Here are two pics of my layout room which I just finished painting. This is the bottom floor of an addition added to my home before I bought it a year ago. I just had the HVAC system redone and ran it into this room (see new ducts in pic). Note that I have ample power outlets (I hope) and have painted a sky blue color for background (I may add some clouds - my daughter wants to paint them - she’s good). I will probably add track lighting as the new duct work has caused lighting issues. The wall sides of my benchwork will be nailed to the shelf which runs around the room (I did not put shelf in, it’s there because of cinder block foundation). Actually, the shelf made it easy because it determines the height (48") and it simplifies the benchwork. Turnouts which fall on the shelf will be controlled by the Tortoise Switch Machine remote control (allows you to operate tortoise from other than directly underneath). I will begin building the benchwork next week and will post pics when done. I hope you all enjoy! Let me know what you think.
Bryan, here is the latest layout plan I have developed. It is based on a protype which ran from new york city to brewster, NY (about 58 miles). There are prior threads on it from a few weeks ago. The Putnam Division of the NYC. In Brewster it met up with the harlem Division of NYC and New Haven (and indirectly Boston & Albany). It was the first rail route from New York to Boston, it tested the first deisel passenger train in the US in 1929, and was the NYC ‘high and wide’ freight line until the West Shore (of Hudson River) was single tracked.
did you design this layout yourself and if so how and what computer program did you do it with. i want to get someone to build it for me but seeing that you designed this yourself. it gives me an idea and would like to design and build my own. thanks for any response
thatboy, I designed it myself using Atlas’ Right Track Software which is avilable for free at their website. I picked a prototype railroad near where I live, did some research on the net, used an actual diagram of the railroad route and compressed it into what I wanted. I’m not a prototype nut but it did help me to narrow things down (for example there were no coal mines on the railroad but coal was brought in from Pennsylvania via another railroad). I have to say that I got alot of excellent advice and tips from people at this website and also incorporated that into my plan. Hope this helps.
I’m not a trackplan design expert but that looks great to me!
It looks well thought out and designed. A good use of your space.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Thanks Bryan, I’m not a track design expert either. Much of the design is a result of input from very helpful folks at this site. I’ll keep everyone posted as progress is made.
I’m re-working the layout plan for kato unitrack in xtrkcad. Will post as soon as done. Very interesting so far, the plan is actually transferring well and actually seems to look better (to me). Clearances are more defined and curves are less sharp and more smooth - as railroad track should be. Hopefully will have done to post tonite or tomorrow.
Here it is! I have redone the trackplan in unitrack and I must say that I am pleased with the results. I did the entire plan in unitrack but in reality I will use regular track for bridges and the engine facility. I’ve proven to myself that I can maintain my basic track plan and still use kato unitrack. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks Ken, I hope so. I’m pleased with the results. Looking forward to starting the benchwork easter holiday (if I can complete my mandatory chores first). I can’t wait - chomping at the bit to get started. 12 years is a long time to wait. BTW, I love the Midland Line HQ. I had to mow a lawn like that once in my first house. Must be fun!
