http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/Item/ST1484/page/1
So my son and I decided to scrap the Fresh Pond project and just go with something compact on a 4x8 layout. We like the River Pass but we were wondering if it can be done with double track all around. I've seen youtube videos of it completed but haven't been able to get in touch with anyone to see if in their opinion it can be done.
I haven't been able to find an overhead view of the track layout either. If anyone has experience with this kit or knows anyone that's built it I would appreciate any info you can give us.
Thanks! Rob
PS: Thanks chutton01 for linking me to this bridge in my other thread. If the double track works out I want to use this bridge with the River Pass layout.
Instruction book
http://www.woodlandscenics.com/images/instructions/ST1484inst.pdf
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
Not out of the box. And I'm going to say that it will have to be at least widened considerably, it's a twice-around loop sort of thing to to fit a second ctrack parallel to all the existing track would mean opening it up quite a bit. Maybe in a 6x10 space, but not a 4x8
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Not in buying the prepackaged goods.
It won't really work for a simple 4x8. Not enough room all around for a double track line. Not on their system, it is rigged for a single line. You will need double wide tunnel portals for one instance.
Maybe a 5x9 or 6x10 would be needed. then you would need a center "hatch" to be able to access derailments and scenery in the middle.
Or you COULD get a double line around the outside only on a regualr 4x8. MAybe.
How about a 4x8 in N scale? then you COULD get a double main line all around!
Happy trackin'
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
robkoz We like the River Pass but we were wondering if it can be done with double track all around.
But, you could start from scratch (not the woodland scenics kit) and get something similar in double track using 15" radius curves. It would be solid track. It would not probably not run well trying to get things around such tight corners. It would look horrible. I think there are much better 4x8 plans out there.
Is the idea of double track so that you can run two trains at one time? That can now easily be done on a single track using a digital controller (DCC). That could be interesting on this particular layout design. One running the outside loop and another the inside - while having to wait to share that one common track down the back.. . Railroad operations at its best.
Another idea is that you could switch to N-scale. That would fairly easily do double track on that plan.
I have the River Pass embedded in a much larger layout.
No, it cannot me made into double track. Some of my equipment won't go around it as is. The curves are all 18 inch radius and the grades are 3% and 4%.
As a stand alone layout it is good for very short freight trains. Most of my equipment just passes through it without going around it. Here it is under construction.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
N-scale?! LOL No thanx. I have too much invested in HO scale to start over. Plus I already have an NCE DCC system with JMRI. The only thing missing is a permanent layout.
I built it for my grandchildren to run Thomas the Tank Engine on. It is not finished in that picture. It didn't take very long, but the construction process reminded me of how much I had enjoyed modeling in my youth. By the time I laid the track, I knew I was going to expand it, so I added 4 turnouts for future use.
It is now embedded. You can see it at the top of the track plan. The granddaughters I built it for are now 9 and 15 but they have a 6 year old brother who enjoys it now.
Wow! Nicely blended in!
If you wish to stick with HO and want double mainlines then:
Perhaps you could scratch the prepackaged idea and build 18" or 2'x4' modules and go around the room?
You already have one idea shown above for that style. Then you could easily get a 2 or even 3 track mainline all the way around.
I built a 3.5 x5.1' HO layout for my space, and regret it, would do 18"x 4 foot modules next time. Maybe sooner than I think if track ever comes in!
Galaxy has an excellent idea if you have the space. Mine is built that way so that it can be disassembled. I have since been changing it, one module at a time. Mine is in a two car garage.
Rob
Having just been paging thru the walthers catalog last night and looking at the item in question, (strange coincedence that) I will have to say that I agree with the other posts on that you wont be able to do a two track main line in HO but I think that it could be done in N with no problems. However with a judicious application of time, elbow grease imagination and money anything can be done. the main thing about this hobby is to have fun. Remember, you only have to please one person,YOU!
Keep it on the high shiny stuff Neil
Thanks for all the responses. At this time the most space I can take up is 8'x6'. Should be more than enough space for something good. Got to get my hands on a few of those incline packs from Woodland scenics. Saw quite a few on ebay for a decent price.