I started to design my first layout,I decided to use the rokuhan's track. the layout is 105cm x 52cm (42" x 20") <--- i think:question:, 2 level. I'm not at all familiar with z ramps, tell me if it's okay! Many thanks for any idea Alessandro
Hi Alessandro, First off, nice choice of tunnel portals you have there..(I'm prejudiced because they are mine so how can you possibly go wrong?) ) I'm afraid on the first and last layout proposals, you are not going to be able to get to the other tracks once you go through a certain set of turnouts. Trace the possible routes with your finger and you'll soon see that you get trapped into only one route. I'm betting you want more operational possibilities than what these two plans will allow. Your #4 plan appears to have a turnout inside the mountain, which is ok, IF you can access the turnout which is a weak point in any track plan due to the possibility of trouble down the line. You need to be able to access any turnout otherwise you are going to look yourself in the mirror and begin calling yourself names. Also, if you are traveling clockwise on the fourth track plan, you can not get to the outside track once you are on the inner track. Is that what you want? Track planning is tricky to some degree and careful planning is really important to make sure you will get all the operational features you desire. Regarding two level, you certainly don't want any more grade than about 2% at most unless you are running two locos together to climb the steep grade. I think you are having the same dilemma that most first time layout builders have.......you want lots of operation, but the given space requirements certainly limit your possibilities. Can you go longer on your layout board? Just some food for thought, and I'm not meaning to throw water on your bonfire, but thought you might want to think these plans through a little more.
Thanks for the advice Loren, and tnx to Matt for the link, very very helpful. I decided to change the whole project, I was inspired by your advice, now the plastic size has grown a little 48" x 25". Remains to wait for the tracks and experiment some solution. Thanks in advance for any help seeya Alessandro
This is what it is all about Alessandro. We are a community of like minded model train enthusiasts who share, explore and enjoy this hobby. Some are very serious and detailed, some are just having fun and not overly dedicated to exactness, but in every case, we like our hobby and like to share our experiences with one another. Keep on keeping on.
