Hi all,
I'm new to this forum, and I just made a track plan for I layout I'm gonna build. Before I start laying track, I was curious if anyone could give me some tips to improve it or make it cheaper.
Bonus, if you get rid of the unconnected outer loop, then the other loops can use a wider radius which opens more space in the middle and makes the yard tracks longer.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I actually plan to have a double crossover, but the Kato double crossover in the program I was using was being a pain in the but, so I decided to not add it in. I should have pointed that out. Sorry.
Along with Randy's suggestion, I would eliminate one of the two yards so that it opens up the middle even further. Or...remove or contour the innermost legs of the yards, if you still desire both of them.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Welcome to the forums.
First, I think I'd reduce the triple track section to double track.
Second, I'd either eliminate the inner tracks in both yards or at least close the yards up.
Third, not part of the actual track plan, but a scenic divider. I would put it between the two yards, not quite parallel with either the edge of the layout or the yard tracks. On my 4'x6' HO layout I have a divider, it gives the trains some place to go. I have a passing track on bith sides, so when I am entertaning visitors, a train can disappear and another one appear from the same end, not what they are expecting.
Doing these things also make it possible to have two operators, one on each side of the layout, tight, but a possibility
Have fun,
Richard
I also like the above ideas, especially reducing to two tracks and the scenic divider.
One other small change: Instead of making your tangental (straight) track parallel to the edge of the platform, make it at a slight angle. It will have more visual interest.
Genesee Terminal, freelanced HO in Upstate NY ...hosting Loon Bay Transit Authority, run through Amtrak and CSX Intermodal
CP/D&H, N scale, somewhere on the Canadian Shield
If I can figure out to post a jpg from Imgur I will show what I came up with. Basically, simplify.
Maurice
Hi Lukestang_59!
Welcome to the forums!!!
I like your plan despite the fact that many will tell you that there is too much track. I would build it pretty much as designed. It is not a huge layout. It will not cost you a fortune in either money or time. If you like it once it is built then you are ahead of the game. If you don't like it you will have learned a whole bunch about what to do differently the second time, and if you don't ballast the track unless you are totally happy, changing it will be a breeze.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Before you go much further you might want to consider how you are going to operate that upper yard, which I assume is for storage of locomotives and rolling stock. It looks like the northmost spur lends itself to caboose storage and the southernmost spur is for locomotives. That leaves the three spurs in between and I suspect that one of them will have to remain mostly empty so you can make up and breakdown trains.
As for the lower yard, it looks like you will be modeling some rail served industries. You might want to do some reserach about the industries you are going to model and outline the footprints of the structures so you know before hand that they will fit in the space allotted to them.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
Hi there and Welcome,
You have a couple of choices... stay with the plan you have and the crossover ( not shown but we can use our imaginations) or get rid of the outer loop and offset the trackwork so it is a little less geometric and not being parallel to the board edge.
My own layout is however similar to yours (as a HO 4x8) and although I am redecorating it as a result of a move, it has been unchanged in its base for many years and I still find different operating things to do on it. Downsizing to allow for N scale and you would have it about right in proportion.
My own layout is on a website (www.xdford.freeasphost.net) should you care to look. I don't specifically have industries imagining it to be a bridge route and division point similar to a town I lived in here in Australia... it has worked for me for a long time!
Regards from Australia
Trevor