Hi guys,
This is my first attempt at taking pictures of my layout and posting them on the internet. I just wanted to know if my layout
looks anything like it should.
This is my first HO scale layout. It is 4 by 8 by 2 feet with all atlas code 100 track and powered by an MRC Prodigy DCC
system. It’s not even close to being complete so please post any comments, tips, or questions.
All the power I have.
Home made curved bridges.
The grain complex
Plastic Pellet silos
Small interchange
Lookin’ good. Can you post a picture of the overall layout? What radius curves are you using?
Nice start. Great buildings. What do you plan for weathering? I did not see what the abuttments were for the bridges. Eventualy you will want to go for bridge track on the bridges, but that looks fine for now. Looks like to can run trains and that’s always a fun stage. Good for you.
Here is an overall view of the layout.
The track is mostly Atlas code 100 flextrack bent into 18" radius curves. I should have gone with a lot larger radius but this tiny little space is all I have, for now… The bridge abutments are some pieces of an old pier set I had surrounded by a buildup of plaster. I do plan to weather most of it lightly even though I have no clue how. But that’s what this forum is for, right [:D]
Any other comments are appreciated.
Very nice! It looks like you have managed to get quite a bit of operational interest into a small space. There is a lot of scope for some really nice scenery.
Thanks, that was my goal when I started.
I plan to have a small town in the middle of the loop with a small amtrak station to add more variety to opperations. All the turnouts are powered by undertable switch machines with 2 control panels (unfinished) on opposite sides of the layout.
I have also installed some home made electro magnet uncouplers under some of the yard tracks. I’ve probably done too much to such a simple track plan, but now I can just sit back, punch buttons and watch my trains go. I’m drooling just thinking about it. [:D]
Great start! Looks like you’re a fan with a plan! Now, if you figure out how to make more hours in the day so we have MORE time to spend on our layouts, let us all in on it.
I like the plan do you mind me asking…were did you get it? It would fit great in my space. Thanks in advance.
Wow thats a really cool track plan,The building looks great.keep showing pics of your progress.
Thanks for the encouragement, I’ll post more pictures as I make (very slow) progress.
Jeremy,
The track plan came from the 1960 addition of Blueprints for Atlas Snap-Track, HO scale. In order to fit my needs I took out a spur track and added a few more in different places. I’ll try to post a picture if I can find it. I’d recommend a larger radius if you have the space. It looks better and your trains will run smoother.
I came very close to using that plan (Atlas http://www.atlasrr.com/Code100web/pages/10007.htm), but couldn’t find a place for the 8x6 footprint it would require.
Ahh this may work better for me. I planned on a 4x10 with a detached yard.
Yes that is exactly the one I used but I made it slightly bigger. Hope this plan works for you!
Great work so far. look forward to seeing the finished project.
I’ll be sure to keep you posted but you may have to wait a while. I’m 15 and most of my money comes from my parents and odd jobs I do for neighbors so progress is painfully slow [:(!]. I have a job lined up for the summer so that will help.
Thanks for all the encouragement.
JD
lol call it ironic but i get some of my money , not much but some from what i model, i own stock in norfolk southern and when i get by money i spend it on my layout model of the company
My friend, it looks excellent! I would like to share some info regarding that pesky track-cleaning business. Please click onto my profile for topics on this matter. I believe you will find it most interesting, and as the founder of the stated process, I can attest IT WORKS! Thank you.[swg]
Looks like a good start… Now you need to cover all that white stuff with some terrain (probably the least expensive part of the hobby [:D]). Check this out and be sure to visit his website as well…
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=1&TOPIC_ID=32122
Good luck…
Everything was going great until last night when I found out my new SD70M can’t handle some of the curves on the layout! I didn’t notice it until now because for the past few weeks I have only run it in one direction. What was I thinking!! [banghead] [:(!]. That’s what I get for using 18" curves.
This is a huge set back, I was planning on finishing up wireing and hooking up some turnout machines. Then next weekend I could have started on the fun part, scenery. Oh well, its a pretty easy fix. All I have to do is rip up a few sections of track and cut them a little shorter. [sigh]
yah i know how you feel… i am only 16 and i get all my money from my parents… i have a 6x17 foot table… what makes things worst is that i don’t even have a hobby shop in the city i live in and my parents don’t like to buy things off the internet… i like your layout, i think it looks great… good luck and have fun… i cann’t wait to see it finished…
michael