Trak plan ho-35

[CFournier]

Did anyone built trak plan number HO-35 from Atlas, the "berkshire valley"?

[Jacktal]

I haven't built it but am considering it for a future layout as I like it a lot.It offers some of both worlds as you can set two trains running their own figure eight line,then lay back and watch them run.You could also switch them from one line to the other,working sequences,wich adds to operational interest.

Reversing directions on either lines means that you have to stop trafic on the other so that enough trackage is free to complete the loop as both lines are necessary to accompli***his,and this feature adds to operation.However,if you follow the pattern,you'll find that switching from one direction is reasonably easy while doing the opposite becomes much more complicated.For this reason I suggest replacing the existing single crossover by a double one or add a second one,opposed to the other,in the stretch that goes under the bridge.This would allow much more flexibility in operating this layout as either line could access the other from any direction.

As I said,I like this plan.It has a nice yard with a fairly long lead track,so assembling trains should be fun.It also has great scenery possibilities too.Just my idea................

[Anonymous]

yes I did and I enjoy it. I made some wiring changes to allow me to stop a train at a turnout to allow another train to switch lines.