small ho layout design help

[Anonymous]

hello everyone :)

im doing a new layout and thought i could get some input :)
its only small but here goes :)
its a 6 by 4 foot sheet of ply (180cm by 120cm). i want to run two loops. around the the board :). is this possible with out running into major problems? :) i have had one loop and then two switches that ran out to like a half loop.
i have done a track plan and it looks like i might be able to do it.....
any ideas? :)

[Anonymous]

hello everyone :)

im doing a new layout and thought i could get some input :)
its only small but here goes :)
its a 6 by 4 foot sheet of ply (180cm by 120cm). i want to run two loops. around the the board :). is this possible with out running into major problems? :) i have had one loop and then two switches that ran out to like a half loop.
i have done a track plan and it looks like i might be able to do it.....
any ideas? :)

[Puckdropper]

What you'd do the track plan on? I'd like to see it.

Btw, IMO, the 4x6 board is better cut in half so you have 2 2x6 boards.

[Puckdropper]

What you'd do the track plan on? I'd like to see it.

Btw, IMO, the 4x6 board is better cut in half so you have 2 2x6 boards.

[GerFust]

You can do it, 48" wide allows for 22" max radii. And 6' allows for two loops. You may find it more fun, though, if you used those switches (or added some) to put siding either inside or outside the circle (use smaller radii or put siding on corners of board) so you can switch some industries.

If you are using Atlas RightTrack freeware (http://www.atlasrr.com/software/welcome.asp) to plan that, it is easy to share with others if you want help or suggestions.

[GerFust]

You can do it, 48" wide allows for 22" max radii. And 6' allows for two loops. You may find it more fun, though, if you used those switches (or added some) to put siding either inside or outside the circle (use smaller radii or put siding on corners of board) so you can switch some industries.

If you are using Atlas RightTrack freeware (http://www.atlasrr.com/software/welcome.asp) to plan that, it is easy to share with others if you want help or suggestions.

[Anonymous]

If possible consult plan #15 (Lake District Ry) of 101 Track Plans for Model Railroaders by Linn H. Westcott. Most of the plans are dated (spaghetti bowl layouts) but there are good ideas for tight spaces. I agree with Puckdropper that you might be better off cutting the board and making a point to point.

[Anonymous]

If possible consult plan #15 (Lake District Ry) of 101 Track Plans for Model Railroaders by Linn H. Westcott. Most of the plans are dated (spaghetti bowl layouts) but there are good ideas for tight spaces. I agree with Puckdropper that you might be better off cutting the board and making a point to point.

[Anonymous]

Small is good, you have a better chance of building it. The 2 2x6 boards is also a good idea if you prefer operating and switching. The loops are better for watching the trains run. I'd start with the 2 loops and change to the 2x6 boards after I was bored by the trains going around and around and the time frame will be different for you than it was for me. I had a folded dogbone for years before I was bored. Now I'm building a point to point with optional continuous run connections.

[Anonymous]

Small is good, you have a better chance of building it. The 2 2x6 boards is also a good idea if you prefer operating and switching. The loops are better for watching the trains run. I'd start with the 2 loops and change to the 2x6 boards after I was bored by the trains going around and around and the time frame will be different for you than it was for me. I had a folded dogbone for years before I was bored. Now I'm building a point to point with optional continuous run connections.