a Canadian newbie

[JITO]

G'day from Southern Manitoba. I'm new to garden railways but not to trains as I grew up with an N guage layout. I've been doing a lot of reading and this forum, have obtained a subscription to the GR magazine and have even purchased an LGB PRR starter set from Only Trains in Minnesota, my nearest train supplier. Thanks for all the advice (and to bman for all the emails)! There's a possible 9'x 22' area in the yard that I'm needing some design help with. The north end will have some sort of mountain range and waterfall to creek/dry wash area perhaps, and the south end will be the town's location. I'm not sure if the track will be directly on the ground or raised slightly. There's no current need for switches or sidings as a continous run is desired for a single train. A bridge crossover might be nice if achievable within a reasonable grade. We'll likely go with a 4 ft curve to maximize space. What would layout/design thoughts be? Any suggestions, advice or comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Can that 4' curve unless you are absolutely sure you don't want to grow into the more modern day railroads other than old west narrow gauge pulling only a couple of cars! With stuff (Locos) being made today that require minimum 8' curves, somebody just starting ought to try to think in the minimum 10' range on the mainline; and possible smoe smaller in yards and staging areas.

That sir, is my opinion and not necessarily that of the management!

[John Busby]

Hi JITO
Put the largest radius curves in that fit the area.
Totaly forget the 4' diameter curves in the set I would sugest a minimum of LGB third radius curves.
In spite of your thoughts of not puting in more than an oval or figure 8 of track.
I would still put a passing loop and siding at the town the limited operational improvement this gives the what will be come stage 1[:D], will make the layout far more enjoyable.
It will not be long before an extra wagon or coach shows up for the train you have, and you think about a freight or passanger train depending on which one you all ready have.
[2c]
regards John

[JITO]

Thanks for the input.
My wife and I have worked out a stylized figure eight design that incorporates some 5 foot curves in a mountain area loop, plus some 6 and 8 foot curves elsewhere. The fellow at the Ultimate Trains says that it looks very creative for the space that we've got. We've ordered the track and family visiting in Alberta will pick it up to transport it back. We'll save big dollars in shipping charges. Now we wait for them to arrive back home and for the construction to begin. We're even relocating the backyard patio and firepit in order to free up space along the back of the yard for the railroad. And, after borrowing the in-laws spade for many years when needed, we have finally gone out and purchased our own!

enjoy your weekend!

[piercedan]

All LGB equipment is designed to run through 4 foot diameter curves. Some may have a large overhang. The LGB mallet runs fine on my indoor setup that is all 4 foot diameter curves.

All 2 axle engines and cars from all manufacturers will run on these curves also. HLW markets a flower pot that looks like 3 foot diameter or smaller. curves for a set.

It is the larger 3 axle diesels and large steam engines from all but LGB that require 8 foot or larger curves.

[John Busby]

Hi piercedan
While your statement is true most people end up with a variety of brands
and if a visitor brings a live steamer on 4' it isnt going to run.
and also the 4' LGB looks horrible.
I made the mistake of using it and regret it on both asthetic and restrictive grounds.
So the advice I now give based on my own expierience and view point
is put in the largest curves you can fit in the space you have.
regards John