Hello, I'm a beginner and trying to design my first layout. Could really use some HELP.
It will be N scale, approx 3' x 6', maybe a foot bigger each way if I can. I know pretty much what I want to do, but am having issues getting my idea on paper.
Can anyone recommend any resources or someone that can assist me?
If you have some sectional track, just start playng with them, you don't need to connect or run anything at this point but you start to get ideas. I started with a basic idea for a dogbone and fleshed it out with sectional on my current layout, helps to see if you need to fudge here or there or to see if something just dose not work.
MR has a track plan database, look for ideas in 4x8 HO layouts to get a general idea of the shape and design, the plan will have to be adjusted but those will give yout the basics.
Track Plan Database - Trains
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
Hello All,
to the forums.
Your first few posts will be moderated, there will be a slight delay in posting.
A word about track planning from the "Wizzard of Monterey"- - John Allen...
"A model railroad should probably start with a concept. Why? Because much knowledge about railroading, experience in model railroading, and thought are required before a proper concept for a model railroad can be formed. These requirements are seldom possible on a first pike. Mine was no exception." - -John Allen; Gorre & Daphetid Railroad.
Some things to consider when planning a pike:
There are many books available dedicated to track planning.
One place you might check out for ideas is the Atlas web page.
Go to the N Scale pull-down menu > Track > Layout Packages. You will see these listed by "Code."
Code is the height of the rail in increments of 1/1000 of an inch. The larger the code the taller the rail; Code 55 is 0.055".
For now, I wouldn't be too worried about the Code of the rail- -you're just looking for ideas- -not final solutions.
By clicking on each track plan you will find a list of parts included in the set.
This list is helpful if you want to gather the pieces & parts over time on your own.
Begin with a simple version of the final track plan and add as you go...or change the plan.
There are many ways to record your track plan ideas.
Some use track planning software (I'm on a Mac and use RailModeler Pro- -available in the App Store), some use a CAD program and others go full analog with graph paper, pencil, and a LARGE eraser.
My track plan began on a bar napkin over a few beers- -really!
Keep the questions coming and as always...
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Depending on your space, i would reccomend a 4x8 due to the fact one can operate on bigger curves, helping with passenger trains, and have the ability to have a yard internally (or a team track). it also helps to know what you want to do with your layout. Do you want to run continuously? Do you want yard duties? it all depends you
Hello and welcome,
I'd strongly suggest joining a local MR club or finding a reputable local hobby shop. These a great resources for seeking advice and avoiding getting overwhelmed.
For reading books, most anything by Jeff Wilson is invaluble. He is very knowledgeable and helpful. The advice he gives continues to save me money, time and aggreviation. Regardless of how you build a library, start off with a few books before you get overwhelmed or experience analysis paralysis.
Great ideas, thanks!
Hi there and welcome to the hobby. The best thing you can do with any starting project is to grow it rather than try to do everything at once. If you use the messages part of this page and Private message me, I have a couple of such articles that you could apply all free/gratis/nothing to pay/no obligation etc as long as I can have an email address to send them to you.
As far as putting it to paper is concerned, are you concerned it will be a series of scrawls that won't match a Mona Lisa type detail? No problem here! If you have a wish list of what you want to put into the layout, make it up and build it in one step at a time growing the layout rather than all at once!
Anyway, Welcome to the hobby and hope you find what you want here!
Regards from Australia
Trevor
I would avoid the entrapment of the dreaded 4'x8'.
A better size would be 5'x9' if you have the space, no matter the scale.
You're in n scale. Buy a 24 inch see through plastic ruler at a hobby or stationary store. Drill a hole at the very first line on the ruler, this will hold a nail you can poke into your benchtop to secure it for the following step.
Drill holes every inch or inch and a half along the length of the ruler. Make sure the holes are not over sized for what you will do.
Let's say you want a 16 inch radius, put pen or pencil point in the 16 inch mark and move it around in an arc. You now have an accurate 16 inch radius, but keep in mind that the line is the center of your rail.
If you use cork road bed, split the cork and glue that in place, the center of the cork where it spilts is angled and is the outside bank of the rail bed. The outer edges are not banked, and those ends will be glued aginst the line you drew on your bed. So the outter rail will give you a slightly larger radius while the inner rail will be slightly smaller. It'sa good idea to stagger the end joints.
If you will be using new equipment, code 55 is more realistic than code 80, but if you run older equipment, with larger flanges, those might have a problem on code 55.
Use as large a radius as will fit your layout, the larger the radius, the better your rolling stock will run, especially if you run passenger cars or auto carriers.
Also plan the distance between rails wider on curves than on straigh areas so your longer stock doesn't bump other equipment on curves.
DonRicardoYou're in n scale. Buy a 24 inch see through plastic ruler at a hobby or stationary store. Drill a hole at the very first line on the ruler, this will hold a nail you can poke into your benchtop to secure it for the following step. Drill holes every inch or inch and a half along the length of the ruler. Make sure the holes are not over sized for what you will do.
What you are describing is known as a Trammel.
I made several from wooden yardsticks purchased at my local home improvement center.
Drilling the hole at the zero point might not be feasible.
I drilled the hole at the 1-inch point and then added two extra inches before cutting.
The zero point was at the 1-inch line, and for an 18-inch radius it was at the 19-inch mark with an extra inch built into the trammel.
Others have used a single yardstick with multiple holes at differing points along the scale.
With my method, the zero point is actually 1-inch off from the scale on the yardstick.
Squirmy, welcome to the forum!
Here is a link for a 2.5 ft by 4 ft n-scale layout with both urban and rural settings. Gives you a chance to try your hand at several scenic elements, switching, and continuous running. It would be very easy to modify to make it more closely match your goals. A key point is to compare the 2D view versus a 3D view. I think a 3D view really makes a layout pop and look more interesting to build. Good luck in your model railroading endeavors!
Welcome to the Forum!
Your "newbie" questions are fairly common here and you will find all the help you need and then some. You came to the right place for "guidance".
My first thoughts on the subject.....
There are plenty of layout plan books out there to plant the design seeds. Kalmbach has a few that are excellent, and Ebay always offers used ones if new ones are a problem.
I believe another "first step" is to determine the space you will use. Then get a pad of quadrille paper and determine a scale (i.e. 1 square = 3 inches, etc.). Then, using a marker, outline the space on the quadrille paper. Lastly, with the help of a pencil/eraser, straight edge and a compass, you can experiment with different designs for your space.
I confess I spent many hours doing just that during high school, junior college, and university classes........
ENJOY,
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
On the ruler I use, there is a 3/8 inch gap between the edge of the ruler and the first line. Your suggestion is a good one and I would follow it if making my own, but being lazy, I just bought the ruler!
I made an error on the 16" radius, when you are using thr trammel, a 16" radius will be on the 8" mark. If you use the 16" mark it will give a 32" curve.
DonRicardo I made an error on the 16" radius, when you are using thr trammel, a 16" radius will be on the 8" mark. If you use the 16" mark it will give a 32" curve.