I'm somewhat new to the hobby. I thought I would post the N-scale layout I'm working on. This will run on my desk, with my computer sitting in the middle. Here are some notes: I'm going with Atlas True-Track for simplicity and looks The layout was designed to use all of the pieces from each package of track I would need (i.e. no leftover pieces if possible) I'm not into scenery at this time... I mainly like to watch the trains go by, and perhaps do a little bit of switching I said "trains", but really it will be just one long mixed freight (for now) I wanted to make as much room for my mouse-clicking arm as possible (earlier versions of this design had the double-track curve on the right, which I determined would cramp my arm a little too much) I'm curious how flexible the True Track is in terms of being able to join pieces that aren't quite dead-on, per the RTS software. Anybody have any experience with this track? Anyway, I know it's not much, but I know I'm going to enjoy it. Comments are welcome, unless they pertain to my hand drawing skills. ;-)
Thst looks awsome, but your going to need a deep desk to pull it off. otherwise you will be limited to short 4 axle locos and 40' rolling stock.
Well, I don't have the track yet, but I do have a circle of track from an old Bachmann starter set that has a tighter radius than any of the track above. My 50' cars run fine on that. But you're right, I don't think I can run any 6-axle locos... that's okay though, maybe one day when I get serious and build a real layout. (Besides, the widest radius for N-scale True Track is 12.5", and is that enough to run anything more than a 4-axle loco anyway?) The layout above is actually to scale -- I've traced it out and it will work fine, space-wise. More depth would be nice, but what I really wish I had was more width... Thanks for the comments!
By more width do you mean more room on the top side (as you have your plan drawn)? Is there a wall behind your desk? You could mount a small piece of wood either supported by the back underside of the desk or screwed to the wall to give you the bit extra you need. How much are you looking to add?
My SD80MAC(a LONG 6-axle engine, longer than my E units) will actually run fine on my loop of True Track with 11" radius curves, it looks really funny doing it, but operationally, it works.
There is a wall on the top and left sides. If I had, say, three more inches to the right, I could manipulate the layout to squeeze in a couple of more straight pieces (rerailers, when they come out). But I'm okay with the way it is... plus I don't think it would look right if I added an extension to a desk from Ikea. :wink3:
Well now you know next time you go to take your track and trains with you before buying a piece of furniture! tongue:
LOL... Anyway, I discovered this track is more pliable than I imagined, so with an extra turnout and pack of 12.5" curves, I can get a double-track oval with no problems. It works great, despite what RTS shows in the attached layout. Will post photos once I fix the new loco I broke... :-/
a little advice... Two words: Wireless mouse! - Or else you'll be snaring trains off the tracks with your mouse tail! Very unique! Looks like fun. You could have your hoppers carry paper-clips!
