Well after a lot of thought and work I finally have a layout plan in hand and would very much apreciate any comments, suggestions, complaints, problems that you notice or whatever. Just remeber you've got to be cruel to be kind. The layout design is here http://members.shaw.ca/paul_davis/design.gif Sorry that it may not be very easy to follow and isn't all coloured in with trees and all. The room is ~8' x 11' grid is 6" scale is HO Min radius 21" Min aisle 30" max mainline grade 3% Height is in inches from floor. [ 15 June 2002, 05:09: Message edited by: Paul Davis ]
Interesting design. What's the era and theme of your layout? I ask this because it looks like you've got some switchbacks in there, and the first thing I thought of was a mountain road or logging railroad. And you've also got a track pointing to staging- I assume it's in the next room, so I guess it's fair to ask how much staging are you allowing for?
If it were me, I would raise the layout at least another 10 inches in general. I am 5 ft 10 inches. Access on the right hand side looks like it could be an issue. I didn't see any area that could be used for access. Remember you can set up staging in a lower deck, underneath your layout. If you do, you may not want to use L girder as it eats a lot of vertical space. Remember to have room for structures, you have lots of track so be conscious of room for buildings, etc. If operations is important, you track plan is good. If visuals is important, you might want to scale back some track to make more room for terrain and buildings.
Hello Paul, The track plan looks very interesting especially if you are considering a logging layout as was previously mentioned. Your room size of 11 by 8 is fine for the layout you have chosen, and I note that your grid squares are 6” square, so in actual fact this is a walk in with the layout hugging three walls, yes? Now, to me there is far too much track work, and not enough for structures unless it is going to be a scenic run. If in fact you are considering a logging/mining type layout, you could dispense with the turntable and have the mine/logging camp in there, just my thought friend. Anyway, in the end, it’s what you feel happy with. Paul.
The era will be anywhere from 1940's to 1960's depending on what I feel like at the time. I didn't have a particular theme in mind. Staging is in the next room. I haven't decided on the capacity yet. It really depends on how big a storage cupboard I decide to build I agree the layout might be a little low. I might raise it a little but I'm afraid to go too high as the room is reduced height at only 5'10" (luckly I'm only 5'7") There are obstructions along two of the sides that bring the height down to 5' That's for noticing the access of the right. I did have an acess hatch there but it must of dissapeared in one of the design revisions. I'll have to work out something. Yes it is a walk in hugging three walls. You may also be right about there being too much track. Only problem is what to remove? Here's an updated design. Only difference is it has been coloured with trees and all which does make it a lot easyer to follow. http://members.shaw.ca/paul_davis/design.gif [ 15 June 2002, 05:10: Message edited by: Paul Davis ]
Paul D. I like your design! There are a few small bugs, but nothing to break a sweat over! You mentioned that you haven't chosen an era or equipment yet, I should think that would be pretty high on your priority list. This decision will have a large impact on grades, tunnel and bridge clearances and siding lengths. Keep in mind that should you be leaning towards a logging theme, you don't have to run shays or climaxes, (no offence to Paul T.) unless of course they appeal to you, (I myself love 'em). A modern day logging and lumber operation could be just as satisfying on a modest sized layout. A bit of advice I have for you is to be aware that a design can incorporate things that may be difficult or impossable to duplicate using manufactured track and switches. Many designs undergo revision during the construction phase!! In your plan I see the oppertunaty for many great kitbashed or scratchbuilt structures! Look forward to reading about your progress....... 2slim
you mention that his "era" would make a difference as to what grade would be used. Would that be newer diesels can take a steeper grade?
2slim, I am planning on building my own track. At least turnouts anyway. I'll probably end up using flex track so that I can get something running. Eventually I plan to scrachbuild/kitbash most of the structures. A few on the front of the layout will have interior details and all will have lighting of some kind or another. It's a long way off till any of that is done so untill then I'll probably have a few cheap kits just to stand in. Tunnel and bridge clearances are a little tight for my liking at the moment and some of the vertical separation is not what I'd like it to be but I also don't want to make the grade higher than it is. I expect during constuction it'll sneak a little higher. Just finishing room preparation now. Hopefully I'll be starting the benchwork soon.
Just the opposite Barry - It's not so much the power of the locomotive as the physical size of the equipment. More modern era means larger rolling stock and locomotives and longer trains. Older era means shorter trains and smaller equipment. On a small layout - pre war themes are more effective. Short trains and short rolling stock can handle tight curves and get up steep grades. The logging theme works well with the switchbacks too.
