I know I've asked this forum MANY times for suggestions on many of my layout designs, and probably at times seem like I just don't listen to most of you. I promise to listen this time! I took Kozmo's advice and ditched the 24x48 layout size I wanted to maintain. I am going to build a layout with a size of 30"X60". It's something that will probably take a very long time to complete because of other commitments, like most of you. So, it will have to be stored somewhere out of the way when I'm not working on it. (under a bed, etc.) Also, I want to avoid 101 turnouts/switches on the layout, but I still want to maximize operations. is that a tall order? I think I came up with a starting point for a layout that fits the size, but I want input, since my major roadblock is ignorance of operations. Lastly, With the following plan, how does one get a locomotive out of the staging yard, or the spurs inside the mainline (depending on direction of train) without doing a full loop around and pushing the train? Is that what most people would do? I see alot of track plans that seem to have dead ends like I designed here...
I'm no operations guru by any stretch, but you need some sort of a run-around. That's where the track splits into two or more tracks, and then comes back together. A loco can uncouple the cars, then "go around" and come back to the other end, and then pull/shove the cars into the dead end, allowing it to reverse and escape. Otherwise you would trap the engine. Here's an ancient picture of my 30 x 80 door track plan, before scenery. You can see the siding on the left. That allows me to shove or pull cars in either direction into either spur. There are many published plans that might work better for you, if you want. Your design doesn't allow for operations, just around and around. You might try to post in the Layout Design forum for the best response.
Oh true, I should have placed this thread in the layout design forum. Would a site admin/moderator please do that for me?
I like what you have but...Your current track plan seems very sparse for N scale. Try printing it out and then looking at it so that the spurs are on the top side. I would say that your best bet is to simply get your layout benchwork set up, and then start playing with track pieces on it. Some people xerox the switches so they can tape switches down. Why does that top track run parallel to the edge of the layout? Can it angle in or do a wide S curve? Can you fit a long siding up there with structures between the two siding tracks? I used to be really into track planning, but now i know better. Seeing it laid down and being able to line up box cars and locos to get a better idea of how much storage each track has is the only way to go. Scenery will change how the track plan feels as well. even something as simple as a tall structure will completely change the way the layout looks and feels to you. The ultimate operations layout from a switching and minimalist perspective is the time saver layout. It only has five switches. Can you build a layout with five to eight switches and have it be interesting? I looked at your plan again. Is that Unitrack you are using?
Sheldon, I can tell that what you really want is something a bit larger than you can fit on a small piece of plywood. The answer might be found in a different type of construction. Consider the "N-Track" venue for a moment. You could build a small module that would be yours is every sense of the word. Then you could join a club, attend meetings and participate in the construction of a really big layout with the members each providing one of more small pieces of the whole. For fun and games at home, four small corner modules could provide for loops of track to run trains on. Then you could build more modules to stretch the model in any shape you want. Turnouts can be small in number at the biginning and you can grow the size and complexity of the model to whatever you need. The next time you see an advertisement for a train show in your area, make plans to attend. Pack up the wife and children and be pepared for an all day adventure. The trains on display at the show are almost always N-Track modules. Some of the module chains can fill an entire room! I hope this will help in your quest for that perfect plan Jerry
Yes, it is Unitrak. GM, I've been somewhat frightened by N-Trak due to the strict rules. However, if I take the time to really understand them, I suppose it couldn't be too difficult. I will look further into it.
Sheldon: You could build a very nice compact layout with plenty of operations on a door 30x80" or 36x80". Alot of railroading with interesting track plans that don't require many turnouts can be built in that space. With your DCC, you can spend many enjoyable hours running your trains on a layout of that size. Many interesting track plans that aren't overly complicated can fit into that space. Stay cool and run steam.....
Here is another variation on my last track plan. I'm not sure if that run-around is worth it, since it's so short, but it may prove helpful, suggestions? I'll have to purchase $60 in additional turnouts for this plan, but I think it's starting to provide some more interesting operations. Thoughts?
Also, I'm very interested in N-trak and T-trak, but at the moment, I probably won't spend too much time going somewhere else to run trains, etc. I want something at home for my kids and family to enjoy. So thanks for those suggestions!
Sheldon, What about making a plan that would allow for expansion within the space you have now? An example would be to make a single line spur long enough so that when you want to add another switch, you can. This would help keep the initial cost down some and the expansion should be really easy with the unitrak. BTW, I like the curve on the mailine on the front of the layout. That will make it look much better than just a straight section.
My own thoughts: 2x4 and 1x4 foot modules on 2" thick foam With unitrack it would be relatively easy to snap them together to form a 4 foot (and longer) x 3 foot layout stored on shelves This would allow for: 1) Broad curves 2) Staging tracks 3) Expansion
You may want to think about putting the 2 turnouts for the run-around at the ends of the oval. This may widen the track plan beyond a hollow-core door width unless you eliminate the turnout on the outside of the oval, but I'd also encourage you to consider using something besides HCD so you have enough room for some interesting switching.
yes, however I'm somewhat hesitant to post it I found myself getting away from my intial plan (which was to get started with something small in the 24"x48" plan and build my modeling confidence). So, I went back to the 24"x48" arena, and built the following plan. I will run small trains, mostly steam and early diesel. This plan can then be rotated 90degrees counterclockwise and expanded from there, when I have more money (after the holidays)
I slightly modified the previous plan and came up with this. Tell me what you all think, is that "runaround" worth having? It's seems most of you all try to ensure to incorporate some kind of run around on your plans, should I have one on this little layout, or do I end up with too much track and no room for scenery?
I don't see how you could service the siding on the upper left without a run-around track (unless you turn the whole train around using 1:1 scale hands). If you wire this section separately you could use it for a passing siding and run two short trains in opposite directions, holding one in the siding until the second one returned. Just a thought.
