I’m getting very frustrated. I have picked my brain (and others) and cannot come up with a track plan. I’m only 15, so my funds and space availability is limited. My parents have allowed me to have two 4x8 tables, but these tables can only be arranged in a T or an L.
Any ideas could help me. Thanks.
Try downloading some software and playing with it. Atlas has a free download at
http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm
Just use the line tool to mark out your area and then play with it till you get something that works.
It’s kind of fun really. Kind of like a video game where you get to set the rules. [8D]
If your funds are truly limited, and you are as busy as most teenagers, I would start with a plan that uses just one 4x8 to begin with. You likely have 3 years before your circumstances are going to change significantly. Do you have enough money and time to make full use of 64 square feet?
My recommendation would be something easily expandable like the Turtle Creek MR project railroad of a couple of years ago, or the Portage Hill & Communipaw (sp?) of 1962-1963 Model Railroader. Also, there was one done in the 1980s I believe by Malcolm Furlow with a Western theme. Harold Minkowitz’s layout (he has a really terrific web site detailing his work) uses a 4x8 as the foundation. All of these started out as 4x8 layouts that were expanded with extensions to enhance operations, switching, and scenery. By starting a little smaller, you are less likely to end up at graduation with a huge expanse of unfinished and barely operational layout. You can reasonably fini***he first 4x8 (which is operational by itself with a decent plan) and then add on as funds and time permit.
Of course, it is much more important to have fun than to listen to me…
yours in planning
Fred Wright
The first thing to do is to sit down and make a list of design goals for the layout. What do you want the train(s) to do, how do you want to operate it. Do you like switching cars, unit trains, passenger trains, steam loco’s, diesel, long modern equipment, short 1900’s style stuff? All of these things will help determine the track plan. If you share some of those thoughts with us we can start presenting helpful ideas.
Do you have a particular railroad you like or currently have equipment for? I would have been in heaven if I would have had that much layout space when I was 15.
great age to start a model railroad. L shape sounds best to me. Just make it simple to start with. then work from there.
With 64 sq ft you should almost be done by with your scenery by the time you are ready to move out.
I second Texas Zepher’s comments. Figure out what you want and what you can incorporate. In addition, once you get some plan ideas you should find out how much per sq ft the completed layout will cost.
Did I forget to mention that the Atlas download has a couple of completed layouts already included? It lists every piece of track you need and you can add building and everything. It’s all Atlas and Cornerstone stuff, but it helps in planning. It will even create a shopping list for you with part numbers.
You might be able to take one of the pre-loaded layouts and add to it to fit your space.
I find that I like the planning stage, although I know that some are not so inclined. This may be the best of both worlds.
Are you limited to two 4’ x 8’ tables or two sheets of plywood? There is a vast difference. If you ripped them down the middle you would have an 8’ square rairlorad that would allow much more in the way railroading. Perhaps if you showed them some plans and pictures they would be more agreeable to a solution.
Avoid the temptation to try to put too much into your first layout. Most of us (me especially) have probably fallen into that trap. It’s better to do a few things really well than to try to do too much and do it poorly. Make a list of the things you must have on your layout and a list of things you’d like to have. Decide how many of the latter you can comfortably fit on your layout. Legendary designer John Armstrong called these givens and druthers.
Decide on a theme for your railroad (location, era, freight, passenger, etc.). It shouldn’t be hard then to design a layout to incorporate the things you want. I would just do one 4X8 first with plans for how you can later connect it to the second. A lot of modelers look down their noses at a 4X8 but that shouldn’t deter you. Take a simple oval, add a few industrial spurs, a siding or two, and a small two track yard and you can do some real operations. Also, your first effort will undoubtedly be a learning experience. Expect to make a lot of mistakes that you will learn from and which allow you to do a much better job on that second 4X8.
J Dog, I can relate. Im also 15. I have an around the walls 11x11 layout, but it is my 4th layout. So I wouldnt tackle something like that for your first attempt. The Atlas track planner is a little weak in my opinion since you can only use atlas components. I used XtrkCad to plan my current layout. Its free at www.sillub.com
Good luck!
Well J,
I would have to agree with the guys about the start small… I didnt and now Im feeling in over my head. I started with a 2X35. I kind of jumped in. I found myself stuck many times. Which I remain still to day.
If I could start all over I would have started with a 4X8 and just expanded as time went on. I hope this helps
Oh, and if it makes any difference. Most people start with a 4x8. Its usually the next step up from a train set on the floor.
J Dog,
I started with a small N scale layout as my first on a 4 x 5 table top. Depending on your schedule, even one of this size will take some time. Having weekends only took me over 9 months to get it 75% finished. So, even a single 4 x 8 can take a lot of time. Best to start what might be termed relatively small and see what aspects of the building and modeling you really like, are good at and those where you might what more practice or have a lot of questions about. Ask the questions here.
Spend some time working with the planning software like JPM335 mentions. As Texas mentions - you need to write down your design goals. Example:
Have a look at http://www.nmra.org/beginner// for some inspiration.
There are a lot of great people here in the forums but we cannot put the design in your head. We can only point to places and suggest ideas that might give you inspiration.
It’s easy to get frustrated. You’ve defined the space - either one or two 4 x 8 areas. So, you’ve accomplished something. [^]
Now, what to put in that space, hum?
Have fun.
You may also want to consider this, your desires may change a little from time to time. I started my layout as an around the walls 12x11 and wanted continous running more than anything and that is what I built. After a few weeks of watching trains running in circles I wanted more and I did not have the space to put in more because of how I designed the layout in the beginning. To get more would have ment that I would have had to tear down what took me almost a year to build. As fate would have it I have to tear it down anyway but that is for my new son that will be here in Feb sometime. So I have decided to build a new layout on a 4x8 and have both continous running and some better designed buisness’ then before. Good luck with your layout and I would recommend the same advise as above to get started.
You know, that does look like a great program. Thanks for the link. I’m not yet sure about which would be easier for a beginner to use though. [8D]
I dont know how to use most of the features, I just planned the track. I think you can run trains on your track plan to see how you like it and add buildings and stuff, but I didnt look into it.