Hi, I added this question on to another post in another forum but didnt feel it was well addressed. So my question is, is two main lines (ovals) on a
5 (maybe 6) x 8 HO layout too crowded?
The overall opinion was that it was but I found so many track plans with multiple ovals on them for 4 x 8 layouts. I had my heart set on 2 main lines because my father really likes the large passenger cars while I like smaller freights. I have the radii all set at 23" and 18" so dont worry about that but will it seem too unrealistic?
Given the radius of your curves I don’t think it’s overkill. What you’ll have to be watchful of is the length of some of your rollingstock on the 18" curves. If you were to run Superliner cars say from Walthers, they look and run best on at least (in my opinion) 21" curves, preferably broader. Good luck![8D]
I don’t think it’s too crowded as long as you realize the limitations of those radii turns. I would suggest running the freights on the inner oval if you are using 18" radii turns and the passenger trains on the 23" radii turns and you will be fine. I started out with a 4x8 layout too along time ago
The original section of my layout was given to me by a friend (for free!) that right for free, which included some buildings, three “Mikes” with a control board that threw a dozen turnouts, anyway I upgraded this so that 2/3rds of the oval was double tracked (sidings)and part of it went up the mountain to two mines. I have thrown in a couple of feet and now have a doubled main line. Tunnels and gorges will do alot to give a small layout “depth”. you can also use risers to step your tracks (different elevations though running parallel) at different parts of the oval, again this will give it some depth.
Well what do ya know. I’m going to build a 5x8 and would like to have a double track main line as well. (not with the tracks right next together, though. I’ve almost saved up enough for a Big Boy and need to have some clearance. Well, I don’t have to run it either, but would like to.) Hmm, will 22" and 26" radius curves fit on a 5x8 layout?
P.S. Yes I know running a BB on a 5x8 layout is insane!
To figure min width, in HO, take the track radius in inches, double it to get the diameter, and then add 2". So for example, 26" radius → 52" diameter + 2" = 54" or 4½ feet.
So the answer is yes, and you’ll have 3" to spare on either side, which is good to have just in case of derailments - you still should put in some sort of barrier. The 26" radius limits you to 36" of straight on either side of the oval.
Walthers’ recommends a minimum of 24" radius for its passenger cars. A close coupled (prototypical) Athearn Automax need s 26" min.
If there is anyway to rearrange things so that the trains are on the outside, and you are on the inside, it would improve appearances greatly and give you much more railroad space.
For example, let’s say you have 5 x 8 (40 sq ft) layout, you need at least 2’ feet on a side for access, meaning you are taking up a 9 x 12 area.
So what if you built four tables, two 12’ by 1½’, and two 6’ by 1½’ with a duck under or swing up/down/out/in bridge for access to the inside. You know have 54 sq ft of layout space with a 6 x 9 area for operating in the middle, and your larger radius can be over 30" with a smaller one up to between 2½" and 3" less. Plus you have more room for sidings, scenery, operation, etc. You might want to make the tables 2’ wide instead, reducing your standing area to 5 x 8 → 58 sq ft for the railroad…
Plus, if you build an around-the-room, you can build it either single or double tracked, tho if it’s single-tracked you’d need a couple nice long passing tracks. That could make things more interesting, though–figuring out how to keep a passenger schedule while a freight peddler pops in and out of industries…
Thanks nfmisso! You’ve given me the answer I’ve been waiting to here the day I joined trains.com! Do you think I can put 22" radius for the inside or should I do 18"?
Using this set up I was able to use 30" min. radius curves in a 10 x 12 layout.
And I can reach just about every place on the layout. You can see my progress
here: http://community.webshots.com/user/davegator Dave
P.S. I have completed my turnouts using the music wire method that you suggested. Thanks again Dave
Many years ago there was an article on a layout (I’m pretty sure it was in Model Railroader) that had so much track crowded into it that there was no room for scenery at all. The builder of the layout enjoyed operation. It was an excellent layout for simulating prototype operation.
Most of us consider a layout too crowded when there is no room for scenery. Many have a " higher" standard of its too crowded if there is no room for logical scenery and for a few room to replicate a prototype scenes is required.
