I am using Micro-Track and I'm kind of thinking about what this layout may look like. I am not sure whether I am going to do a 4' X 4' or an L-shape 4' X 2' X 2'. I envision my layout as being mostly rural with a lot of trees. I want to have two lines so I can run two trains. I'll have a very few houses around in clearings, and maybe one edge will the the outskirts of a small town with only a few buildings. I do want to have a yard as well. Should I just experiment with the track in the space I have or should I try to actually plan the layout by drawing it out? Charlie
Layouts Hi Charlie, I have the same problem...where to start and what I want to do with it. Shameless plug alert, we just posted some very simple layout ideas on the MTL Website in the Z Track Section Pull down. It might help visualize something. I am leaning towards something that is T shaped for my home layout, about 6' long by 2' wide with a 2'x4' T Leg from the center. Double racetrack with some yard work on one side and some siding on the other. I want to use Geological Visual Dividers to set up small dioramic sets that are isolated from the others on the layout. Photography is a big player in the layout. The T part of it would be a passenger station and siding, run arounds and some parking out back for my MOW stuff. While we don't make all the sections right now, you can insert Marklin components here and there and get creative with the layout. Cheers Joe MTL
Hi Joe, I cannot get at the new track plans on the MTL web site as the menu bar is inacessible, although visible. It disappears as you try to mouse over to it. Basically, the Z-scale menu is shifted to the right by half under the Z-scale header, and the track plans is centered under the HOn3 header. The gap inbetween these menus makes it impossible to reach. (Anyone else have this problem? Perhaps specific browser settings would make this accessible.) Tim
Hi Tim, I have had trouble with the MTL website too. As for layout plans, I built my last one from one in the 101 Track Plans book. There were some small variations but it worked well. Now my new layout is in a bedroom and is U shaped and a shelf layout. One arm is 1' X 6', the center is 1' X 12' and the other arm is 2' X 6'. I have two 45 degree sections at the inside corners. I have been playing with track to see what works best, but I may try to find a plan that will fit the benchwork. I want a nice mainline and a sizeable yard as well. I may do what Joe is doing and make separate dioramas. I just don't seem to be too creative when it comes to track planning! John
Thanks Joe. I can't get to that on the Micro-Trains website either but I will check again later. Charlie
John, Can you forward the PDF to Charlie? I'll see what's up with the Web Site. Sorry for the F-Up.... Joe
it worked just fine for me. here's the link: http://www.micro-trains.com/Track20Planning%20Diagrams.pdf dave f.
On some of them there is an arrow that says "Forward Direction." Why is that? Does it make a difference what direction the trains go? Charlie
I don't favor a small square layout. I prefer some type of "L" shape or peninsula to enable slightly longer runs. Perhaps some part that can be removed each time. The one exception to a square layout that I know is John Sing's square N scale layout. He manages to do an excellent job. There are many pictures of his work here on TB. I would both draw and experiment with the real thing. Hands on experience may prevent squeezing something into a drawing that will not fit when translated to the real thing. CAD programs are a big help in this regard; they won't let you cheat.
Good thoughts Flash. These Micro-Trains samples are great! Do more of them Joe! That could spur more people to get into Z and use Micro-Track I think. Charlie
Joe-- Any chance you can add some drawings of dual-main (195mm inner, 220mm outer) configurations for a 2' x 5' layout using Micro-Track? The current drawings on the MTL website offer excellent templates. Thanks, Steve Williams
Sometimes on small layouts, to get the most of the few switches you'll probably have, it's best to establish a flow. The direction I showed is just a guide that allows the modeler to back into sidings to drop off cars. As you get more comfortable with running stuff, you can get creative and change things around. I just thought it might be easier for the "Nubes" out there to get started with some of this stuff. Cheers Joe MTL
Actually working on a few of those now at work...the one I'm doing for myself is 2x6, but it's easy to chop a foot out of the design and get some good operation. When I was living in Orlando, I was able to visit a home layout, in N Scale that was 3x5 and was packed with track. There was enough there for 4 people to operate independent of each other...was quite amazing. I had yards, industries and sidings all over the place. I was also the member of the local N club and we had a building with 60' of straight main line and while that was fun to operate, this home layout was really interesting. So I hope everyone understands that even in the smallest places, Z can afford a lot of operations. Cheers Joe MTL
I can't wait to see more Joe. I printed all those off and just studying them has given me a number of ideas. Charlie
Note that the L-shaped layout is actually smaller in this case! It's just the 4x4 with a corner cut out. In this case, the size should be determined by where the layout will be. Go with the 4x4 if you can reach all of it.
I can easily reach all of it. It's just a space issue in my case. I am thinking of doing the layout in a small space if I have to live away from home for a few months in a dormitory type of room. Although, it is not certain that I will be doing that. I'm just thinking of what I could do, and then I would want to bring it home. Charlie
