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Track Plan Advice

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  • Member since
    August 2017
  • 4 posts
Track Plan Advice
Posted by JHrailmodeler on Saturday, December 11, 2021 5:33 PM

Im working on a semi freelanced NKP layout to fill a table in my basement. The current plan here is for an around the edge track plan that goes from the outside edge of the table to the inside edge where there a spot for the operator to sit in the center. Id like to have 2 operators for the layout. I am however concerned about how mucvh track this plan contains, if it will be enjoyable to operate and lastly if the curves will be to too tight.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • 1,796 posts
Posted by JoeinPA on Monday, December 13, 2021 9:11 AM

can you post a track plan?

Joe

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • 7,486 posts
Posted by ndbprr on Monday, December 13, 2021 9:44 AM

Be very cautious about a doughnut plan. Don 't know how old you are but duck unders get lower as you get older. A c shape is a much better idea.

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 2,775 posts
Posted by snjroy on Monday, December 13, 2021 10:02 AM

JHrailmodeler

Im working on a semi freelanced NKP layout to fill a table in my basement. The current plan here is for an around the edge track plan that goes from the outside edge of the table to the inside edge where there a spot for the operator to sit in the center. Id like to have 2 operators for the layout. I am however concerned about how mucvh track this plan contains, if it will be enjoyable to operate and lastly if the curves will be to too tight.

 

Here are a few questions for you:

1) How much space do you have in your room?

2) What type of locos do you intend to run? 

3) How permanent will this layout be?

A doughnut arrangement is, as mentioned above, a bit of a pain if there is no liftout. A dog-bone shape is a lot easier to operate, if you have the space. 

Simon

 

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Monday, December 13, 2021 5:32 PM

Love the Nickel Plate. Are we talking steam here?

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Monday, December 13, 2021 5:56 PM

JHrailmodeler
Id like to have 2 operators for the layout. I am however concerned about how mucvh track this plan contains, if it will be enjoyable to operate and lastly if the curves will be to too tight.

If you are looking for advice rather than empathy, we need a lot more.  information. You say it's a table, but an operator is sitting in the center, so it's not your run of the mill 4x8. 

This is only the 4th post for the OP in 4 years so he is probably still under moderation. 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 2,360 posts
Posted by kasskaboose on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 3:21 PM

More Qs:

What scale?

Is this your first layout?

How much time you have to buld it?

What you using for benchwork?

Have you started reading about the NKP and the hobby?  If not, def get yourself to a library or find a local MR club to find a mentor.  They are invaluable.  Trust me!

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