Get some layout ideas

[SNOWSHOE]

Im trying to come up with different ideas and so far I have two that I like.  I am working with 6.5 ft curves and 3 ft straights (Aristo track). Im still buying some more track depending on what I need) My layout boundary is 12ft by 22 feet. The first one is something very similar to the layout in the Feb issue of Garden Railway page 56.  My second idea is a basic oval with a long straightaway on one side and the other side is going to be some S curves series of 1 or 2.  I also plan on doing one switch possibly 2 (depending on budget) for future expansion or if anyone has better ideas.  In the center I plan on building a small mountain.  One side I am going to put a tunnel through the mounatain.  The other side (S curve side) is going to have a cut through the mountain (Ravine) with a steep wall/ledge.  Then somewhere on the mountain I going to have a  bubbling spring that comes down the mountain and then cut through another ravine under the track where I plan on having some trestles.   I have no way showing this on a program so I hope you get the basic idea.  Once the snow melts and the ground softens I will start posting my progress but for now Im trying to get some ideas for track layouts without breaking the bank.  Also I only plan on running one train at a time.  For now I am using my Backmann big Hauler 4-6-0 and LGB Stainz.  Im looking to go more  towards the mounatin/logging typ RR.  Any other thoughts would be great

   

[calenelson]

not sure if this will help, but it got me thinking about an over/under figure 8....

DIT TV will begin re-airing the Garden Railroad build this Sunday at 5am (I Think)...it makes it all look too easy, but I have to admit, I was a little inspired!

Also...Alan Millers book, Getting Started...and the Verducci(sp) book from Kalmbak is Great for the beginner.....check amazon to save!

 

cale 

 

5 am!

 

 

[SNOWSHOE]

I though about the figure eight but Im little afraid to play with the slope.  Math is my weak point.   

[FJ and G]

Might I suggest a small oval outdoors to work the bugs out. Another idea would be to just lay track without a plan and rearrange the pattern until you can visualize what works for you. Then you could also test the trains on grade. This is my method.

[calenelson]

I did as David mentioned...laid it all out (maybe 1000 times) before I knew what I wanted to do...

the over/under woudn't be such a big deal....I have some pretty serious grades on my RW, and my Annie runs like a champ. 

try some of those books there is a great deal of great info contained therin!

also check into these sites, both free to use and there is a ton of info!

www.largescalecentral.com

&

www.mylargescale.com 

 

cale 

[Moosie]

  Most people I talk to about planning a garden railway suggest to start with the simple oval and go from there. After pages and pages of drawings I stopped.........threw everything in the waste basket (sorry trees)...........and built a simple oval with one siding and a passing track.

You know the saying......................K.I.S.S. !!!!

MOOSIE