Layout progress (updated pics 6-3-09) I finally started construction of the benchwork/shelf for my basement room layout. I have had to work around a very unsquare area but I think I will be able to cover it with scenery. I plan to have a pretty simple layout with two mainlines and a yard. I was going to go with cab control with block wiring but it seems to complicated so I am just going to use my NCE power cab to control everything. (unless someone can point me in the right direction on how to wire the blocks) I will have pics of progress directly. I will have to make a liftout for the door. The room is appoximately 11 X 16 and there is a large closet that I can utilize also. I plan to run the train throught the basement eventually by running through the walls.
So far it looks great. The bench work looks strong and that corner looks like you worked out the non-square issue. :thumbs_up: Keep us informed.
I am still not sure what to do for subroadbed. I was just going cover the framework with plywood but i visited todd treaster's layout and his method is pretty nice. I have spoken to him about this as he shops at the same train store i do. Any suggestions? All help is greatly appreciated.
Well, from the photos I have seen of Todd's work, that would be a great way to go. With his being local, being able to ask him for pointers and tips, would have me quite tempted! Boxcab E50
kirtdog: I know Todd to be a great guy, and a skilled "N" scaler...he can probably show you three ways to do any given thing, then help pick what will work best for you - a fine modeler to learn from - and you oughta see his BIG trains !!! All the Best !! Bob C.
homosote for subroadbed I have a few sheets of homosote lying around and was thinking to use it for the subroadbed. Has anyone used it on their layouts? I was going to use foam sheets but I figured I would use the material i have lying around...any thoughts?
Envious here. Wishing I had the room, I do mean the room to build my layout in. Looks good. Whatever method you use, you will do well at. Have fun!
more progress I have added a 12ft. long section along the back wall. Next i will run it throught the wall into the closet. I was thinking about making the closet a staging area but I am not sure how to do it. The closet is 39" x 82". It is a fairly large closet . Any suggestions??? here are some pics.
yard/staging help I need some help from you veterans/experts on yard/staging design. What I am trying to accomplish is having two mainlines with three staging/yard tracks on each side. I have drawn out what I want to do and attached a pic of the plan. I cannot figure out how to configure this. Can someone tell me what turnouts, how many, etc? I appreciate all of the help and support. Thanks
Hi kirtdog, welcome to trainboard. I am going to assume that you are going N scale with this? My suggestion is use Atlas code 55 flex-track and turnouts. I love the #10 turnouts and they would be ideal for your mainline. In your staging yard I would use #7 turnouts to save a little space. How long is your staging yard going to be? Your staging yard looks fine but maybe for added interest have a double cross over form mainline to mainline. Still keeping it simple is always a good idea. My thought would be to make the shortest yard track longer than the longest train you hope to run. Also make the space between tracks wide enough to get your fingers around rolling stock on one line without bumping cars on the other tracks.
Could the yard be built utilizing the two seperate mainlines as a return loop inside the closet ? Consider taking what you have drawn - stretch it for length - then bend it into almost a complete circle or 180 degree. Trains go in the closet on the main- curve around the storage tracks and come out going the opposite direction to the layout. The yard itself could be a numerous track loop ( balloon) inside the closet. It (the loop) would considerably increase storage space and allow for complete trains to be stored intact ready to run out and also be hidden when not in use and staged. You could basically duck under one of the mains and stand up inside the closet in the middle of this yard loop just in case something goes wrong. Be sure to provide adequate lighting you can turn on/off when required.
train1, would it be possible for you to sketch out your suggestion? This is my first layout of this size and I have an idea of what you are saying but it would be easier for me to understand it better if i saw it. Cleggie, Thanks for all of the help. Yes this is n scale. I am still trying to figure out what to do with the yard
I'll see when I get home from work later on tonight. As I stated. The mainline would go through the wall ( switches for the yard could be on the outside of the wall ). The yard is all one big curve around. The return switches could also be on the outside of the closet. Take your drawing make it long while curving it 180 degrees. I'll see if I can fire up my scanner.
I was planning on going through the closet and continuing around the room but your plan sounds good as a turn around. I am assuming I would need curved turnouts??? I am trying to visualize what you are saying... thanks
closet suggestions Anyone else have any suggestions about my yard. I am holding off on building the benchwork in the closet until I get a better idea of what train1 suggested. Also, if i decide to do the staging as in the diagram i posted, i still need help figuring out the orientation of the turnouts. If anyone can post a picture of something similar, it would be greatly appreciated. As always, any suggestions/criticisms are welcome.
Well, here is a basic reverse-loop and staging idea using the footprint of your closet. The mainlines split from running parallel outside the closet, then continue as a single-track loop through the closet with the staging coming off of it. This is basically a dogbone. I would suggest a set of double-crossovers just before you split the mainlines. Note this makes need of a reversing loop module. Due to the dimensions of your closet the inner tracks have a tight radius, but since they are hidden staging it isn't an issue. The other option is to have to stub-ended yards with the loop around them. Either way you will want to cut yourself an access hatch in the middle to be able to reach the back corner of the closet. This plan allows room for it.
