3 questions...

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Hi,

  1. I used to have a 4x8 HO layout in my basement in a small space but dissmantled it once I realized my c44-9w could not run with rolling stock behind it, it just kept derailing them on curves. So I’m wondering how large the radii must be in order to keep it running. My new layout is also a 4x8 but it can be expanded to about a 5x8 or a 6x8. (I have seen the rp-11 but dont really understand it) So my first question is what is the minimum radius size will I be able to run this?

and

  1. What would I have to do to be able to run multiple locomotives at the same time on the same track or one in a yard and the other on the main line without being too expensive if thats possible…

and

  1. Would 2 main lines seem too complicated, crowded, or unrealistic on a 4x8 layout.

Thank you for any help you can provide to any of these questions

2

  1. 22 to 24 inches. so you’ll need to expand to a 5x8

  2. to run together you need a powerpack that can produce enough current to supply both locos. To run independantly you need block control. look on the MR website for details ( a picture tells a thousand words).

  3. probably but it is up to you.

3

for the third question, my first layout was a 4x8 layout with two small oval lines. The space got very tight when i added scenery and buildings. Two mainlines on a 4x8 layout limits you to tight radi which results in your bigger engines and rolling stock possibly de-railing. Now, i am not an expert, but 2 mainlines on a 4x8 layout seems awfully crowded.

4

You need a bigger “table” and run at least 22" to 24" on the main.

Regarding your Yard engine question, I would have the mainline on one power pack and isolate the yard to a second power pack.

Then have a track designated as a Train inbound/outbound. The switcher can make up a train from the yard to this track or break the just arrived train into the yard. There is a need for some way for the road engine to get to this track without interfering with the switcher.

Best of luck!

5

What I did in my younger days was construct a layout designed for a 4X8 space but built it in a 5X9 or 6X12 space with wider curves. There are many great 4X8 trackplans that REALLY become fine layouts when built to a slightly larger space.

6

Platy:

Three short answers:

  1. Don’t attempt to run outsized equipment for the space you have. Looks stupid. Be realistic, if you love locomitive X and its too big for your layout put it in a plastic display case for later when you have the space for it.

  2. Don’t screw-around, go with DCC from the start. Can’t afford it today, wait until tomorrow. In the mean time work on other items.

  3. Yes, two main-lines are too complicated and crowded for a 4X8 in any scale. Don’t want to cope with that reality, make modules and run at a modular club meet.

Good Luck

Randy

7

Platypus:

  1. Yeah, you need to go with larger radii, or as someone said, go with smaller locos and display your models that won’t fit. Don’t forget, there are alternatives for smaller layouts than just a rectangles, such as shelves around the walls (up to 24" deep).

  2. Using DPDT switches (center off) on each line of your yard ladder and two throttles you can run multiple engines in the yard (that will get crowded, though). As someone said above, you can isolate one of those throttles for the mainline. Alternatively, you can flip the main between the two throttles as well. The simple solution was mentioned above, one throttle for the yard, one for the main. While DCC is highly desireable, I’m not waiting until I can afford it to build my next layout.

  3. Can’t imagine cramming in two main lines, but you might be able to get a nice long passing siding.

-Jer

8

Thank you to you all, however this is the only large loco all the others are quite small, so if I do decide to go with two lines only one has to have the large radius the other will be quite smaller. I will expand the layout to a 5x8 regardless of how many lines or whether or not I run the c44-9w. Thank you once again and I hope to post some pics once I get going