Thank you so much.
This part of the layout is runs along the wall -- about 25-30 ft long. Eventually, it will go into the bedroom through a hole in the wall. Right now, bedroom is a mess. :)
I like the double-track mainline with crossovers. My little graphic was basically so people might get a rough idea with what I was talking about. The layout for now is to just get me started back into the hobby - NScale. This part will be mounted against the wall. Just to have the trains go back and forth to show people and for me to try things. Eventually, it will be DCC. Now, DC and only one train.
The track is just basically to experiment for now. Like getting my wiring down, etc. I have an idea for the wiring, want to test it. Take the main bus line and at intervals, connect to terminal block so the bus line is actually broken in between each section and connected through the terminal.
so (wire) ---- | ---- (wire)
Terminal block Then I can run feeder wires from the terminal blocks to the different tracks. I don't know if using the suitcase joiners is better or what. If this will cause a voltage drop or what. Just an experiment for now. And gain knowledge in building the shelf, etc.
Again, thank you so much for your insight.
Here's your sketch
Some of your questions aren't really answerable without knowing more about the room and how you want to operate the layout.
ActosQ1) How many mainlines would I need to operate the 3 trains? I read something that the mainline formula is generaly: Trains - 1 = mainline tracks needed
Not really, it all depends on how you plan to run trains. Do you want all three running simultaneously and continuously in different directions? If so, unless your room is pretty large, each might need its own mainline.
If they are going to run more-or-less sequentially, one mainline with passing sidings (could be the passenger stations) would do.
A good alternative is a double-track mainline with crossovers. But if your room is small, and you want all three trains running at the same time, it will take a lot of attention to avoid collisions.
ActosQ2) I have a track plan I created (I know the other mainline isn't connected to the stations, just a demo of my idea) and would like some feedback of what I may need, like access spurs, etc. And then I can add the signals, etc. to the layout design and eventually start building it.
It’s hard to know how this would work as a track plan, since it’s not to scale and there's no indication of how it fits into the room -- or where the tracks that go out of sight are connected (if at all).
More detail on the room and how you want to run the trains will help others help you.
Note that in a small room, the relative speeds of the trains won't matter too much, they will all make a lap around the room pretty quickly.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Hello,
I am going to do a simple (for now) wall layout that will follow the wall in the living / dining room.
The idea is to mimic like South Florida to have 3 trains:
1) Local Tri-Rail that will run from Miami, Ft. Laud, West Palm, etc. average speed about 40 mph.
2) Interstate Amtrak, Sanford, Orlando, etc. Average speed of 50 mph
3) The new "high speed system" from Miami to Orlando, average speed of 90 mph.
Q1) How many mainlines would I need to operate the 3 trains? I read something that the mainline formula is generaly: Trains - 1 = mainline tracks needed
Q2) I have a track plan I created (I know the other mainline isn't connected to the stations, just a demo of my idea) and would like some feedback of what I may need, like access spurs, etc. And then I can add the signals, etc. to the layout design and eventually start building it.