Ok, so I’m trying to be realistic with my first layout…I chose the Great Northern Ry (#13 in the 102 Realistic Track Plans). I’ve built a 2x4 base…I bought 11in radius curved track. So, at 22in wide the curve just fits with an inch to spare on each side. The published plan called for 9 3/4in radius, but I wanted a bit larger.
My question: Is that too little space? Should I add another few inches to give me more? Or should I purchase the 9 3/4in radius curves?
Thanks for the comments.
I wouldn’t be too concerned even with it how it currently is. I have some track at the edge of my own layout; I’m planning on installing a low plexiglass barrier to protect rolling stock from falling off the layout. Adding a few inches to each side for scenery though would be fine IMO.
Where track comes close to the edge, definitely use a shield so cars don’t fall to the floor.
Post some pics of the layout and plans! Those curves are fine, just stick with 50’ and shorter cars, and four-axle diesel locos. Waste of money putting big steamers and passenger cars on such a tight fit… but otherwise quite fun! I am in the process of building a 2x4 fanasy railroad layout, see my blog (lonk below) to check it out! I run NP, SF and some GN soon enough too… but that 2x4 is so small, I’m daydreaming about a wall layout!
hi ms,
first your question, with every thing so close to the edge, it can fell, or by accident you push it over the edge. The radius of the centreline is 11"; so the distance between your train and the edge is just over half an inch. Two inches is my minimum.
I’ve a question; if I had to chose, #13 would be the very last I would chose. I am not looking for a debate or trying to get you into reconsidering your choice. I am just very curious why you chose this one. May be I did overlook issues you have seen in the plan. So please can you explain why you fancy #13.
Paul
Paul,
No real reason… This is my first layout. I wanted to stay simple and it has be small due to space constraints. Also, since this is my first, I wanted a bit of everything…water, tunnel, bridge, elev changes, etc…
What would be your ideal 2x4 layout?
Mmmm - if you absolutely must have continuous run, and you want something small in N scale from 102TP, then I would have have considered Don Kulps 2.5 x 5 foot Havaphew Central - has a lot more options for traffic - including a team track/loading ramp, an interchange track, short runaround, longish double ended siding (or alternatively two mainlines with crossovers) and several other things.
Doesn’t have a tunnel and elevation changes, but has water and bridge, trees, hillside, roads and houses - should provide quite a bit of interest in both building and operating.
For current MR subscribers, track plan database link: http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=1278
From Carl Arendt’s micro train site maybe the two scene with central divider 18" x 48" Matson’s landing on top of the logging line page: http://www.carendt.com/microplans/pages/industrial/logging/index.html.
Plenty of room for water, tunnel, bridge, elevation changes etc - can have two very diverse scenes on either side of the central divider.
It’s a H0 scale layout, but there isn’t much trouble making an H0 track plan into an N scale track plan in the same space.
Lots of other options, but it depends on what you want to model and how you want to run.
Smile,
Stein
I like both track plans; the one stein mentioned and also the OP’s original plan.
The one stein posted I’ve debated about building several times.
However, the OP’s plan has a bit of everything; a continuous run, small yard, town scenery, a spur to work, and also a water feature and mountain scenery. There is also a nice grade to the layout.
To each unto his own though; it depends on the style of layout you want and the facets of this hobby one enjoys the most.
All,
Thanks for your comments…I am sure I will have plenty of opportunities to tackle the other plans, which is part of the beauty of small… One thing I forgot to mention is that I will be building several of these since we plan on making them seasonal (Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas) to have out on display for the grandkids. I think the Halloween will be really cool. Once these are done and I’m through practicing, then I will start on something large in a spare room.