Help with new layout

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

[:o)][:o)]I’m in the process of building a new home & have space for a 12 x 20 layout in the basement.

  • I would like a build a classic “Post War” type layout with a miminum of 3 seperate tracks.

Can anyone, suggest a website that may provide me with some track plans that I can look at to help me design this layout.

Thanks

Rob

I have a ton of other questions, once I have a track plan.

2

Here ya go, Rob: http://www.thortrains.net/

Regards,
Clint

3

I would suggest a layout book (local hobby shop or google search on Amazon.com), a track timplate (cheap), or layout software like RRtrack (Not so cheap at $100). With a layout that big you will want to invest a little in “blue sky” design.

Good luck and have fun!

Jim H

4

Thank you very much

Rob

5

I second the motion on going to a train store and stocking up on some good layout books. I actually have gotten better ideas looking at the HO books than those for O gauge. I am a track plan junky and when I attend “boring” administrative meetings I am doodling track plans. Most are junk, but every once in a while, I make up a winner and than I file it. I envy your space and wish you a great time. Every phase of this hobby is fune. My current 5 X 12 double main loop layout is post war set in the late 50s. However, I cheat and use some currently manufactured 50s type trains.

6

I second the notion of purchasing software. I bought RR-Track and have been very happy with the purchase. I bought the lionel pack for $69, I think, and it gave me all the lionel track packs and modern accessories. Once you deturmine the brand of track you want to use, go for RR-track and have at it. It has given me the confidence to know that the layout I am designing and the track I am purchasing will fit in my space. Otherwise it was all guess work. Because of that I believe the software saved me $, time, and frustration. well worth it!!!

Of course, I may have a different opinion if I build my layout and it doesn’t work as planned. . . . . . [:0].

7

Strange but true - My mother-in-law got me this book for Christmas. It has many classic train layouts in it. And lots of layout ideas. And instructions to hook up just about any postwar accessory.

http://cgi.ebay.com/K-LINE-OPERATING-O-AND-O27-TRAINS-BOOK-FOR-LIONEL_W0QQitemZ6048130511QQcategoryZ4146QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem