A new layout

[cwhowell2]

Yes, I did consider using all 4 walls but ran into a couple issues.  The cabinet just inside the doorway is 6' tall and will have frequent use.  Also the small box in the far righthand corner is actually a large 200amp breakerbox that must remain accessable.  I have modified the drawing on the website to show the maximum available space for the layout.  The yellow lines indicate the maximum, not the final benchwork.  I'm hoping that will explain better what I mean by a reverse "P" shape.  Thanks - Bill

http://cwhowell2.com/modelrr/modelrr.htm

[Hudson]

Have you thought about an around the walls with a liftout at the door? With the layout at the right height you can fit a workbench under it?

[cwhowell2]

I have uploaded pictures and a drawing to my website.  The room is 11 x 15.  Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and ideas.

http://cwhowell2.com/modelrr/modelrr.htm

[odave]

Once you've got your vision together, MRR's recent 102 Realistic Track Plans may be worth looking through for ideas as well.  Some of the layouts can be found in the MRR database, but I think it's nice to have them bound together for comfortable perusal in a recliner.  Call me old fashioned

[Anonymous]

 Bill,

just do an internet search using the key words "HO scale" and layout - you will get plenty of pages to look at, some very much inspirational, some less.

MR´s layout database has also many good ideas. I assume that your are looking for food for thought to come up with your own design...

[cwhowell2]

I am mainly selecting plans based on whether they can be made to fit my space, with special emphasis on designs that have an overall reverse "P" shape or can be modified so.  I'll admit that I have given little thought to actual operations.  I am using CadRail to do the final design but have not progressed beyond the room sketch.  Sometime today I expect to get a photo of the room and the drawing up on my website.  Right now I have few objectives except to use the maximum amount of space my room will allow and to have a no-grade design.  - Bill

[Paulus Jas]

Can anybody suggest other sources of layout ideas?

Try to find MRR-planning magazine's. So many idea and so many different approaches. Don't pay attention to the size of the layout's. It's about the differences. Compare in #2009 the doubletracked Memphis layout with Byron Hendersons Visalia EL fi.

You downloaded a couple of plans allready. You'll have chosen them for a reason. Share those plans and those reasons. 

good luck and have fun

Paul

[steinjr]

cwhowell2

Can anybody suggest other sources of layout ideas?

 

Byron Henderson's layout design questions: http://home.earthlink.net/~mrsvc/id13.html

Layout Design SIG primer: http://macrodyn.com/ldsig/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Primer

Grin,
Stein

 

 

[cwhowell2]

<<So what is the operational plan?>>

I'm hoping for a twice around to a wye going into a yard about 6-8' long.  I also need to keep one corner open for a storage cabinet and small workbench.  Loco's & rolling stock will not be a problem.  I've already collected most of what I need.  (lots of Roundhouse Old Timers).  I've built many layouts (10) with grades and multiple levels.  Great for scenery but I found it necessary to devise "holding devices" when breaking a train up for a setout.  My last layout (2' x 18') was a level switching layout based in part on #51 Chicago Inner Belt Line in 101 Track Plans.  I considered it my favorite of all the ones I've built.  So this time, I'd like a modest mainline with maybe a half dozen industries for setouts and a 5 or 6 track yard for storage and train makeup.

Oh by the way, I will be modelling DL&W locos and rolling stock but plan no attempt to represent a specific locale.  Thanks - Bill

[Texas Zepher]

cwhowell2

My room is 15x11 and I would like some sort of reverse “P” shape with a yard going off to the right.

So what is the operational plan?   Single yard on a loop.  Out and back.  Point to point.  The primary operational plan is more important for track design than shape unless there is something implied here that I am not getting.

 

I plan to model HO circa 1905-1910

Cool era, going to be tough to find equipment to early for USRA designs.

 

I would like zero grades.  I enjoy setouts along the main and it’s not easy when your whole RR is on a grade.

Generally one puts sidings flat even if the mainlines have hills.  But that aside that should help one choose a geographic area to model.   Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Texas, etc.

 

I have browsed several years of RMC & MR magazines including Linn Westcotts “101 Track Plans” and a couple of John Armstrong’s books.   I’ve also downloaded a couple dozen plans from the MR site.  Can anybody suggest other sources of layout ideas?    

I don't know that you will get many more ideas than what you have listed.  Have you made a list of the features of all those layouts that you like and dislike?   I guess I am saying perhaps just "browsing" isn't going to do it.  The 101 track-plans alone has zillions of ideas in it if each layout is analyzed carefully.    Have you looked a prototypical track arrangements from that era?    In my opinion an area of 11'x15' is way to large to find a "pre-made" plan for.   Make a list of features you want and then cobble together all the ideas that you like from all the track plans that you have browsed.  

[cwhowell2]

I have finished the walls & ceiling in my new layout room and now need to get serious about a layout.  I’m not a beginner (this will be my 12^th layout), but find that benchwork and sub-roadbed techniques are still being debated after my 40 years in the hobby.  I am retired and would like this to be my last layout.  But first I need a suitable plan to adapt, because I’m not very good when the paper is blank.  My room is 15x11 and I would like some sort of reverse “P” shape with a yard going off to the right.  I plan to model HO circa 1905-1910 so tight curves should be ok.  I would like zero grades.  I enjoy setouts along the main and it’s not easy when your whole RR is on a grade.  I am willing to sacrifice scenery effects in order to keep everything flat.  I have browsed several years of RMC & MR magazines including Linn Westcotts “101 Track Plans” and a couple of John Armstrong’s books.   I’ve also downloaded a couple dozen plans from the MR site.  Can anybody suggest other sources of layout ideas?  Thanks - Bill