Well after a 2 weekend tear down I have removed all evidence of my first attempt at a layout and I am starting over. This time with a shelf layout. I currently have a 2 foot x 16 foot section started but now that I have done this I still have no track plan. Anyone have some suggestions where I can get help on the plans or a program that can be down loaded and used to help? I have tried Atlas and there program but as I am not that computer proficiant I came up empty handed. I am looking for plans for continues running with a second level to be added later. If I ever figure out how to post pictures I will do so to show my progress. Thanks in advance…
Are you modeling in N or Z scale? If you aren’t modeling one or the other of these, you will not be able to have continuous running, unless by that you mean back and forth. If you are modeling one of the above scales, 2 x 16 ft. should get you a pretty fair layout. You need to decide the type of operation you want to model, then get some graph paper and a pencil. Start with a basic rectangle approximating the shape of your layout to be, then just start drawing track into it in the manner you would like to see it. Start with your mainline run or runs and try to figure out what will work for you. Once you’ve decided on a basic plan, then you can get out a compass and start drawing it more to scale. Once you’ve done this with the mainline and you are satisfied with the result, make several copies then draw in your sidings and branch lines on the copies until you find something you like. I used this basic method to design my layout and came up with something that I really like for how I want to run my trains. Now I just need to start building it! Have fun!
I should have explained more about my layout. The 2x16 section is only the first part it will extend down another wall for approx 12 more feet and the have what I will call Wings or dogbones to others. This way I can have the continues running rather then point to point. I was really looking for ways to create this layout from some other plans or by use of a computer program. I am not that creative with paper and pen. Hands on I am not so bad. I quess I need to buy the track templates and scale rulers so I can actually do this.