looking to possibly build this track plan in N scale. does anyone know of an article about this plan? thx.
ed
Are you talking about this plan from the Kato website?
If you plan to use KATO Unitrack, an advantage is that all the track pieces are called out. If you planned to use some other track, you would need to rework the plan.
Since it doesn't provide much industry switching, some folks would find that it doesn’t offer much interest in the long term. But if you prefer a couple of trains orbiting around the layout in a display mode, it might work fine for you.
I don’t believe there is any more published information than the linked web page.
In my opinion, there would probably be more interesting alternatives in the same space (including the necessary aisles all around).
Good luck with your layout.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
this is a first track for myself and 11 year old daughter. we have an o scale polar express running around xmas tree for last 6 years. want something that can run couple of trains together. also considering katos HO scale dispatcher’s observer set. think kato unitrack way to go for first track plan. not stuck on n or ho; could use either scale. would like to stay in this 4 x 8 to 5 x 9 footprint. any suggestions appreciated. trying to go with a kato unitrack plan already laid out. thx.
Its probably a fine choice for you and your daughter to put together together. You might find a spot to put an industry on it, just to give the train a reason to deliver a car somewhere, then head on its way.
- Douglas
dentlflywould like to stay in this 4 x 8 to 5 x 9 footprint. any suggestions appreciated.
Welcome to the forums!
What is the space for your layout like? One thing to consider with a "4x8" or even "5x9" is access to the sides, front, and back. Plan on wanting at minimum 24" around the layout, if not 30" or more for aisles to be able to pickup pieces and parts, work on track and scenery, and simply operate whatever you do build. A "4x8" in an area that's less than 8x10 is incredibly difficult to access. 8x10 is the absolute bare minimum in my mind, but even then doesn't leave you much "people room" around the layout; and you'll be stuck putting at least one side against a wall most likely.
Byron (Cuyama in this thread) has some wonderful advice when it comes to size consideration, as well as planning your layout. His website (linked in his signature) is a great resource to look at, and may help you make some decisions on how you want to approach building your model empire.
Edit: Added a link to one of his guides. It's worth a read before you fully commit to a 4x8, to at least consider the space needed.
This space reserved for SpaceMouse's future presidential candidacy advertisements
As someone who once partially built a layout that had people room of less than 24" and reach of 30"+, reach and aisles are very very important when it comes to enjoying a layout. I tore that layout down before I got too far into it.
Bear "It's all about having fun."