help on layout building

[Anonymous]

After many years away from layout building, I am considering building the Atlas HO layout #35 ( Berkshire Valley route), my second layout I will have built. I like the Atlas plans because the plan is laid out on a grid-plan , according to the specific track, switches, wiring, etc. I plan to use code 83 The layout calls for partial flextrak, but the majority of track is sectional. Are there pros/cons to using all flextrak? Is it easy to use, especially setting up the curved sections? Any recommendations on swith machines, or make some of the turnouts manual throws? I will use DCC on this layout. any comments/ suggestions accepted.[?]

[traingeek087]

I've never used tortois switch machines before, but I have seen people who do. If you can put it in, do it, they are alot more realistic and alot better quality. Use flextrack wherever possible but if you join two pieces on a curve be shure to lay them out straight, solder them, and them bend them and spike them down where desired, this will make the curve like there wasn't a joint there at all. I like to put manual turnouts on industrial sidings that are way in there, as long as you have access you them. Put electronic switches on your mainline though. And most of all have fun, that's something that I really don't have alot of when I'm building my layout.

By the way put two switches at different points of the layout with track leading right off to the edge of the layout. This will leave for if you ever wanted to add on to your layout, and also gives the idea that there more beyond what is right in front of you. traingeek087

[ClinchValleySD40]

By all means use flex track as much as possible instead of sectional. You can still lay out the plan as it is, but using flex gives you the ability to easily make nicer flowing curves and eliminates quite a lot of joints - a common cause of problems.
I use both Tortoise and manual Caboose Ind switch control. If you decide to go with Tortoise, check out the accessory decoders in DCC. Makes hook up and control really a snap. I use one pushbutton on the fascia for local control and hooking up red/green LED's to show which way the switch is thrown could not be easier.

[nfmisso]

If you are planning on walk around control, where you can easily reach the turnouts, go manual. Only on the ones you can't reach go powered (Tortise), or cable remote control.

Go all flex. Get a pair of the Xuron rail shears for cutting rail, and do not use them for anything else.

For laying curves, with flex, I suggest a slightly different method - try both and see which you like - use a turnout as your starting point, lay and pin the first piece of flex to about ½ to ¾ way along, then cut the rails square, clean up the ends as required, remove ties as requires, slip on joiner, slip on the next piece of flex, solder, and continue.

Peco turnouts require less maintenence than Atlas or Shinohara (Walthers), and the built in toggle spring means that no external mechanism is required for manual, just flick them with your finger.

[cmitcham]

i just finished laying track for the berkshire valley, and have power to almost all of the track. pics at www.calvinmitcham.com. it's a fun layout, you will enjoy it.

do not blindly follow the given dimensions. draw and fit. especially frame member "t", it has a riser that does not sit on top, it glues to the side about 1/4" down.

all flex would be nice, if you have a way to get the track centerline down for roadbed placement.

calvin.

[Anonymous]

cmitcham,
Nice looking track work. Nice looking benchwork. It is always good to see pictures of what people are working on. Thanks for including the link.

[Anonymous]

thanks for all the advice.