layout size limitation

[ondrek]

Anyone else here with a limited space so the main layout is limited in size? I am looking at a limited size layout, 6'x4'.

If so, are you using all 15" radi turns or are you starting the turns with 18's for transitions?

thanks

Kevin

[jwmurrayjr]

Kevin,

My layout has a 6X4 module at the north end and the smallest radius is 18". I would recommend that as the smallest (and no more than necessary.) unless you are running hieslers or some logging or mining trains.

[bcammack]

Mine's 2'x4', but I'm in N scale. [:)]

[ondrek]

right, I forgot to mention that, 6'x4' in HO scale.....

here is my plan:

http://www.vermontel.net/~kevin_ondre/HO%20Train/SVT&CMRR.jpg

Kevin

[jwmurrayjr]

Ah! I see "log camp", "log cars", "shay", old-time cars, "1920".

15" is probably fine for this layout.

Looks very interesting. [:)]

[CP5415]

It looks like a lot of rr for such a small place.
It looks good to me.
The size of my layout was limited by my wife. ( 9x12 )

Gordon

[ondrek]

the wife hasnt limited the size, just the fact that we really dont have much room to put a big layout. 4'x8' was my hope, but alas it wont.

After designing that, I fear i have too much in that space, too much track and too complicated, but we will see.

thanks for the comments, it will be my second layout ever, the first was for my son on a 4'x5' MDF that slides under his bed. one loop with a siding section and one spur also a curved bridge over some "painted" water he likes it. no balast though as its on the floor and the two kids still like to walk all over it. Thomas is the mainline runner.

This one will be up on a bench in the porch so we can all enjoy it.

Kevin

[rrinker]

Watch the connection between the wye on the lower right and the turnout, as filled in by the software (was that draw in Atlas Right Track?) it's a REALLY sharp S-curve, not much would actually negotiate that. IF you could scrunch up a section of flex track like that.

[trollw]

When I blew up the picture and looked at it, I noticed at least 3 places where the track joints either didn't meet or were offset. All joints between track pieces should meet AND be aligned with each other -- if not, the layout won't come out right. The nice thing is that since the plan is fairly small, it sould relatively easy (and inexpensive) to lay down the trackwork without soldering and be sure everything lines up OK. The only other thing I questioned was the siding in the upper left corner, it looks like it would be to short to hold even the smallest car without fouling the switch or the main.

[ondrek]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker

Watch the connection between the wye on the lower right and the turnout, as filled in by the software (was that draw in Atlas Right Track?) it's a REALLY sharp S-curve, not much would actually negotiate that. IF you could scrunch up a section of flex track like that.

right, i think that its tight too. it may not work out, i will play with it and if it doenst work, then its out.

its a wish switch thats all, i have the track already, had it for a while.

thanks

[ondrek]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trollw

When I blew up the picture and looked at it, I noticed at least 3 places where the track joints either didn't meet or were offset. All joints between track pieces should meet AND be aligned with each other -- if not, the layout won't come out right. The nice thing is that since the plan is fairly small, it sould relatively easy (and inexpensive) to lay down the trackwork without soldering and be sure everything lines up OK. The only other thing I questioned was the siding in the upper left corner, it looks like it would be to short to hold even the smallest car without fouling the switch or the main.

looking close you will see that sure, but thats because i went through and unlocked all the joints. after i did that some of the pieces may have "moved" when i clicked on them to coloize them. all the track pieces do line up, i used an Atlas layout from an old book for the base. I also used the free atlas track laying software.
the spur on the log camp, yeah, its short on the pic, but it will be as long as i can make it when the track is really laid. also my log cars are 23' only so it doesnt need to be too long to have one 23' car there.

These are all good suggestions, thanks

kevin