just looking for track plan ideas

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Hi,

I am looking for track plan ideas for 2-track, single level track plans for a 16x18’ room, to model after the CNW. Looking for long straight aways, etc. Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Craig

2

For that sort of space, I’d look in old backissues of MR (1980-2004), rather than in any of the Kalmbach track plan books. Most of the books either deal with small bedroom-sized layouts or gigantic spaghetti-bowl designs, neither of which are what you’re looking for.

Either that, or design a plan yourself. 16x18 is a lot of room to play with. I’d suggest an around-the-walls layout with one or two peninsulas (two, if you’re running four axle diesels; you can get away with 26" curves). The C&NW was a basic granger road, so planning simple towns won’t be any big deal (passing track, one elevator, and one or two spurs). Once you get a basic trackplan designed, post it here for input!