Take it easy on me!!

[Anonymous]

Ok..Some of you may remember that I was going to start my first layout few months ago! Well I had to put it off for a bit and now i`am getting ready to start! My ? to you all is what can I follow to give me the correct amount of terminal tracks? My layout will be around a 4 x 8 or more..[:)]

[Anonymous]

For my first 4x8 layout i only had one. but the number of terminal tracks depends on how many blocks you want to have. Take the track plan you decide on and see how many blocks trains can run in. For example, one for the yard switcher and the other for your passenger trains or through freights. If you have the room and materials for additional trackage, a branch line would be a third block.
hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

So for each train..on more then 1 track..I`ll need a Ttrack for each train or each line of track?[?]

[Anonymous]

(assuming you're using DC with several blocks...) The short answer is YES.
But to explain... One track (using DC) can easily power one train ... put 2 on one track and you may get them colliding - they must be made to operate in an exceedingly coordinated fashion.... not likely in DC - ... so the track gets separated into blocks (assume 2 to start).

These 2 blocks can now easily supply 2 trains ... which can be operated in opposite directions... and coordinated operations can begin... switching, opposing directions on a main line... many opportunities, but 2 blocks is still a simple solution....

So... consider your plan and look for more block opportunities.... and consider at the same time that more blocks become more complicated.
Advice to the novice... Put something on the table... allow for changes... learn as you go... expect surprises (bad ones) and plan carefully... too carefully will just slow you down.
Kalmbach books ...
Track planning for operations...
Basic wiring for Model Railroaders...
probably worth the time to read... but again GET something into operation! You learn fastest that way.
And get a "cheapo" loco for that first run!

[Anonymous]

No..I`ll be using DCC power! I`ll be going out this week(firday) and will be getting my power and all so i`ll beable to run the trains!! Any words before I start?

[jhugart]

If you are using DCC, then you may still need blocks if you have any reversing sections or wyes in your track plan. Go take a look at some of the DCC books out there for details on what you need.

[Anonymous]

Thanks