HO Shelf layout, Approximately 2 foot by 8 foot, not finished yet, not my first layout, but may be my last unless I win the State Lattery!![:)] Then it will be a part of a larger layout.[swg]
I made up the track plan as I went along. I wanted to showcase my waterfront buildings which are scratch built so I needed to fit in a small harbor. The fishing boat is also scratch built. I also wanted some switching and a run around track and a small turn table.
Heres another picture with my DCC/Sound 0-6-0 Switcher.
My question is Did I try and stick in too much? What would you do different? Can the track plan be improved?
Thanks, DON
I think that it conveys a crowded waterfront perfectly.
Don,
What size turnouts are you going to use on your shelf layout? The angle transitions look a bit steep.
Also, I don’t think the turnout on the far left side will be long enough for you to switch the points. You will need probably a minimum of a foot beyond the points for the 0-6-0 switcher. (More if you have a car attached.) Will this be the run around track? The transition over to the center track will have to be pretty steep. A 90’ TT will require a minimum diameter of 12-1/2".
Don, do you have some spare turnouts and plywood, foam, or paper that you can use to try a 1:1 mock up, to give you a real feel whether this is going to work or not? There’s nothing like actually seeing it with your eyes. The other question for you is what sorts of businesses will be served “off the wharf”?
Track planning can be both exhilerating and agonizing at the same time. LOL!
Tom
A 2’ wide layout cries out for N scale. In HO, 3’ will work better. What switches are you planning on using?
I dont know where you can get a 6" turntable, nor do I know how usefull it would be.
Also, you have some #2 switches drawn in.
David B
Actually, I have it up and running. Its code 83 Atlas flex track and althought I like under the table switch machines, I ended up using Atlas code 83 snap switchs. I think they are #5’s. I have 9 of them. he Turn table is an Atlas. I have since modified it. Will try and take a picture of it. Its 9 inches long , not 6. The 0-6-0 just makes it on the turn table.
Yes, with the switches the way they are, I only have room on the right end for the SW-7 switcher and two cars. On the other end, only the switcher. OH what I would give for some more room now LOL But I tell you, I have had DCC before and swear by it but this is the first sound I have had, and I love it. Everything will be sound from here on out. Makes all the diffrence in the world. If nothing else, just love running the engines! I think my next one will be a GP-7 or 9 with DCC/Sound. Fits my era.
Thanks guys! DON
The pictured structures look like the edible-gingerbread-building display on my last ocean cruise. Are you striving for the “Disneyland” look?
Tank locomotives would be a natural for this layout and would make operations easier.
Don’t waste space on a turntable unless this is an important scenery element to you. I don’t see why you reduced the width at the right end. You’ve lost space for scenery.
You have at least one too many switchbacks.
The track plan will keep the operator busy.
Mark
Thanks for the comments. I had to reduce the width of the layout on the right to get by some furniture.
What I would give for some more room!! DON
Why not give some furniture away?
Bob Hayes