Does anyone have ideas on how to use the free track plans in Model RR magazine? How do you know what piece of track to use from those lines, length,etc. I am going to build an HO layout but am totaly lost on those plans.
Thanks.
Most of the plans that appear in MR are probably made with flex track. It's not as simple as saying "Use two pieces of sectional track here."
Steve S
Steven S Most of the plans that appear in MR are probably made with flex track. It's not as simple as saying "Use two pieces of sectional track here." Steve S
The major produces of "sectional" tracks available in the US are ATLAS, KATO, and Bachmann. They have published track plans with lists of the componets needed. ATLAS sells specific track packages for their plans.
Because of the rigid geometry of sectional track and differences between the brands it is not possible to exactly duplicate a layout designed for a particular brand with another brand of track although it is often possible to come close.
Plans designed to use flex track are usually.even more difficult to duplicate with sectional track.
Usually the plans will have notes specifing a minimum track radius and turnout (for instance #6) used. if not in the notes, you can determine the number of turnouts of each type (right, left, Y, etc) and special trackwork such as crossing by looking at the plan. A piece of string laid along the track can be used to determine the approximate length of flex track needed.
Research track brands to determine what brand (or brands) of track components to use. While many modelers prefer to stick to one brand, it is sometimes useful or even necessary necessery to use a specific component from another brand. As with sectional track the exact configuration will vary depending on the brand of track used.
Layout the track plan full size:
Draw the main curves full size based on the grid on the plan. Based on the grid and using the actual turnouts or full size templates place them based on the grid. Modify locations as necessary to get a good fit making sure shere are no short "S" curves, kinks, or curves below minimum radiis. Place the roadbed (if used) and lay the track.
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.
Details provided with track plans vary. Some have quite a bit of information on the plan while others just state a minimum radius and turnout number.
Generally, you should print a large picture of the plan possibly covering several pages even for a 4x8. This will let you make measurements on the plan so that individual straights, curves and turnouts can be estimated. Keep in mind that different track manufacturers turnouts, etc. are not identical in space used. So that some flexibility is needed when following the plan and laying track.
Alternatively, you could redraw the plan with one of the software packages which will adjust the plan to a particular brand of track and then give you a printout of the pieces needed.
Another method, if the plan is small and you're using a tabletop layout with plywood top, is to just lay track pieces on the plywood and arrange them as close as possible to the plan. Some manufacturers offer templates of their track so you can use those before you buy the track.
Good luck
Paul
Welcome to the forums, and thanks for asking a good question. You will find that there are often many ways to get to a workable answer, so choose an approach from all those offered here that makes sense to yourself. Since you did not give much of a clue as to the size or type of layout you are interested in, I'll offer this idea: If you look at the margins of most of the track plans that Model Railroading publishes, you will find the over all dimensions; i.e. 4'x8', 22.5'x 36', etc. Copy then plan of your choice onto a sheet of graph paper, scaled so that a given block of squares equals one square foot. This should result in the plan being enlarged enough to let you easily trace the mainline(s), tunnels, yards, and changes in elevation or levels in a multideck plan. Buy a roll of plain paper and unroll it on the floor of the room that you plan to have your railroad, and use a yard stick and square to cover the paper with a grid of 1 square foot squares. Copy, by hand, if necessary the plan from the graph paper to your full size gridded plain paper.
You do not have to lay out the whole plan at once, just enough to get started is often good enough. Most railroads get modified between the planning, building and finishing stages- often times more than once. welcome to the hobby!
Don H.
You can import the track plan image into free SCARM layout software or another similar program. Then use any of the available track libraries and then rebuild the plan in your PC. You may try to follow the image exactly or to made some modifications. Then print the plan and parts list and you will know exactly what tracks you will need and where to place them.
Mixy
SCARM - free and easy to use model train layout editor with 3D preview
Free track plans and railroad layout designs >> O gauge - HO scale - N scale
I'm with Mixy. I use the largest Adobe Reader image and copy it. I then paste it into a background layer in WinRail and scale the grid markings in the image to the grid in WinRail. I then overlay the image with track in another layer.
Co-owner of the proposed CT River Valley RR (HO scale) http://home.comcast.net/~docinct/CTRiverValleyRR/
A few beginners type track plans do provide parts list with very particular use of a brand of sectional track. For the most part the track plan books that Atlas has published over the years do that -- with the obvious intent of selling more Atlas track which with luck your local hobby shop will have (no snide comments please). If you feel you need that kind of piece by piece guidance, I suggest exploring the various track plan books that Atlas has published over the years. Many of their track plans are quite good by the way. Their wiring books are similarly aimed at taking you by the hand and providing practical step by step help.
The more usual track plan published in Model Railroader or the other magazines, or available online, should be regarded as suggestions for what to do, and it is unlikely that two model railroaders both determined to follow the plan closely would actually create layouts that looked just the same. The thing is, trying to "follow the plan" too closely can create problems such as pieces of track that do not meet squarely at the rail ends but introduce a kink because -- well because it just won't look like the plan otherwise. It is also far too easy when using flex track to go below your minimum radius. If you regard the track plan as a strong suggestion or mere guidance and just lay the track solidly and correctly, and be prepared to vary from the plan when circumstances dictate, you'd have a better looking and running layout.
But that calls for experience and intuition which a begginer is unlikely to have.
It sounds to me like you want a great deal of guidance from a track plan, far more guidance than the typical track plan is really intended to provide. I really do suggest exploring the Atlas track plan books in that case. By the way they have published many track plan books that have gone out of print and I have seen older, but still helpful, books selling at swap meets for a dollar, sometimes even a quarter.
Dave Nelson