where can i find traction/ trolley track plans
Google is your friend. Just type in the Google box as I have highlighted in your quote and you will get a number of links to, Traction, Trolley’s, Track Plans and Clubs.
Good Luck.
Blue Flamer.
Go to the Track Plan database on this website, and type “Trolley” in the keyword box. You will find 3 results there.
Using the word “traction” yields 3 more (different) results.
these are not true traction/ trolley layouts—im looking for urban /city scenes with heavy trolley usage in streets – i was thinking of building 2 track clover leaf with buildings tucked inside the clovers
Model railroaders who model trolley lines are as rare a bird as trolley lines are in reality. Some time ago, I did a search on this topic myself and the result was, to say the best, meager.
Motorman Mike has retired.
If you do a Google search “Strassenbahn HO” and choose the picture display, you can get some inspiration.
You might already be aware of this, but in an issue a few months back Model Railroader did an article on a layout titled “Connecticut Streetcars” or something to that effect. Seems like that would be along the lines of what you’re seeking.
Currently-in-print resources with all aspects of traction…
Traction Handbook – $12.95 (by Carstens).
Modeling Electrified Railroads – $14.95 (PDF by Kalmbach).
The best out-of-print traction book for prototypes with trackplans…
(on eBay) Traction Guidebook – (by Kalmbach). Apx $12.00 w/shipping.
You will have a pretty good idea of city & interurban traction with the above three books. Note that electrical wiring for traction in these books refers to DC – If DCC is preferred, substitute modern DCC wiring like you would for any other 2-rail model railroading layout.
When the “Model Train Magazine Index” is back online (first quarter of 2011) you can get more MRR articles. In the past, I have purchased many of these out-of-print article resources on eBay.
If you model live overhead (instead of running 2-rail pretend-overhead) – You will be soldering & scratchbuilding and creating good brass line pole wood-templates for consistency. The operative process is take your good 'ole time in planning for traction.
As to traction websites…
PRR Northeast Corrider – HO city traction (full-bore) w/DCC & trackplans.
East Penn Traction – The best traction club website.
The Trolley Line – In-depth forum at 2Guyz & Sum Trains.