I have just retired and have not worked on a model train lay-out in 55 years. The one that I had was an American Flyer. I have been given a number of sets of HO trains and would like to design a layout. Should I invest in a computer design program, Should I purchase cork for a track bed, and what do all these remotes that I see in the magazine do. Is it possible to opperate two trains on the same track? Thanking you in advance for any help
Bill
First find a hobby shop ( a true hobby shop not something like Hobby Lobby) where they treat you with respect. They will have numerous softcover books regarding layout designs, construction methods and general information. After reading them decide what interests you. This hobby has everything from people that just like to watch them go round and round to people who model a specific prototype down to a specific day in a specific section. List what you want and then start looking at the plans that fit the area you have available. If a certain area of a railroad plan looks good piece it with something else you like. You can always make a plan fit a larger space but it is asking for problems to try to fit one in a smaller space. Its always a good idea to start with a 4’ x 8’ or something similar just to get some experience. One rule of thumb that is almost universal is build the largest radius curves you can possibly fit in the area. For full length passenger equipment 30" is the smallest that will look good. My HO railroad being built has 48". Nobody ever regretted large radius curves but people are always having problems with 22" and under. Good luck. Have fun.
There are several free design software downloads that you can use that will help you design a layout. Xtrakcad: http://www.xtrkcad.org/Wikka/HomePage and Atlas RTS 7.0: http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm are a couple that come to mind.
Many folks don’t use cork for roadbed any more. There are several alternatives such as foam tape and such that a lot of folks prefer, though some still go with cork.
You might want to poke around this website and a few others (like: http://www.nmra.org/ ) to get some ideas and maybe a few answers. And if you have more questions, ask away!
Welcome to the forum. I returned two years ago, and there were so many questions. A few things:
Know what you want in the design. I wanted a gold mine, a lumber camp and a canyon with a big bridge. I knew I like to do scenery more than run trains. Once I had that figured out, I added other things. I am now starting to add something I never thought of before and that is fun. If you know what you want in scenery, opperations and buildings, that will help design.
I could not make the computer programs work so I drew my layout on squared paper. Many others will help with the computer things.
Yes you can run two or four trains on the same track with DCC. It took me a while to get it and I wasted money not starting with it. I have Digitrax radio and I love to give each the grandkids their own train and throttle and watch them run around the layout with their own train. I wish now I would have layed double main line so they could run in both directions at the same time. That will come soon I think.
As you progress ask specific questions and you will get more answers than you know what to do with, some of which will be actually useful.
If you learn to post pics, we will enjoy your progress even more.
I hope to see you back here soon.
I find that my best layout design tools are still pencil, pad, ruler and brain.