a little advice would help?

[hdbob]

ok starting a layout after a 8 year layoff (divorce, you guys know how that is ) so my thought is to use atlas flextrack code 83 but since i want to run diesel ((i can hear the groans hey its what i like) first question is radius does 30 in equal 60in from inside rail to inside rail? also thinking of using #8 turnout possilly atlas, ive had good luck in past? question three : tortise switch machines the way to go? a little info : room size is 20x20 appox. usining ho scale, possibly two level like the big staging yard look, also doing it freelance hell, its my world so ill put in what i like,lol, any advice will be welcome thanks bob

[tomwatkins]

Welcome back. It's a great time to get into, or back into the hobby. I think the Atlas code 83 flex is an excellent choice. It's readily available, easy to work with, and not too expensive. The radius is measured from the centerline of the track rather than from either rail. The Atlas flex has holes molded almost all the way through some of the ties which can be drilled out. That makes lining the track up easy. #8 turnouts are a good chioce If you have the space available. They are very gentle but they do take up a lot of space. You could go smaller if you need to, particularly in your yards and sidings.I haven't used the Atlas turnouts so I can't speak to them. I use the Walthers code 83 turnouts and like them a lot. I've also found their curved turnouts to be very useful. I think Tortoise machines are an excellent way to go. They are easy to hook up and very reliable. One thing I would strongly recommend is to get a copy of "Track Planning For Realistic Operation" by John Armstrong if you don't already have it. It's full of good ideas,recommendations and information on what works and what is likely to cause problems.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins

[rayhippard]

Bob, Good ideas from Tom. If your yards and some other turnouts are near edge of layout, you could use Caboose Industries hand throws for these and have more fun being a brakeman as well and saving lots of money to boot. I have done this and they are easy to install and very reliable. I use HO size but I've heard of some using N size on HO to make them even more realistic in size. 30 in. radius is good size in HO for diesels and even passenger cars won't look to bad on them. Also, have you looked at what current modelers are doing with extruded foam for layout base instead of plywood? You can do some great scenery contouring very quickly and a coat of ground color latex paint and some scenery materials like ground foam etc. gets your layout looking great right away. Ray

[Anonymous]

Bob,

Study the Armstrong book, go see some layouts (if you haven't already), attend a few operating sessions (if possible) and then make some more decisions based on your preferences. Then buy a track planning stencil and hack out a good track plan.

Other suggestions:

Decide about whether to go DCC
Take a look at Micro Engineering Flex track (I like the railhead shape the best)
Figure out how much operating you plan to do
If you go double deck, decide how you will light the lower deck and how you will get to the upper deck.
Decide on an Era and nail down the details of your freelanced road as much as possible
Check out Tony Koester's Idea of layout design elements

Hope this helps

Guy

[Anonymous]

Definitely go with Code 83, I chose 100 and have regretted every since (and I just finished the track at Christmas time!). The Atlas Code 83 turnouts are way better than their code 100's. If you the extra cash, consider the Micro Engineering stuff, very nice, but a little pricey.