Track layout problems...

[skagitrailbird]

 I echo the previous comments although I confess to having built my benchwork before I finalized my track plan.  (I am still working on my yard plan.)

 While I don't have any specific suggestions for your track plan I will tell you that your aisle is way to narrow.  A big regret of many model railroaders is that they didn't leave enough aisle space.  24" may be marginally adequate for one operator but if anyone will ever join you 27" to 30" will be necessary in my opinion.

[markpierce]

Patrick,

You are doing things backward.  The benchwork should be designed based on the track plan.

Why is the space 88 inches square?  Are there doors or windows that need to be considered?  Establish your givens by specifying the characteristics of the room and identifying "prohibited" areas.

Have you selected what scale you will be modeling?

Mark

[steinjr]

patrickllaforge

The benchwork is built, just like what you see, 2" foam board over plywood. 

<snip>

 I can't seem to come up with a layout design that works with this benchwork, I drew it out rough on a pad, but never took train and track length into concideration

 

  I'd recommend that you first decide what you want to model - not asking what random layout plan from someone else will fit on your benchwork.

 Some excellent places to start:

  The LDSIG (Layout Design Special Interest Group) primer on layout design: http://macrodyn.com/ldsig/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Primer

 What forum poster and professional layout designer (Byron Henderson) asks his customers when they approach him to get help with a design: http://layoutvision.com/id13.html

 Here is an introduction to layout design from another forum poster (SpaceMouse): http://www.chipengelmann.com/trains/Beginner/BeginnersGuide01.html

 John Armstrong's classic book "Track planning for realistic operations" also gives excellent background - both on how railroads work, and on various tips and tricks in designing model railroad layout plans.

 Smile,
 Stein

 

[patrickllaforge]

hey everyone...  Here's where I'm at.  The benchwork is built, just like what you see, 2" foam board over plywood.  Now the aspect that I'm not too good at.  Scenery, models, painting, NO problem, track layout...  I'm ready to start from scratch...  I can't seem to come up with a layout design that works with this benchwork, I drew it out rough on a pad, but never took train and track length into concideration....  I know I know...  So I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of a track plan for the given layout, I've tried several, actually laying track out, but to not much sucsess...  Just curious what some higher qualified people may say, or come up with.  ANY help will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks, -Pat

* A little side note, that I'm planning on a good chunk of water, I was going with roughly 2'X2' and a little strip here and ther along the outside, but I'm more than open to any ideas!  Thanks!

*Also it consist of 3 24"X64" sections with the 24"X36" small yeard attached, so the can be reaaranged, but this configuration works best with the sapace available.