Atlas HO-22 Layout

[Duker]

Hello

I am starting to build this HO-22 layout from Atlas. I have a few questions on the layout there is some red notes for DCC operation which i have added , do i still add all of the plastic railjoiners shown on the layout? Also in this list of trackage it shows two 25 degree two 30 degree and two forty-five degree crossings. In the layout i can only see one 25 degree crossing should there be two back to back? Also do i place a Auto Reversing unit at the X Y shown on the layout.

Any help on these questions would be appreciated

Thanks 

Brian

[cuyama]

If you intended to include an image, it did not show up. You may read how to post an image (which must be hosted on another site) in this thread. The first few posts are the most informative.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/249194.aspx

This image from the Atlas site is low resolution (by design, Atlas wants modelers to buy their books and layout kits). But the at-grade crossings seem obvious. In my humble opinion, the plethora of crossings make this plan less-than-ideal, but to each his or her own. There would likely be better alternatives in that 6'X13' size (plus the necessary aisles), again, in my opinion.

Good luck with your layout.

Byron

 

[BigDaddy]

There are 4 crossings, where the double main line is crossed, plus too more.  While it might be an OK layout to watch a train go round and round, there are only two very short stub sidings to place industries. 

Byron is a professional designer and his opinion is worth more than mine, but I would suggest you read John Armstrong's book Track Planning for Realisitic Operation before you commit to this track plan.  Most of Atlas's plans stuff way too much in the alloted space.

 

[rrinker]

 Guess who wrote most of the classic Atlas track plan books?

That one is slightly less spaghetti than some, actually. Each one usually has a theme - that one is junctions, hence there's only the one siding. Can you do better in the space? Absolutely. The nice thing about the Atlas plan books, at least for a beginner, is that they generally show every stick of track needed, plus all the wiring (if you use Atlas components). Not a bad way to go for a first chainsaw layout.

                               --Randy