Here’s my drawing of my layout plan. It’s probably out of scale, but is meant to be in HO. Please offer any comments or possible problems, etc. Thanks!!!
http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g239/DerrickKM/?action=view¤t=LOADTHISTRACKPLAN.jpg
Is this going to be the whole layout? Will there be any other additions to it, such as the part of the layout that leads into the mainline?
James
There will eventually be an addition to create a mainline to go across my basement. However, it won’t be added for at least a year +.
Not a bad plan. Maybe a little light on industries for me, but not a bad plan.
I took the liberty of recreating layout with the Atlas RTS software and it came out to about 13’ x 16’, though it could probably be trimmed a little here and there. Here it is…
The outside curves are 22", but the insides are 18".
I don’t see anyway to get a whole train into out of the yard. Looks like they will have to be put in piece by piece.
Just an idea, but if you pull it out about 6 inches all around you could put a track on the outside that climbs a bit to a couple of sidings or three. ???
Just a thought.
I agree with Texas - that yard lead is very short unless / until you extend the mainline(s).
I assume you will operate inside the U. If so, do you want the industry building on the left hiding the siding? It might make it harder to see where you are spotting cars.
This is the type of layout I like - linear, around the walls. Consider how you will access the center pit once it’s all done. Many people feel duckunders are a royal pain.
Just my 0.0159157 Euros worth…
Thank you all for your quick replies and comments!
Texas Zepher, The main line will eventually be lengthened considerably, maybe by as much as 5-10’ across my basement, but that won’t happen for at least a year, most likely more. I’m planning on building the bottom section, the one with the siding, this summer, then the curve part over the winter, and then the yard next summer, as I am a full time high school student.
fsm1000, I agree, and like your idea. What you mean is to have a 3rd track, that would climb up a hill, and then have sidings off of it? If so, I will add that to my layout!!!
nucat78, I had never thought of that! Maybe now i will have to reconsider the placement of my sidings or industry buildings.
Okay, well we have good news and bad news. I did measurments this morning, and I underestimated the amount of space that I had. I have a 16’ long area, but my maximum width is only 9’[:(] So, I need to shorten the width of my layout by 4’. So, I’m thinking of shortening the curve, and removing the industry, and repositioning the industry to the bottom part. So then it will just have to be a simple straightway[V]. Anyone have any ideas?
KlickyMobster yes, have it run up the outside like a small hill. Only needs to be as little as an inch higher even or more if you wish. Sometimes seperating things vertical can add a lot of percieved depth.
I hope that helps.
This is mearly a spacial exercize to show one possibility. It doesn’t include all of the other great changes that people have suggested. By just moving one turnout and shifting a couple of things around it now fits into your area. There are no curves sharper then 18" and all turnouts are #6’s.
Looks good, but one of the reasons I suggested what I did was to make it MORE difficult. Like an around the layout type of spur. This way you have to clear the main for the loco to get to the switchback and then once it is there then you can goback to switching cars while the other loco goes to the upper sidings to deliver the goods.
Again just an idea, but I thought maybe if I explained why it might be more helpful. [:)]
While complexity in real RR’s is out in models they add fun. I think so anyhow. [:)]