I apologize if this is already been asked in the forums, however I cannot seem to find any answers. I have just started my subscription and I was viewing layouts in the track database, but all I see is the 1 page PDF file that is helpful, but I was hoping to get a more detailed list of things like track types, gradients, etc. Is that part of layout or do i then need to plot it all out myself? Thank you.
The Track Plan Database is a research resource. It contains only the track plans. Any information we have about the layout or track plan in question has already been published in the magazine.
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
Hi rdgnh75!
Welcome to the forums!
The track plan data base is an excellent source of ideas for layout design, but that is all it is - a source of ideas.
If you want track plans that come with all the details regarding what components you will need, Atlas has produced layout designs with that information. In fact you can purchase all the needed parts from them as a kit:
http://www.atlasrr.com/Code100web/index.htm
Be aware that the various track plans may not give you the type of operations that you envisage. It would be a good idea to put down on paper exactly what you want your railroad to do. Do you want to watch trains run? Most of the Atlas designs seem to be focused on going round and round the layout with a few sidings to add interest. That may or may not suit you. Watching trains go round in circles can get boring fairly quickly for some, but lots of people love it (including me!).
Do you want to do a lot of switching, i.e. making up and breaking up trains so you can distribute cars to various destinations and then pick them up again? In that case, being able to go round in circles becomes secondary, or even unnecessary.
If you haven't done so already, ask yourself what you really want to do with your trains before you choose a track plan.
Regards,
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
A lot of the track plans are from articles in the magazinesover the years. most of the 4x8 are how to build designs from the winter issues made. By the staff. Two very popular ones have the turtle creek and black water and western layouts. The turle creek was so popular decals are avaliable. The real turtle creek was a branch of the PRR. In pennsylvania.
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
The track plans identify the issue they come from. So you could buy that back issue for more information. However, only the MR project railroads contain the level of detail your looking for.
Otherwise you could use one of the track planning software tools to reproduce the track plan. That tool could then generate the list.
Good luck
Paul
In many cases there is no list of track components, even in the article. One reason is that old heads in the hobby frequently work with flex track, use curve radii not manufactured by the purveyors of sectional track, and have a supply of specialwork from a number of sources which they mix and match (and modify) with great gusto. Even flex track isn't really standardized. While most is three feet long, Shinohara prefers one meter. Atlas has thick ties under Code 83 and thin ties under Code 100, to keep the railhead height constant where the two meet end to end.
The older track plans were frequently built with hand-laid track. Lotsa luck trying to convert that to a list of standard sections!
And then there's the maverick who uses flex, but insists on providing proper spiral easements into curves and builds all of his specialwork to 'plans' developed by bending flex track and tracing the tie lines...
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - flex with hand-laid specialwork)