I want to build the Nantahala & Smoky Mountain Gorge on my 4’ by 8’ table. By using a Magnigying Glass I figured most of the Layout things I Need. Bridges, Turnouts etc. Does anyone have a parts inventory or Scaled Diagram showing elevations and what I need to create the scenery. This is my first RR and I am a bit lost.
You should be able to order USGS maps for the gorge. They give the topographic data needed to build prototypical terrain but I would guess you may want to use a fair amount of selective compression to fit your 4x8. If you are interested Google USGS and you should be able to find a map for the area of interest. USGS is the United States Geological Survey, a governmental agency that maintains mapping data for the entire USA.
James Moon is right - the 8’ layout represents about 700’ of real world space (assuming HO). I’m not sure which section of the Nantahala River is officially considered the Gorge. The digital map viewer on the USGS website will show you topo lines and railroad tracks but doesn’t show a scale. USGS Map Finder
(You can pick your reference points and get a distance of good ol google maps or similar.) You can zoom to the area you are interested in, and add a point. Then click on that point and it will give you the maps that can be downloaded for that area. They are about 35/40 MB each, but they’re free.
Following the train tracks out of Bryson City, I’m guessing you’re looking for the Hewitt and/or Kesser quad maps.
[:-^]
Hi Grampa Jim,
I’ll tackel the second part of your question. Building gorges and riverbanks on a 4x8 is a tricky job, it can be done within limits, but you will have to learn about elevated track bed and when we start talking there it would be easier for you to build on some form of L-girder bench work than on a 4x8 sheet of plywood.
I think, as a newbie, you should look at and read all you can before starting this venture. May I suggest that you go to the black bar on the top of this page, there you will find a number of sub-headings. To start if you go to ‘HOW TO’ and then to “REALISTIC SCENERY” you’ll find alot of usful info. Also go to the Videos tag and the Shop tag. there are downloads, DVDs and books you can purchase and get a wealth of knowledge as most of us have done.
A track plan for your usable area is another thing to have ready before the build. Especially when you have a smaller layout. There are several good books on building successful small layouts, take as look !!!
Hope this heads you in the right way. After you get a good grip on the basics then this Forum is a great place to hone some of the details.
Good luck and have fun. Remember the joy is in the journey not the destination.
Johnboy out…
Thank You for the info. I got the idea for this layout from Modle Railroader (101 Track Plans Page 15). Rather forboding for someone new to Modle Railroading but, am hoping to do this right the first time.
Thank You. I am not very good at figures but, I will try your suggestion. Was hoping someone might have tried this layout allready and had things worked out [:D] I will see what I can do. Appreciate response.
I’m pretty sure he’s talking about this plan from Lynn Wescott’s 101 trackplans book - not the real location.
Here’s one under construction that might help you guess at the elevations.
These came from a post here:
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?5817-best-4x8-layouts
I always loved that track plan just for the fun of it. Should be fairly easy to build from a track perspective, mostly standard parts and a bit of flex. But the structure with all the grades would be a bit complex. Perfect for cookie cutter if you have or know someone who has a jig saw.
Thatis a bit much to explain here, but if you can find them, John Olson’s book (or MR articles from the 80’s) on the Jerome & Southwestern give pretty good instruction on how to build a 4x8 cookie cutter layout.
Also take a look at the videos MR has put out the last few years, esp for the Virginian, here: http://mrr.trains.com/tags/?tag=virginian
jim