train lover12 wrote:hello all, here is my basic layout form without industries etc. for critique. I plan to have a small mine, an interchange, and a team track. I think i want more but i dont know what (any suggestions?). I also don't know where they should go(any more suggestions?). A town with the team track will be in the upper loop. the layout will be 4 x 9 and set in the south west in the 1970s.
The figure 8 "plan" you post is no track plan without industries and sidings sketched in. Also, it is not possible to tell from your plan whether you plan an "over-under" or a crossing at grade in the center.
Maybe it would be easier for you just to get a book of published track plans, pick one you like and copy it ?
Or just make a 4x9 foot table, buy a not too expensive train set with sectional track and start trying out various configurations on the table?
After you have built a layout or two based on somebody else's plans you will know more about what you like and what you dislike about their track plan, and be more ready to come up with plans of your own.
Stein
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
train lover12 wrote: I plan to have a small mine, an interchange, and a team track. I think i want more but i dont know what (any suggestions?). I also don't know where they should go(any more suggestions?). A town with the team track will be in the upper loop. the layout will be 4 x 9 and set in the south west in the 1970s.
Here is one 4x9 suggestion that may the incorporate the stuff you want - a double ended siding, a mine, a town w/team track, an interchange track and a couple of extra industries.
It is based (very loosely) on some ideas from project layout "Turtle Creek Central" from Model Railroader January 2003.
Minimum curve radius 20" - ie it may not look all that good with large (6 axle) engines and long cars (like 89' auto cars or long passenger cars).
Her is another plan - closely based on the convoluted figure 8 layout plan "Cactus Valley RR" by Dave Frary's from MR December 1998 (and Jan 1999):
There are dozens more plans out there I am sure you could start from and develop your own plan.
Go to your public library and borrow some old Model Railroader magazines, buy a couple of track plan books or back issues of Model Railroad Planning - there are many nifty plans there - like say Central Belt RR from the 1999 MRP - that one is designed for 5x9 feet, but could be fitted in 4x9 by taking curves down from 27-28" to 20" or so.
Have fun!
Grin, Stein