Track Plan

I've been looking all over the web for an elaborate track plan for N scale. I have "virtually" unlimited space and I want to build something complex. I know I haven't been into this for very long, but I'm an expert modeler with many years experience with scratchuilding of fine scale ship models, both static and R/C. I'm not a bit scared of going full blast right out of the gate, and I prefer that approach. Accordingly, I would be most grateful for a track plan on this level. and certainly multilevel, with emphasis on "out-in-the-country" terrain. I would be glad to pay for this if required. Can anyone help me?

 

look at books on track plans by John Armstrong such as "The Classic Layout Designs of John Armstrong". (My layout is a modification of his "Delaware & Allegheny".) Also, Model Railroader Magazine has a track plan database for its subscribers

 

Check out some of Byron Henderson's large N scale layouts.

 

Many years ago there was an article in MRR titled If I Had A Million. It was a layout built in N gauge, and was also in the 1997 issue of Great Model Railroads. I think it was also a track plan in 101 track plans from Kalmbach Publishing. I hope you have time to build it.

 

A couple of weeks ago, it was 100 square feet.

100 square feet is different to most than "virtually" unlimited.

Folks might be able to help you more with a realistic assessment of your space.

 

Monroe Stewart's Hooch Junction, Model Railroader September 2006 and GMR 1997.

Much bigger than 100 square feet in N scale ... more like 1000 square feet

 

You're going to have to define complex for us to give you a useful answer.

Complex in terms of operation? Complex in terms of track? Complex in terms of scenery? Complex in terms of automation?

 

Even "expert" modelers can use practice building layouts if they haven't done so. Building a model railroad is vastly different from building ships and planes. It involves a wide range of skills including mechanical design, carpentry, electronics, sculpture, lighting and many others, not to mention--and more importantly--a really good sense of what one wishes to accomplish with their layout, aside from just impressing people with sheer volume.

Track plan development involves gathering a long list of specifications before pencil can hit paper (virtually or otherwise). Such as, accurate dimensions and properties of the physical space; prototype(s) of interest; locale and era to be modeled; goals for operations; control system of choice; preferred track; and a host of others. If a track planner is not asking these questions--and also making realistic recommendations based on all of the parameters including the modeler's skill level--then they may not be providing you with an appropriate plan, which could waste considerable time, money and effort.

Furthermore, this project does not sound like something for which you will find a plan in any book or on the Internet--unless you (wisely) choose to start smaller (think HCD) and get some layout-building skills under your belt before tackling the Big Dream Layout. I can't count how many times I've advised newcomers to start smaller--against their wishes--and be told to pound salt, only to learn they bit off more than they could chew and left the hobby. Happens all too often, sadly.

I'd also recommend perusing the track planning threads in this and other forums (http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/forumdisplay.php?183-Layout-Design-Discussion, http://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?board=20.0) to see what kinds of issues modelers face when designing and building model railroads. Learning from others' experiences may help you make more informed choices.

 

My original intent was to build it in the structure where I currently model, but that was before we became aware of my daughter's first pregnancy. Ergo, nursery trumps layout. Now the newly emergent plan is for me to bring a portable building onto our property, in which will be installed the shop for all of my modeling activity in one space. These buildings come in many different sizes, and I haven't settled on one. Hence, "virtually" unlimited. I trust that is sufficiently "realistic" and would hope that the explanation serves to renew your trust in me.

 

As I explained to Genset elsewhere in this thread, the space has not yet been acquired, so I have considerable latitude. Rather than vice versa, in this instance the layout itself will largely dictate the space to house it.

 

I would say As concerns Track and Scenery.

 

David, thanks sincerely for the time and energy you put into your thoughtful reply. Like most tyros getting into a new technology I admit ignorance even of what questions to ask, and I understand all your caveats. Nevertheless, I'm going to proceed (however blindly) as I contemplate. I'm moved to mention that I have no fear of fiascos, contrary to how significant most of you would think they could be. I'm 84, have experienced many, will experience many more, and enjoy the adventures.

Please don't think me arrogant for this. It's just that I don't take the consequences of proceeding in ignorance as seriously as you do. If/when this project is complete, I haven't figured out what I'll do with it. Likely just find a deserving great grandchild. Experiencing the process of creating it is far and away the most satisfying aspect of it, and the mistakes on the way are part of the adventure. It bears mentioning that at the end of it I have no doubt that it will be a beautiful creation.

I appreciate the link, and I'll study the content there. But I fully intend to "waste" considerable time, money, and effort. For me, the journey is the thing.

 

Thank you all for the many references to information. I'll surely consult them. Much appreciated!:teeth:

 

Oh, that's my motto, etched in stone (if you read my sites and blogs, you'll understand). Which is why I've embarked on well over a dozen layouts over the last fifty years; and because I value quality over quantity, I'm quite satisfied with smaller layouts, as opposed to giant time-sucking monsters. I might recommend that you consider what that great grandchild of yours might inherit in light of the potential size of your project, given what you may be able to accomplish in the years ahead: even a smaller layout (say, HCD-sized) can take years to complete, while a large double-decker could conceivably take decades. These numbers must be further expanded to allow for errors, given that you're not bringing much experience to bear. Best of luck, regardless of your choices!

 

Good luck!! I just hope when I am that age, I have the energy and will to keep on railroading with such gusto!! Kudos to you sir!

Sent from my Commando

 

HI if i lived near you i would help you build it. it would be fun to do.

 

Okay re-reading the thread and noticed you said you were 84... that changes my reply. A lot. I am not trying to be age biased, but that does bring some real considerations into the long range plans for this layout.

I would say the size of your layout is going to need to be dictated by how much longer you think you will be able to work on it and the difficulties imposed by age and decreasing mobility. If at 84 you are still blessed with the eyesight to enjoy N scale then I am envious, I maybe lucky if I can tell which end of a G scale train is the locomotive by then!

Even if you can get around perfectly now, things can happen. I'd plan wider isle ways and perhaps lower than usual bench-work, or allow for enough space such that an elevated walkway could be later installed on the ground if you ended up in a wheelchair.

Once the bench-work is up I would focus building effort on getting the track to a state where you can run trains.

 

1) Eyesight - 20-20
2) Hands - steady. Consider the complexity of fully rigging a 1:200 (18") USS Constitution.
3) Teeth - still have most of them, and they're all real, just in case I'll need to bite something.
3) Mobility - I labor the full week on a 23 acre rural property; chainsawing deadfall, digging post holes, & suchlike.

And we Morrisons run to centenarians more often than not, and tend to die standing up. NONE of which denies the plausible possibility that I'll cash in tomorrow. But that would not deny the fun I had in the meanwhile, and there would be several quite capable pairs of hands in the family to take over the enterprise. I strive always in my modeling for Ne Plus Ultra results, but as I mentioned elsewhere in this thread, enjoyment of the completed product is of secondary importance to me. So, nothing lost here by my failure to survive.