Need Help with a 9' x 10' Layout...

Kisatchie Jan 23, 2022

  1. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    With 9 x 12 to work with is it possible that you isolate the two locations with a divider or tunnel or something. Then in the area with the higher terrain don't raise the tracks but drop the terrain lower below the tracks for part of it to give the impression that the railroad is now out of the flat terrain. Basically you would have two layout levels.

    Sumner
     
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  2. SDVike

    SDVike TrainBoard Member

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    I wanted to keep my HO scale layout to 2% but I couldn’t get the elevation I need to clear a lower track so I was able to pull it off at 2.5-3%. It can pull a 20 car train up that slope with a single GP30. Not sure how that translates to Nscale. If nothing else, you can always add an engine.

    I also had a siding that required slope to clear another track. I messed with that siding a lot. I took a freight car that rolled really well. I placed about 6 feet of track on a board and raised one end. I would give the car a shove. My goal was for the car to come to a stop in 2 feet. I found I could do that at 1% or less.

    One funny note is I have almost 20’ of track from the siding to the bottom of the hill. If I’m not careful, a car will roll all the way down the 2.5% slope.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  3. Kisatchie

    Kisatchie TrainBoard Member

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    I'm having a heck of a time coming up with a track plan for the layout that has a decent mainline run while having lots of switching operations. I wish my 9'x10' spare bedroom were twice as large!:ROFLMAO:
     
  4. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    I may have missed it somewhere, but is this layout to be N scale or HO? The only real difference is the minimum radius consideration for curves. Slopes are the same regardless of scale.

    From what I've gathered so far, you want an around the walls (9x12) layout, ~24" deep, with rear track 4" above the front track, for visual separation.

    Is the entry door on a 12' wall or a 9' wall? In a corner or more than 24" away from a corner? What about closet door(s)?

    What windows does your room have, and are they above the desired level of the layout? If not, do you need to bump out around them, or can you run more or less straight across in front of them?

    BTW "around the walls" does not necessarily mean a closed loop around the room (assuming you do not want a lift-out or duck-under for entering/exiting the room.) It could be a "C" or "G", or even "E" shaped layout (depending on orientation relative to the 12' and 9' walls); which do you prefer?

    Are the front and rear tracks to be connected? That will take a 133.33" length to traverse the 4" elevation change between rear and front tracks at 3% grade. That could be in the form of a turn-around at the end(s), or a sloped track at an angle between the high line and the low line. You can also absorb some of that climb in the front and/or rear tracks.
     
  5. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    I think N, but if @Kisatchie will put the Scale(s) he is modeling currently in his signature it would help a lot?
     
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  6. Kisatchie

    Kisatchie TrainBoard Member

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    Hi,

    It's N Scale. I'm going to put my scale in my signature now.
     
  7. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you, mind making the N-Scale Bold and the color Red so it pops out at us :) Like this [ N Scale ] , if you don't mind sir?
     
  8. Kisatchie

    Kisatchie TrainBoard Member

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    Done!
     
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  9. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

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    It would help to see the intended footprint.
    My next layout will likely be 'E' shaped.
    I envision a thinly disguised oval running the entier 'C' with 11" curves.
    The center will be a yard.
    A short line will run down the middle. and along the edge of the table with spurs dictated by scenery.
    There will be 1 or 2 track interchange.
     
  10. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

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    Didn't realize my size should be stated in red. I will think about such. :coffee:
     
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  11. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    I agree with stating your preferred modeling scale/gauge(s) in your signature.

    As far as a means of making it more visible, if readers want to know, they will read it. I don't see a need to shout it unless you feel the need to.
     
  12. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    Those are reasonable grades on a model railroad, at least in my book. I just calculated the grades on the N Scale layout I'm building, with one at 2.1% and the other at 2.5%. I wanted less, but model railroading involves a lot of compromise. Speaking of cars rolling away, I have an industrial spur near the top of the 2.1% grade and I purposely made this grade a bit steeper to gain 30" of level track on the mainline around the spur's switch. This way I can work the spur without having to partially run up the grade every time I switched the spur or worry with devices to prevent cars from rolling away.
     
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  13. Kisatchie

    Kisatchie TrainBoard Member

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    Wow, it's almost March, and I haven't done much as far as designing a track plan or building any kits for the layout. I did DO something today - I painted an Atlas GP30 shell Tru-Color Engine Black. It's eventually going to be a Southern Railway high nose, once I order the high nose from Shapeways 3D printing.

    Geez, I'm amazed at how much railroad stuff I've bought in the last month. Every day I get another package or 3 of spray paint, building kits, Unitrack, etc etc.

    I hope I can actually finish this layout before I kick the bucket.


    Hmm... then quit leaving
    buckets lying all around
    the house...
    [​IMG]
     

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