Anyone know of any websites with examples of L-shaped around the walls track plans freely available? MRR want’s to charge you for past plans, I’m trying to find any free sites with such things.
If your a subscriber they have dozens of layout plans at the following link for free
The first thing you must decide is are you going to go with
1.One large loop
-
Single track with Reversing loop on each end
-
No large loop, no reversing loops, track dead ends on both (or one) end
There are variations of this. A “dogbone” which is one large loop, but parallel tracks except the very ends which have loop turnarounds.
The actual loop part in HO take about 42" and in N take about 30" (these are MINIMUMS, better with more). So your reach is paramount. Reach is better if you have access to the the end of the table where the larger loop is. (30" is about max reach for most of us).
Other than that just have sidings (both right and left stub and passing sidings) every 3 or 4’ with room for an industry and gently wind your way around on your bench. You need to make a decision on how wide the bench is. (24"-30" recommended).
Things get more complicated with grades. I like to make the lowest track in the middle of the benchwork and go up both ways from there, looping around and crossing high above. 4% on straights and 3% on curves being maximums (2% is better if you can do it).
Plan for a yard and have LOTS of staging (places to park trains).
I just used graph paper, a compass and ruler to design my U shaped 21’ x 13’ 24" wide N scale benchwork.
I made my benchwork with 1x2 clear pine and put 2" foam on top, no plywood. Made my mountains with blue foam and some occasional plaster cloth. Glued a lot of hydrocal cast rocks onto my blue foam. Most of my scenery is Woodland Scenics stuff. Track and turnouts were Peco.
Good luck!