Layout design and track planning

[dougdagrump]

Although not that common there are some people operating 3rail trains in the great outdoors. Granted the locos and rolling stock will not hold up to the adverse elements as well as "G" but the newer track systems will stand up to mother nature's wrath, however powered turnouts will require some modifications. Currently Atlas and Gargraves produce track that can be used and currently some 3railers are experimenting with MTH  track.

For the time being though, I think I'll keep my 3rail indoors and my "G" outdoors.

[cabbage]

Being in the UK we may have a differing perspective on things, (as I type it is snowing...) Third rail and "Stud contact" systems are still fairly common here. I presume that you are specifying US style 3 rail "0" gauge track?

If it is possible to convert your locos to 2 rail running then any Nickel Silver or Brass rail will work.

Failing that then you are down to building your own "vintage" 3 rail track -as several of my friends have done using PECO "Individulay" componants

http://www.peco-uk.com/

-or Cliff Barker componants.

http://www.cliffbarker.me.uk/

As to design software -I use a battered copy of Claris Works 4. This has a Spreadsheet to keep track of costs, a Database of suppliers, a Word Processor for letters, and (most importantly) a Draw function -to doodle with... I have tried several of the "official" track software programs and found that they do not give me what I am looking for in results. To me it is far easier to take a length of hose pipe throw it on the floor and kick it around a bit until I find a shape that I like.

Currently I am using £2million pounds worth of design software on a £27million pound computer. For my locomotive and railways designs I use a 1996 vintage Apple Mac 8500 running Mac OS 9.1

viz:



The drawing above shows my previous layout which was in an area 11m square and ran 32mm track.

regards

ralph

[kstrong]

You'll have better luck asking under the Classic Toy Trains group of forums. Not many folks do three rail outdoors. Unfortunately, it rusts. Check CTT's website, too. They may have references or downloadable PDF files that may be of help.

Later,

K

[scherbear57]

Hello all,

I am relatively new to this Forum and I wonder if you have some suggestions as to where I might look to get track plan ideas for a three rail scale railroad that could be approximately 25 x 25. All suggestions appreciated. Additionally, if you have a software recommendation, that would help, too.

ebs