My First Layout

[Anonymous]

I am planning my first layout. at one end i will have a 4'X4' area that then goes to a 2'"X6 running against the wall hits the corner and then a 2'X8 against the wall and ending with another 4'X4'. So an L shape with 4'X4' endings.

HO scale

Reason for the 4'X4' is so i could have a loop (radius about 21")

Suggestions and reccomendations are welcome.

[NZRMac]

That's similar to what I've done, seems to work ok so far.



The two tracks at the top are 8" above the rest and has a 2% grade down each side back into the middle section

Not my final plan but's close.

Have Fun

Ken

[ericboone]

What would you like to model? Do you prefer mountainous terrain or the prairies? How about an urban railroad? Do you like mainline running or switching? Do you have a favorite railroad? Era? The more you can answer, the better.

[Anonymous]

you have some great switching oppourtunities there. my only advice for you is to take your time planning your layout and post it here and people will give you suggestions. dont just start laying track because you will be sorry later.

[Anonymous]

NZRMac Can you mail me that plan so i could view it better and see the dimensions? Like i said mine will be L shape and will not have that middle section.

Eric my info is not even upto speed to be able to talk about mainline or switching.

JPM I bought lumber so my first task is to build the table I hope to order tracks by next week and loco maybe i could start with a set any suggestions?

I am super duper new and don't have any support locally. I do know i will and want to spend some cash in this hobbie and am looking foward in building some cool sceneries. I live in Curacao thats a small island in the caribbean i can not even buy a used RR Model magazine. For my first layout i just want to build a fun track with a lot of scenery. I believe i will go dcc digitrax basic package just to run 2 locos at the same time.

[Anonymous]

well, you could start with a set, but the stuff you get in trains sets is usually of inferior quality, i suggest buying everything seperately.

Good old athearn blue box would probably be a good first engine, along with a few athearn cars. Or if you want steam engines maybe a spectrum if youre willing to spend the money. a better first steam engine might be an IHC (oh boy, people are gonna start yellin at me for that).

[ericboone]

Since you are really new, my first bit of advise is to keep it simple. There is always a temptation to squeeze in as much track as possible, but that leaves no room for scenery.
Secondly, if you want to have elevation changes so a track can cross over another on a bridge, you may wi***o use an open grid style of benchwork. With this type of construction, the table top is cut out so that the plywood top is only left were there is track. Risers from the grid support the roadbed and track. Then between the track, the terrain can be formed with plaster in a method like paper mache or styrofoam. (Use extruded pink or blue foam board, not the white expanded foam. The white stuff makes a mess and is not as strong.) Otherwise, Woodland Scenics makes foam strips that are designed to create elevation changes. Then you can start with a flat table top.
Since you are really new, I would strongly recommend getting a book for beginners. It will cover the basics and get you thinking about what you want to do with your layout.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the advices.

Ericboone my first purchases toward this hobby was several books, magazines and dvd's so i could educate myself and get some ideas.

My next step is designing the benchwork to accomodate a layout. I have some space but still a bit limited in my opinion to do what i want. I know i will change this several time and i also know that it is going to cost. I am ready for all the only bad part is because of my location i can not visit anyone or place nor a LHS for that matter.

I will also have pictures available as mu process starts.