How to...

[Anonymous]

Ok..I`am getting ready to start..After months of delay..I have got the wife to let me build the layout just about anywhere in the house! But I would like to have a lower and upper lvl system..2 lvls of tracks..My ? to everyone is..what is a good way to bring the 2 lvls together? Thanks...

[Anonymous]

You never stated the important question about size (of area) and scale (of trains).
I have seen the architectural marvels of large and small helix's.
These "corkscrews" move trains up and down in a continuous circle and can vary in size depending on how many inches or feet have to raise or lower the track. Another way is to, if you are doing an around the wall shelf layout for example - use a gradual 1 or 2 percent grade and keep going around the room until you're at your second height level preference.

[Anonymous]

Check out the WS risers and inclines.
For risers, check out this link:
http://www.woodlandscenics.com/

for inclines, check out this link:
http://www.woodlandscenics.com/

I used just the inclines to make an elevated portion, working great.
I know alot of folks make a helix and they could add the input for that too.

[Anonymous]

This will be a HO layout! The space is around 10' by 12' thats just in room size..and the most I have to play with

[jwmurrayjr]

The December MR has a plan for a layout with 2 levels. It uses the "reasonable grade" approach to go from one level to the other. I think that it is based on a John Allen plan.

[Anonymous]

Ok..I just got that mag today..I`ll read it over!

[ndbprr]

I think you may be going about this a little backward and would offer the following suggestions. These questions are my thoughts about what you should consider before deciding the numkber of levels:
1. Do I have a favorite railroad I want to model?
2. Do I have a favorite area on that railroad?
3. Do I have a type of train I want to model? - freight, passenger , local, etc.
4. Do I have a favorite type of locmotive? - Steam, diesel, electric
5. How much money and time do I want to spend?

Then you can pick out a railroad that meets your criteria. For example if I wanted to model the PRR I now know I am modeling somewhere between New York and Chicago. Do I have a favorite area - Philadelphia so now I know I am modeling the corridor, PRSL or a branch line. DO I have a favorite train type-nope I want it all. Do I have a favorite loco - yep GG1 so it will be the mainline. How much money do I want to spend - well $200 isn't going to be enough and no way will I be allowed to spend thousands so a compromise is in order with budgeting considerations so I will model a mile and half from North Philly station east so I have mainline electrics, industrial switching, a couple of branches and heavy freight and passenger traffic.

[Anonymous]

I dont hava a time frame(as in what years)..But I do wanna go freight and passenger (freight more then anything) Want t0 roll with diesel..Have spent around $200 sofar..and have the time! And money is not a problem..but it seems that the wife put a cap on me..around $20 weeek for the hobby..give and take..lol..also this will be a family thing..wanna have 2 yards..this way the wife and daughter can move freight around while the main traains run smooth...Hope this helps..let me know