Ok so here is my “problem” I am starting my first layout ever (keep in mind im only thirteen) and i found a layout i really liked (HO1 Atlas) I have all the track for it and im really pumped and can’t wait to start. But i want to make it a little more complicated and bigger without spending to much money or using to much more space
any suggestions
I can’t find out how to put the picture of my layout on here so if you want to view it you can go to
http://www.trainsetsonly.com/page/TSO/PROD/150-HO1
Thanx for all of your help!!![:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]
No offense but that has to be the most boring 4x6’ I’ve ever saw. You could do A LOT better in a 4x6’.
What type of operation do you like? mainline running, switching?
What era and prototype?
The easiest expansion you can do, if you have more space available, is to add more straight track along the sides. Even make it wider by inserting straight track in the middle of the curve.
Next up, with more space, instead of straight track, put in more switches for more sidings. If the overall outline is made larger, there will be room for more interesting siding arrangements in the center, although when you get too big you can’t reach anything in there.
Then is about when you start thinking about around the walls and shelf type designs instead of solid tables like that.
–Randy
Raptor,
First of all, [#welcome] to the hobby and to the forum! If you enjoy modeling, trains, and a variety of handyman-type skills as much as I do, you’ll find that model railroading will be a lifelong and rewarding hobby, so hang in there and stick with it!
To answer your question, yes the layout you have listed is pretty basic, and yes, could afford to be “spruced up” a bit. I looked at some other layouts on the website you listed, and there are many “canned” layouts that Atlas has designed specially for their track. You might want to check out their website www.atlasrr.com for a complete listing. The HO-3 layout adds the “twice around” feature with an up-and-over trestle, which is a bit more interesting. There’s other 4x6 designs out there, so just keep looking for additional ideas. If you’re not limited on space and can upgrade to 4x8, there’s a whole lot more options available. If nothing else, just get some extra track and turnouts (switches) and start adding by trial and error to see what you can do.
Since you’re just starting out, you probably don’t know many of your operating preferences yet (mainline runs vs. switching, era of operating, prototype railroad, etc.), and that’s OK… you’ll figure all that out as you get some experience under your belt. The important thing for now is to just get the trains up and running, then you’ll start to figure out what you like and don’t like.
Don’t be discouraged by the Atlas layout naysayers - yes, these layouts are limited and unrealistic and perhaps a bit cheesy at times, but that’s how many of us got our first start. It’s your first step to that basement empire you’ve always wanted! [:)]
Good luck!
P.S. - You’re lucky to be in Colorado - lots of railroading around there. I lived in Boulder a couple of years ago, and really enjoyed the area very much.
I would try to add two things that will cost you three turnouts.
- Add a siding facing the other direction. In other word,s the two sidings that are on there will be switched from the rear of a train going clockwise. This is called trailing point switching. If you put a siding in so that it faces the train (facing point siding) it will be more interesting to switch.
- With a facing point switching problem, a “run around” track will allow the locomotive to get to the other side of a train without having to go around the entire loop.
If you have room for it, I need to find my 4x8 plan I created in 3rd-PlanIt. Basically a simple oval with a few sidings, but I put a loco and a few cars on it and spent an hour switching cars and hauling them back to the other side which I used as a small yard. Not bad for a simple oval - and you can make it appear much bigger by putting a view block down the middle so you can’t see both sides at the same time.
I probably posted it here about a year or so ago. Maybe in that thread talking about a better beginner plan.
Edit: the plan in question is on my web site, on the track plan page at the very bottom. 4x8 double oval with sidings in the middle.
–Randy