So, I've just moved into a new apartment, and want to start a layout that I've been wanting to do for years, I just dont have a clue as to what my plan shall be. I now have measurements for the space I can build a layout in. It's walk-in closet in the shape of a L The wife said I cannot put a lot screws/nails in the walls, so I will be making four sectional bases for my layout. All sections will be 24 inches wide, two will be 24 inches long placed side to side, to give me a 24X48 leg on the right side. I will have a 24x36 inch leg in center and a 24x41 leg on the left side. Basically a U with on side a bit shorter then the other I plan on starting with a 2" foam base at 38" as there is shelves at a height of 51" that I cannot move. I will be modeling in N scale, since this will give me the most trackage in a small space. I dont really have any particular era or locale to model just hope to be able to have at least a continuous running line. I was thinking that maybe a logging or mining branch would allow me to have a hilly terrain that allows me to take a line up to multiple elevations. Now to just come up with some form of plan. I have tried using all the tracklayout software out there and just can't seem to come up with anything that i like....I am open to anyone's suggestions as a stepping stone. Thanks! Here is the space I have to build on...
Okay. Here is a sketch to discuss your space. This is drawn with 9 3/4 radius curves EXCEPT one gentle 19 inch radius "cosmetic" curve jus to the right of the crossing. The right side of the plan is fairly conventional. The 48 inch side is enough to make a turnback loop that allows you to use most of the length along the back wall. The 41 inch side at left is not quite long enough towards the front to allow the front portion of the oval to squeeze back into the back left 24 x 24 quadrant. My solution is to flip the loop there so that the continuous route is a figure 8. The track furthest back in the back left corner forms a reversing connection. (Brings in reverse loop wiring...) If you want a reverse loop that runs the other direction, add a crossover at the right back where 2 tracks are running nearly parallel. If you don't want a reverse loop, keep that track in back left corner connected at far left side, but let it be the beginning of a climbing branch. I noted a spot for a hidden double=ended siding at back of layout to use as hidden staging. I almost always recommend staging of some kind. I did not draw in yard or industry spurs. They should be easy to plot once you squeeze in your main line. The space you have is more than 3 times the size of my 2x3 foot "Lighter than Air" portable layout. http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/511/LTAatGalv.jpg http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/511/LTAplan.JPG
This has a somewhat more conventional continuous loop mainline. Unless the mainline cuts across the inside corners, it is forced back a ways from the front edge of the operator's area. This leaves some room for a climbing branch. An industry spur, team track or freight station track could be placed at the front edge of the center space, in front of where the mainline falls. Note that the mainline is NOT level all the wall around. It has a gentle grade, about 1% between the level portion at 0" elevation along the front and the level portion at the back, at half an inch elevation. This allows the climbing branch to have more grade separation over the mainline loop right at the front inside left corner. The climbing branch has a somewhat steeper grade, about 2 1/2 to 3 %. It has to climb over itself. Unless a runaround track is added for upper end of the branch, cars will have to be pushed uphill so the ranch loco will not be trapped behind cars being set out. The branch could serve a mine or a logging area as desired. Or "other." This plan includes a 2-track hidden siding at the back which can be used for staging, and a passing siding/ runaround at front (which allows the branch loco to get on the downhill end of any cut it is going to push uphill.) I drew a very short stub spur off the passing siding mostly because it was easier to pick up and flop the drawing of the turnout than to construct a wide radius curve to match the curvature of the turnout to align with the passing siding. However that little stub spur can be used as a loco service and parking track, a team track, or a small industry spur. The plan also includes 2 spur tracks paralleling the main and the passing siding which can be used as a small yard. I figure having 4 tracks parallel gives more the impression of a yard, than 2 yard tracks stuck off away from the main by themselves.
hi, why not show us the plans you rejected. When you are also able to explain why, those plans could be a great start for help.
