Hi gang, Im new here, from Norway, and currently planning a new layout in my hobbyroom. The plan is to build on shelfes in modules so its possible to re-use parts of the layout - just in case we will move sometime in the future. I also want to have workspace for various other projects so I cant dedicate the whole room for trains.
I would appreciate any suggestions to a layout going around the room. Im a little stuck in the planning phase.
I like to watch trains run but the layout needs possibilites for traffic. Centrifuge the trains will be a little boring after a while.
I thinking of a harbour with petroleum/gass and goods, a timber industry, station and yard. In the years 1960-1970 which include steam, diesel and electric trains. Not sure if I should focus on a bigger industry or not. I also need some space on the layout for detailing, buildings and landscaping.
I dry assembled some planks to see how it would be with a helix in the middle of the room. It made me a litte unsure. It takes space from the room but give longer runs and the possibility for one small end station/yard (or something else)
For your sections, you might look at the same style as how the NMRA HO modules are built. That framework works quite well as that’s what I have used for all my layout sections. It can be adapted for whatever size you choose to make your sections.
There’s nothing that says you can make a point to point and have it where one ops session the cars go one direction and the next the other.
I also suggest quick disconnects for any wires that cross sections. Makes it a lot easier to reassemble and reconnect when moving.
My quick calculations indicate that the track radius, marked in red, is 18 -19”, which while not ideal, is doable. After all we can only work with the space given.
Regarding the helix, I’m thinking of replacing it with a nolix, though I need to give that option more consideration.
Thanks! I should have converted cm to inch or feet. Seems like you got that right
1 inch = 2.54 cm
The radius in the corner is R-19". Its supposed to be “hidden” and not part of the landscaping. All my trains and wagons will manage that curve allthough it will not look particularly graceful.
A “nolix” could work. Perhaps I can make space for it and build that as a second step when the first level is done.
My intial plan was to have the main track on 59 inch/4ft above floor and the extra station (where I dry assembled the planks) on 35 inch/2 ft above the floor. The workbenches, which are 40 inch/3 ft tall, kind of defines possible heights of the layout.
The sections I plan to build from plywood will be around 4 inch tall. It gives space for tortoises underneath
Having now had time to take some further measurements, there would not be enough space for me to get past that helix to reach the far wall.
I work in both imperial and metric measurements, but presuming that you are most familiar with the metric system, I think I’ve been unfair to you Marius, and should just let you post in metric, as I find your heights confusing.
A nolix with a gradient of about 2.5% would work but it depends on your actual work bench height, and the height to the top of the rail on both proposed levels.
I think you have a fine start with your layout. A couple thoughts for you. From what I see of your plan, I’m guessing relatively short train lengths. That’s good as it will help keep a helix functional with a tight radius. Still, you may find that smaller steam locomotives may struggle pulling trains up it, unless they have traction tires on one set of driving wheels. Diesels and electrics should be okay. If you have the time & money, you may want to build your proposed helix first (or at least a fair amount of it) and test run a train on it so you know that the size trains you want to run will be able to make it up the helix.
My thoughts on industries is that unless you want to build a layout that is an industry itself (your layout depicts the rail aspect of a steel mill, for example) the size of industries should mimic the size of the layout. In my opinion, large industries are great for large layouts, but are severely limiting on a small layout. Small industries on small layouts allow for variety and more places to switch cars. Then your entire train is not bound for a single spot on the layout, but will be switched at several along the way.
Do let us know what you decide and how you are progressing. Always interested to see how modelers do their thing across the pond.
Marius, I hope you continue to post layout progress reports.
Don’t worry about posting distances in different conversions. I think most of us in the U.S. have a pretty good idea of the measurements, since we have to deal with the entire world on a different system.
I find it funny that in the U.S. we will have a 100 yard football field, surrounded by a 400 meter track.
I will surely post updates on my progress but I need to finalize a solid plan first. Usually i build first and think afterwards. Thanks for your feedback!
Personally, I’m not a fan of nolixes. I have a grade outside one of my towns that I would love to leave a cut of cars on while I’m switching the town, but the grade pushes them into town and in the way. I would tear a layout down if every town on it was like that.
My layout has a rolling grade of about 3.5% that is in a 25” roughly 260 degree curve. I run 40’ long freight cars. My 4-8-2 struggled pulling 9 cars up the incline without traction tires. My 2-6-0 couldn’t do it.