i need help designing a layout.
scale:HO
givins: layout needs to fit in a 4-8' space. using bachmann e-z track. 18" radius curves only.
druthers: continuous running (loop), switching operations, and maybe 2 connected levels (ex. figure 8).
Please help! any help will be greatly appreciated.
Here's 13==
4 x 8 Contest
But going with EZ track just because you have it could be a big mistake. I tore up 2 years of work because I stuck with EZ track when I knew better.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
spacemouse
i use e-z track because of the roadbed and availability. if i decided 2 use something else i would probably have 2 wait up to 1/2 a year just for 1 trip. but anyway just send any 4-8' HO track plan.
train lover12 wrote:spacemousei use e-z track because of the roadbed and availability. if i decided 2 use something else i would probably have 2 wait up to 1/2 a year just for 1 trip. but anyway just send any 4-8' HO track plan.
What? How would you have to wait 1/2 of a year to use anythiing other than E-Z Track?
Where in the world are you located? Is a visit to a HS necessary in this day and age? I ask because flex track and matching turnouts are available from numerous sources, direct via the net or mail order as needed. It is high time to ditch the EZ track love affair within our hobby, too inflexible beyond the most basic of designs, designs that you will soon grow weary of as you progress in skill and understanding....
Dave
You will have a tough time making 2 levels in the space you mention. I think the previous comments regarding EZTrack are well-founded. BUT, I say, go ahead and feed the fever. While I don't have a downloadable track plan to attach, (sorry), I would say build a double loop, with the top half flipped inside the bottom half. (Picture a figure 8 with the top part folded inside the bottom. It will take a 30 degree crossing and a few more curves than I suspect you have now. For switching, get a turnout that will bring trains into the middle of the whole thing. You should be able to put a siding in to accomodate 3-4 cars. A few trees, some buildings, and you have a respectable setup.
When you want to grow, 2 things.... If you are constrained to 4X8 foot, consider N Guage. The money is about the same. Some wonderful layouts are possible even using a foot-wide shelf around the room. Next, think beyond the EZTrack. The simplicity it affords in construction soon disappears with its unforgiving dimensions.
I started by, well, wanting a layout since diapers, but buying a boxed train set (w/ EXTrack) and putting it up. I had room and wanted to expand. I don't think I bought another ten pieces of EZTrack before I ended up scrapping it and going to flextrack. The EZTrack is in a box, my intentions are to use it under the Christmas tree.
Whatever you end up doing, have a good time, don't finish in one day, and remember there is no wrong way to do it.
Good luck.
train lover12 wrote: spacemousei use e-z track because of the roadbed and availability. if i decided 2 use something else i would probably have 2 wait up to 1/2 a year just for 1 trip. but anyway just send any 4-8' HO track plan.
IN my first post I sent you 13. But you have to click the link.
What a layout looks like with the EZ track torn out.
One of the forum members built his layout using EZ-track or something, who was it? I want to say it was Jeffery-Wimberly, or maybe MisterBeasley, I can't remember. His is a pretty nice setup, he posts pictures quite frequently.
Brad
EMD - Every Model Different
ALCO - Always Leaking Coolant and Oil
CSX - Coal Spilling eXperts
It's Jefferey-Wimberly and he has done a really nice job with his layout. I think he posted a schematic of his layout on line at one time. I think MrB uses EZ Command I'm not sure of his choice of track.
You might have a problem converting a diagrammed layout to the real thing if the diagram is not EZ track simply because there might be a difference in geometry, particularly turnouts. If you accept that the picture might not end up in reality and that you might have to do some on the fly changes, which may or may not be your cup of tea, then you can get something accomplished. Try down laoding Atlas RTS software, it's free, and then check the Atlas RR site for their layout packages and use the RTS software to recreate one of the Atlas layouts hat suits you using Atlas Tru Track, then the fun begins in adapting the Tru Track layout to the EZ track layout.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
bump
dude, just go buy the 101 Model Railroad Track Plan books that Kalmbach puts out. EVERY hobby shop (train store) should have it. theres a bunch of 4x8 layouts in there, and it starts out with simple shelf layouts as small as 2x6 i believe. you can get a lot of ideas out of there.
you first gotta figure out exactly what you want here. do you want a switching layout with lots of industries to serve, or do you want a scenic mountain route with maybe one passing siding? Or do you want a passenger service in a downtown city, or do you want a local coal branch route running empties and loads to and from a coal mine to a mainline interchange?
i know its annoying but you gotta sit down and think some things through before you jump in. you don't want to end up being unhappy and not satisfied with what you've already built up, and have to waste time, energy, and, most importantly, MONEY on things that could have been avoided with a little forethought.