Hi all’ My first post here.I am building a new point to point layout shape like a U.I have a garage under house that is 12 by 26.Tha layout will hugs the wall around the perimeter 36in out all around.I am going dual cab dc.One reason is that I have over 20 Engines that are the older type and do not want to mess with conversion.I am going to wire the track with larger wire to handle DCC one day.I have buildt 2 layouts before.My grandkids ages 9 to 15 want to be part of the work.I was thinking of just powering the main line switches.All the yard switches and others will be manual’those types where you throw the arm over like real ones.It seems to me that would make it more fun for the kids and me and make it realistic.What do you think.Thanks for help.BOB
Bob,
Welcome aboard!
The planned layout sounds cool, and the fact that your grandkids want to help has to be most gratifying.
I think you are on the right track, no pun intended, by powering only the turnouts on the mainline and using manual ground throws in the yard. For the most part, I have powered turnouts (Tortoises) on both my mainline and the yard but, last year, when I built a passenger station “annex”, I used only manual ground throws (high level stands with targets) for all of the passenger station tracks coming into and out of the throat. Powered turnouts are cool and crowd pleasing, but manual ground throws are fun.
Good luck with the construction of the new layout.
Rich
Welcome to the forums. I see a couple of things you may have to overcome. First, a 36" Depth can be hard to reach so track back that far could be a problem. The second is that you probably will have a railroad height issue to contend with due to age differences in your grandchildren. Either you build it low to make it user friendly for the young one, and then you and the older one must stoop, (Not my favorite activity) or you build it your height (Generally Armpit to Elbow) and maybe build the young one a “Special Stool”, so he/she can participate. Hope this helps, and may all your trains stay between the rails
Kevin
Welcome to the forums!
Sounds like you have a plan and are ready to move forward and bringing new folks into the hobby.
My word of caution is the width you have planned. Unless you are all very tall, with long arms 36" is a very long reach when you get buildings, scenery and trains between you and the problem. Most recommendations are 30" to 32" at most. My suggestion is to put a few trees and buildings on a shelf and see how far you can reach. Layout height makes a difference too and it sounds like you are in a garage you are using, I assume it will be fairly high, limiting your reach.
i see no problem with your plan to have two types of control for your switches.
I have seen several articles on wiring so that you can use both DC and DCC, also ones on wiring to be able to convert. Sorry, I don’t have the information at hand, but if you go to the search function to the right I’m sure you will find plenty of references. At the top of the page is Resources, go to Index of Magazines and then search there, those references will be to magazine articles on the subject.
So far my grandkids haven’t shown a lot of interest. Maybe when I get something they can see and operate other than a small, rather bare loop.
Good luck,
Thanks guys for your help and ideas.Yes i have thought about the arm length.My first layout I put 4by8 plywood up against the walls.I had to get up on the bench work to work.My track will be 40in off the floor.My boys are all as tall as me are taller '5’11.Yes I have tested this and it seems fine.The corners will be just out of reach. I use milk crates for stools and a board.Like a walk board painters use.Some parts I forgot to mention are 2ft off wall.I have a old 101 track plans my Dad used from 1957.It has a few nice point to point plans.Also been looking though old Model Railroad magazines for ideas.Any track plans site on line that are good.I have googled but really did not see any thing good.Well thanks again guys.Bob
Welcome aboard. I see you are sticking to DC for now. A word of advice. When at your LHS, do NOT listen to a Loco with DCC and Sound. If you do it’s all over for DC. [:D]
Yes I have heard them.I do have a MCR power pack that has sounds but not nearly the level of the newer ones that have the speakers in the engine.Like I said I am wiring it so I could hook up a Dcc at anytime.THANKS
Also don’t listen to your conscious. Go the force Luke Get DCC with souuunndddd. [:D]
I am also getting ready to build a new layout - shelf switcher type. The layout will be above my desk/workbench, just 4" below eye level. I will be able to run not more than two locos at a time, but they will be definitively sound equipped - adds a whole new dimension to MRRing.
Here is a link to my album with pics of the new layout.I am going with a point to point for now.But track will be made to expand to make a large square by just adding one piece of benchwork.I am using plans from 3 different layout plans taking the parts I really like.I want a interesting track plan but enough room for scenery.Comments welcome.THANKS BOB