lay out plans

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

OK gang[:)]By the time the grand kids got the stuff move around in the master bedroom sat.the 4’X10’ or 12’ planed did’nt work,so now I have 42’‘x 10’ left to work with.I need to go with two 42’‘x4’ sections and a two foot drop in,between them.(reason is to move them back to the extria bedroom when my bother-in-law leaves)so now can one of you guys come with a possable track plan???[:D][^] HO scale.18’’ curves and lots of flex track[;)]Here is part of my motive power

I also have three emd NW-2 swichers an a F-7A&B
any help here would be good!!![8D][:)]
JIM

2

Jim,

That’s a lot of different stuff to tie together in one layout… is that your plan? Can you provide some more info on what you are interested in and what kinds of things you’d like to see on the layout?

You present three distinct possibilities that I can see right off the bat:

  1. A run with (really) tight return loops to us those diesels out on a mainline-type layout. 2) A loggin layout using those beautiful geared locos.
  2. A switching layout using your switchers… [;)]

Whatever you choose, I would recommend that you think about modular benchwork so that it is easy to take apart to move when/if necessary.

Andrew

3
4

I’d look at the 4x8 plans that MR has published in the last couple of years and see if one of them strikes your fancy. You can adapt one of them easier than creating one from scratch. Most have a main line loop for continuous running and a passing siding or two. Some have a small yard and most have at least a couple of industrial spurs.

5

If you want a return loop on a 42" wide shelf, it means 18" radii (snap track - or max 20" with flex). This is tight but not impossible. The main complaint usually being looks rather than functionality.

I would suggest instead that you look at doing a switching layout - a yard or industrial district - where you could really put those engines to work. There have been some really great plans in MR for switching and/or industrial layouts in the past several years.

This type of layout lends itself to modular construction - 2x4 foot modules with 3x4" plywood frames and styrofoam decks are the (lightweight!) standard at my local modular club (www.hotrak.ca).

Now, if you are a “trains running thorough scenery” guy, you will have to work something out with a continuous loop.

Andrew

6

Is the 2 foot drop in between also 42" wide, or is the drop two feet wide and 4’ long (making the original total of 12’)?

7

OPPS!!! the drop in is 42 ‘‘X 24’’ for totel of 10’ long .[:D][8D]
JIM

8

Jim,

Another thing to consider iss that if you only have access from one side, 42" is way beyond “practical reach” in the event of derails and so on. Also quite hard to do construction if the benchwork has to be in place ahead of time. The usual limit for reach is about 30" when the table is 40"+ off the floor.

Andrew

9

Thanks a lot you guys have given me a lot to think about,my bench is only 31.75’ high,Iam a little on the short side don’t you see[:D][^][:)][;)]

JIM