HO Track Plans

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

My son and I are having trouble deciding what we want our HO layout to look like. We know it’s going to be a coal and mining operation, and I don’t think we want point to point…maybe a power plant, not sure yet. Is there anywhere online that has track plans we can look at without having to buy a bunch of books? Sorry for the repeat question, if it has been asked. Thanks again.

2

I don’t know about online but my local library has several Kalmbach track plan books. You might want to start there.

3

Rob,

Try this link: http://www.atlasrr.com (Click on the “Layouts” tab at the top of the page.) They have about 36 FREE online layout plans - anywhere from a simple oval and spur to elaborate “snake paths”…and some in between.

Tom

4

Trains has some 4x8 track plans here http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/001/215lorqk.asp
Also a number of people have their layout online with a track plan. Some are listed here http://www.cwrr.com/nmra/Layout-HO.html
The Layout Design SIG of the NMRA has a primer online at http://www.ldsig.org/ no plans,but a lot of good thoughts on planning your own.
Enjoy
Paul

5

Thank yall. You have been most kind with my certainly repaeted question.

6

Rob;
While you are on the Atlas site you might want to download their Rightware software program. It is a free program for trackplaninning. Not the best one out there but hey its free.
Tom

7

I purchased one book yesterday “48 Top Notch Track Plans” from Kalmbach and they start off with a VERY simple way to plan layouts using the square method.

I have decided that I will incorperate the busy seaport plan on page 58 on one half of my future railroad. The other end will have several mines, two towns, staging and a way to turn whole trains.

Keep in mind I have been planning the railroad using a number of resources including the right track software and paper/pencil for almost 28 years. Still aint done yet.

I wonder if there is a name for those who spend decades planning?

8

I did. I can’t get it to work on my computer. I get a window that says it can’t find a required file.