Buliding HO layout 13 1/2 X 27 1/2 ft.

Anonymous · February 27, 2006, 3:25pm

Could anyone supply some pics or ideas on a layout the size of 13 1/2 by 27 1/2 ft. ? My room is rectangular with a entrance door at the long wall midpoint. (13ft point) I’m looking to have a double mainline, one large yard and a small yard. Would alos like to inocorparte an intermodal operation. Prefer to run continuous trains with staging if possible. This staging can be hidden or viewable. Prefer hidden. Also open to duckunder, point to point or two level. Any pics of approx same size layouts of drawings or ideas are appreciated. Thank you!

NZRMac · February 27, 2006, 7:39pm

Mine might give you some ideas. I’m modeling a local line from the mountains and a coal mine down grade thru my city where I live to the port. Two and a half levels round the walls.

Down load Xtrkcad www.sillub.com and start playing around with something you like?

My layout plan is below.

Ken.

Anonymous · February 28, 2006, 11:39am

Thanks for the info. But does that program work for WinXP.? I did not see the compatablity. But I will look again. I do like your layout. Very nice design.

NZRMac · February 28, 2006, 12:11pm

I’m using Win XP works fine.

Anonymous · February 28, 2006, 12:14pm

I have xtrkcad on XP and it works great… take a look at my post about me getting my railroad going

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=58023

I am using xtrk for my layout and its working well It has taken me alittle time to get the hang of it… I went though the tips and it helped me alot.

things to consider that have been pointed out to me…
Hight? how tall are you? prefered height for a layout is mid chest Im going a little lower to a 48" height. also how long are your arms? for the reach 24-30 Inches are about the max you would want to go on a shelf set up…

there are other things that need to be considered too… but I recomend getting xtrkcad playing with it. you will get a plan sooner or later

BigRusty · February 28, 2006, 2:06pm

Whether freelanced or prototype the essence of a good layout design in my opinion is that it replicate how a real railroad functions. The function is to move people or goods from one place to another as expeditially as possible. It doesn’t start from point A and end at Point A. It starts at Point A and ends at point B. Point A can be an interchange with another railroad, a port or some other end destination. Point B can be the same. Trains NEVER run from Point B to point A or vice versa. There may be branches to other cities, coal mines or what have you along the way. No train that proceeds to the West returns from the East. Before wasting your time drawing a layout, try drawing a schematic track plan. A point to point layout must either have terminal facilities at each end and a means of reversing direction whether it be a return loop or yards and a turntable or wye. If you want industrial or passing sidings sketch them in where appropriate. When you are satisfied that it is true to prototype practice you can then wrap the schematic around your space in whatever plan works. You may lengthen or shorten some sidings, tangents and generate some curves, etc., but now you will have a layout that makes sense for real operation. No trains will be chasing their tails on your railroad. Feel feel to freelance or follow prototype as you wish.

Anonymous · February 28, 2006, 8:53pm

I will try the XtrkCad program and see how well it works for me. BigRusty, thanks for your input. What you say make so much sense. I guess the problem I have, with the amount of space, I would just like to sit back once in a while and listen and watch trains run. I think my best option would be to incorporate some type of a return track to allow this “running in circles.” I know this is not protypical, but something about just sitting back and watching is fun to me. I appreciate everyones advice. I used to have a 4x8 when younger and again when son was younger. Now he’s a teenager, and after many years of dreaming of a nice layout it is finally going to happen. I guess I’m trying to build that perfect layout…which feasibly doesn’t exist. But I do want to be happy with it and have many years of enjoyment. Just wish I had about 20’x40’ to work with. I will make do with what I have. Thankful for the space and wife’s approval!

NZRMac · March 1, 2006, 12:24am

QUOTE: Originally posted by BigRusty

Whether freelanced or prototype the essence of a good layout design in my opinion is that it replicate how a real railroad functions. The function is to move people or goods from one place to another as expeditially as possible. It doesn’t start from point A and end at Point A. It starts at Point A and ends at point B. Point A can be an interchange with another railroad, a port or some other end destination. Point B can be the same. Trains NEVER run from Point B to point A or vice versa. There may be branches to other cities, coal mines or what have you along the way. No train that proceeds to the West returns from the East. Before wasting your time drawing a layout, try drawing a schematic track plan. A point to point layout must either have terminal facilities at each end and a means of reversing direction whether it be a return loop or yards and a turntable or wye. If you want industrial or passing sidings sketch them in where appropriate. When you are satisfied that it is true to prototype practice you can then wrap the schematic around your space in whatever plan works. You may lengthen or shorten some sidings, tangents and generate some curves, etc., but now you will have a layout that makes sense for real operation. No trains will be chasing their tails on your railroad. Feel feel to freelance or follow prototype as you wish.

After many hours of sweating over my layout plan, I’m interested to know what you think of it Big Rusty?

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=57150

Or click on the links below.

Ken.