I have the first stage of my planned layout and i want to ask you guys if you can find any major problems with it. Givens: must fit easily into a 13x13 bedroom must leave room for me to sleep (this is my bedroom) Druthers: N scale simple to build and get running relatively broad (for N scale) curves many operational opportunities (i can take on different roles) at least one bridge a tunnel expandable Theme: a small sized north eastern railroad that serves a medium sized town and a few mines. that way i can run long unit coal trains or short locals Era and locale: mid 1950's in the north east(obviously) more specific, I don't know this layout is really inspired of summers with my dad in delaware and new york and David Popp's layout. it is divided down the middle with a wooded ridge. it is on a 36x80 hcd. the minimum radius is 15". The track is all kato unitrack, i know how most people feel about sectional track but i want to try it for its ease of use, and the fact that you can try different configurations. the track that is at the very top is an interchange, the group of three tracks is a coal customer (i was thinking gas works, any other ideas?) the track to the left is another indrustry, what though, i haven't decided on (im leaning towards a team track). the turnout on the bottom leads to a coal mine (dang anyrail's demo 50 piece limit) i have a picture of that part too if anyone wants to see it. i haven't added staging yet but ive been thinking about where to put it, no spot jumps at me and says "put staging here!", so any suggestions on why one spot would be best or worst would be more than welcome. these are not all of the tracks that would be on the layout (repeat **** that 50 piece limit!) (the turnouts to staging) a river would be in the bottom right flowing under the straight tracks im thinking a tunnel would be on the curve to the right of the river. later after im done with the trackworck(at least) i will add a 18"x7' area to either the right or left extending upward to expand the town area and that is where the final staging will be (behind the town). Is this a good idea? do you see any glaring flaws? any advice is greatly appreciated. thanks.
Welcome to TrainBoard! Looks good from here. Yes. Please post the view showing what is planned for the bottom half of the layout. Boxcab E50
Are those Kato #6 or #4 turnouts. The #4s can be a bear and have always been feast or famine for me. (See threads devoted to making those work well). I've never had any problems with #6s. Good call on the run around. I have some Unitrack sitting around so when I have an idea, I mock it up. Absent Unitrack, you might want to mock that up with paper to see how that three track section looks in full scale. I know everyone likes larger radius curves but I've always found that the 315mm (12 3/8") or the 348mm (13 3/4") works pretty well, doesn't put the track right next to the edge of your layout, and gives you a choice of track pieces (30 degree and 45 degree). Personally, I like Unitrack and use it but you are going to pay for the convenience.
The plan looks good to me, a bit like a single track version of MR's new Salt Lake Route project layout. Going with unitrack will get you up and running trains quickly and is not really that costly when you factor in things you don't need to buy, like switch machines, and your time laying regular track. I find the No.4's no problem with anything except older stuff such as Life Like SD7's and E units which I attribute to their deep, sharp flanges, if there are any derailments I usually find the rollingstock at fault rather than the turnouts and can back long trains through my No.4 crossovers with no trouble.
I have #4s that are fantastic and cause no problems and I have some where the points barely touch. In my experience, Kato #4s are much more tempermental than the #6s. Please don't let my earlier comments about cost deter you from using Unitrack. I just want you to be aware of all the factors. Also, you can sometimes get great deals on used Unitrack on eBay. I think you will have fun with your new layout. They are all learning experiences.
Just something to think about: Though the layout is only 3' x 8', the ridge in the middle means a minimum 2' of access on both long sides and one short side, making the floorspace committment roughly 7' x 10'. Something accessed from only one side (or two with an L shaped table) will require much less floorspace taken from a 13' square bedroom.
On a small layout, think about photography when planning your display. You can have lots of fun showing off your work to others, but with a close backdrop shadows are the enemy. How will you light your daytime shots? Viewpoints without pesky trees or telephone poles? I know there are LOTS of places I railfan where I make mental notes to bring along a chain saw the next time! :tb-biggrin:
I'd also be concerned about the space required for this, since neither long side can be against a wall because of the center backdrop. It would be helpful to have a plan of the room, with all (fixed or movable) furniture.
here is a plan of the room: the squares are 6 inches any more info needed? any better ideas now you can see the room? all furniture may be moved
here is my room plan: This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image. The dimensions of the original image are 922x1023 with a file size of 648k. any more info needed? all furniture is moveable, by the way. ill post a picture of how the layout will fit soon. any more layout ideas now that you can see the room?
Haven't had time to get on here in a few days... How tall is the dresser in the lower left? Depending on that question, it may be possible to do a T-shaped layout. The center section would extend into the middle of the room; I'd make it shorter than the door, but it could be wider. Then extend shelves along the left wall for yard/switching space.
