river or something I would like to have a nice bridge somewhere, im thinking somewhere on the top side of the layout, and overall "region" of my layout is pacific NW and for the turnouts I'll use caboose industries ground throws future plans I may add a second or third door and get an L or a U shape going. I drew the plan out on the Empire Express software So yea, thats all I can think of for info let me know of anything else that is important, Thanks!
I personally would avoid the switchbacks. It will be a cause for frustration. You may want to look through this site for ideas: http://www.cke1st.com/m_train2.htm If you are trying to keep it simple then I'd suggest, (inside the loop): A parallel two track spur off to the right which can be used as an industry but also as open staging. A couple of non-parallel tracks to the left for industries. Just suggestions.
I actually kinda like the first one and the last one, they have a nice simplicty while still interesting. thanks for the pics, more ideas to add to my list now
http://www.thevollmerfamily.com/Pennsy/ Dave Volmer has a GREAT HCD layout that grew....he wants to rip out the Atlas Code 80 and replace it with Atlas code 55
There a couple of HCD plans here The White River and Northern Model Railroad: Track Plans by David K Smith
I really like his layout, after seeing some of these other ideas, I'm back at the beginning now. I do have a couple of layout books on order, 101 trackplans 101 more track plans and the modeling for realistic operation, hoping between those and what im finding here I can come up with a good plan I think.
I like #4. I would like to get more details on this one. Where did you find it? With a few modifications, it looks like it would be good for a traction layout....
My issue with #4 is the lack of continuous running. Um, if you mean the 4th attachment. Beyond that, it's very nice.
It looks like one line to me. The middle section is the transition. Either back to the bottom, or on to the top level. I would love to find the specs for that layout!
]Alright now that the holidays are over I've gotten a little more serious on coming up with a track plan. I've been using a lot of the one that were posted on this thread to get ideas. So far I have a basic idea of what I want. I have a small yard, nothing fancy. I have not added any sidings yet, I plan on adding those, I'm just a little brain fried from trying to come up with an originalish plan that i like. I know I wanted to have something logging oriented, like a mill in a small town, not sure if thats going to fit in the space, but we'll see. Basically if I can get some feedback on this, it would be great, I would love to hear ideas on some industries and just any comments in general. Oh before I forget I'm using atlas code 55 flex, #7s on the mainline and #5s in the yard, and I think the smallest radius is 12". This is all going to be on the 36"x80" HCD I have sitting out in my living room, and also I'm using the trial version of some track planning software, so I cant save anything im just posting a screenshot of the plan.
choice I would take the fifth one from the list and make a couple mods to it and run it as a point to point with the option of continuous running. Plus with these tracks out to the edge it will allow for the expansion you talked about. Think also about a removable unsceniced fiddle yard type of module. It would allow for better operation possibilities and give you back some of your valuable sceniced real estate for industries and such. HTH
I really like this layout option. Give you plenty of operations and variety. Good place to start and maybe tweak some personal preferences. Looks like a winner to me!
I kinda like that plan, but I would be worried about that tunnel in the middle there, might be tricky to get to if I had a derailment. I've pretty much decided that I'll build a yard on another door in the future, maybe on something like a 24x80 just have a nice big yard to play around with. I'm still toying with some ideas, I'll try and get something posted up later.
