I got a suggestion to re-look at this track plan. Its simple but has a lot of potential. I was thinking of doing this track plan with DCC.
Hi conrailran:
Is this the plan to which you are referring?
http://mrr.trains.com/how-to/track-plan-database/2007/10/wildcat-central
Here is the PDF:
http://mrr.trains.com/-/media/import/files/pdf/b/2/1/rb0101-a.pdf
Are you looking for opinions or do you have specific questions? Also, it might help if we knew what scale you were working in (if other than HO) and what the size and shape of your layout room is including the locations of doors, windows, obstructions etc.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Great starting point for a layout. can be extended in many ways. lots of operation with staging and town switching.
The only issue I see is there is an auto loading facility. autoracks may not look great on the 24" raduis curves. you may want to change that to an intermodal yard instead. or something else.
Layout should be no problem to convert to DCC.
Steve
Choops The only issue I see is there is an auto loading facility. autoracks may not look great on the 24" raduis curves. you may want to change that to an intermodal yard instead. or something else.
Modeling whatever I can make out of that stash of kits that takes up half my apartment's spare bedroom.
Thanks.
I was thinking of redoing the auto yard into a combo intermodel and shipping/receiving of cars and equipment. In addition as suggested I have looked into adding the updated Clark Fork/ Providence River layout as an extension to this layout. Also plan on changing the landscape to the northeast region in fall. As for track I am open to suggestions. As for scale still working that out. Basically this will be a beginners layout because I have not done any of this type of work in over 15 years. One thing I know will be building a mock-up model prior to using either metal studs or lumber is cut....
The auto facility could be replaced with a coal loader..it is Wyoming
One more note, all of the suggested structures on this layout are kits, but I would consider at least some scratchbuilding. If you use kits for every structure on this layout, you will spend a fortune on structures. I'm guessing here, as I have purchased very few kits, but I'd be willing to bet that the average price for these kits is somewhere around $35. Also, I have seen many layouts with the same recognizable kits on them. Although it is time consuming, you have structures on your layout that no one else has on theirs. Kit bashing (modifying a kit) is also an option, using a larger kit structure that can be made to fit a space and the geometry of it. That also makes an otherwise common kit structure a unique piece of work.