Hi all, I'm about to embark on a mid-life (40) crisis layout...my first real attempt at a semi-permanant place to run trains, introduce them to my young son, etc. My wife has signed on as VP of scenery and details (cool!). I hope to begin construction this summer and be operational within 12 months. I have used Atlas Right Track Software and their upcoming Code 55 track. Please note that I am bumbling with the software and everything does NOT match up properly yet (ah, the goodness of flex track!). The layout is up at http://pages.prodigy.net/bobhayden/bhlayout01.jpg Here's the idea behind it: Modular construction, including an NTrak module. There will be a curved skyboard 6 inches from the back, curving in at the 2 ends. It is meant to be able to operate with the middle section removed as well. I would like to run trains of various eras, from long freights to Steam to Amtrak passenger runs. I would like to go with DCC but may try to wire it to be used both ways. There is a 4x4 loopback module at left. The single loop is an "up and over". In the center of the loop I would like to put in some minor yard (kinda short, though), or possibly a switching industry or possibly a roundhouse. The middle section is an extra-wide 3x4 foot straight NTRak module (NTrak allows an additional 6 inches front and back). The front 6 inches will be for scenery purposes, and the back 6 inches allow for loop back of the trains as well as 2 staging tracks. Remember, this will be behind the skyboard. This section is to depict the triple track BNSF line between Chicago and Aurora (a suburban Chicago town flat scene) complete with station. Finally, the 4x6 module at right consists of hill and mountain scenery, with tunnels, bridges and the like. Any and all information, criticism, ideas, advice and comments are welcome and encouraged. I am cross-posting this to the layout design and the N Scale forums here on TrainBoard. Thanx, Bob
From the looks of things, your up and over loops will have an extremely steep grade, probably around 4 percent. Also, the curves look rather sharp. I like your idea of incorporating an Ntrak module tho. As far as the plan goes, it looks great for mainline running, and I suppose you'll add some switching in elsewhere. This may not be an issue for you, just depends on what type of running you want to do. I'm not particularly wild about the "Bowl of spaghetti" look, (lots of tracks looping over each other) but again, that's a matter of my opinion. The plan looks great for medium to short trains, but I'd be wary of long trains.
I actually think you might be limiting yourself with the N track module. But if it already exists than go for it. Anyway, if you can, take a look at the Jan and Feb 2000 issues of Model Railroader. A layout about the same size and shape as yours was built in a how to article - the layout is called "The Appalachian Central" and is one of my all time favorite plans. The basic plan could be changed to fit your space and a triple track Chicago main could even be included - but would be quite a rework of the original plan. Anyway - check it out at your local library - it should give you some ideas. It is even worth looking at April 2001 MR - there is a 'how to operate' article based on the AC plan.
Hi, I replied to your layout design in the Atlas forum in N scale. I was the one that said - for me - I would be bored of it once the construction was done. If you have the room, I second Rob's opinion of the appalachian central. One of the best N scale layouts of that size I have ever seen, it could keep you busy for a lifetime. It is also a good example of operations over just straight running, although to get a good operational layout, it doesn't have to be that complex.
Hi Bob, I took a quick moment to draw a schematic for this layout and I found that you essentially have 3 separate loops. If you have not already done so, I recommend John Armstrongs Track Planning For Realistic Operation. He has a section where he talks about good and bad cut off tracks. Assuming I diagramed it correctly (havent had my coffee yet) Your trains will not easily be able to run over all the track without you throwing a number of turnouts and running the same sections more than once. This may be part of your druthers, but there is not a turnback loop, so your trains will always be going in the same direction. Without changing the trackplan other than adding a turnout to the front of the n track module, you could change one of the loops to be a turnback loop. This could be done by adding a facing point (assuming running left to right) crossover from the bottom track to the middle track to the right of the t/o connecting the middle to the top would do this (check my work--lack of coffee) Otherwise, you have room for some real action there--I really like the concept where you can run the trains even with the middle removed. my .02 nodima
Hi all, I appreciate the inputs and advice. I'm going to the library to check out the Appalachian Central plan and articles from MR, and I intend to pick up a copy of Track Planning for Realistic Operations as well. While I will likely be more a train runner than operator, I do want to include some level of yard staging, switching, etc. , in my plan, and maybe even a roundhouse. The bottom line is, whatever I am going to build, it has to be somewhat modular in construction to allow for moving (and future expansion???), and that I would like to include a straight 4' NTrak module (probably with 2 return tracks in the rear). That module will likely be 3'wide by 4' long, and I can't see anything bigger than 4x4 on the left end and 4x6 on the right end. So...if any of you have any ideas and suggestions, please let 'em fly. If not, I'll be back with more questions and an updated track plan once I do some further reading, research and legwork.
First boring trivia regarding layout design. Modular is kind of a "universal" standard. In actual facts, there are several modular clubs. So for example, NTrack has standards you have to build to to conform and run with them. Sectional is usually one person doing their own thing, which by the way you can do with the Applacian Central, though it isn't built as a sectional layout. Next, don't disregard the "operational" side of model railroading unless you have lots of experience in running layouts and definitely know your "druthers." You might surprise yourself and love it. I didn't think I was an operational kind of guy, then discovered that - for me - it was the only way to go. Tastes change over time and operations have evolved for a number of reasons, but one of the primary ones is that the operator's got tired of just running trains by themselves, without purpose. They discovered that when they got together, and ran trains prototypically (or close to it) that they enjoyed the hobby much more. You too could be a future "operator."
I guess so Bob, but I think you need a few sidings, I mean you need someplace to switch cars. Also I not too keen on the idea of the yard at the back of the layout. I want a yard where I can get to it without leaning all the way across the layout. If you are switching cars in the yard you will have derailments there. Please double check your grades as Ridgerunner said the grades look rather sharp. I hope that you are planning to use flex-track, not sectional track. If this is your first layout, take your time, step back and look at the whole picture every now and then.
