The goal is to dig through the boxes to get Mr. Allen's book and read ch 7. I continue to revise the layout, so hope to continue progressing. Thanks again!
kasskabooseIs there a more viable route to take in designing a layout than what I've done?
Yes!!!! Dig out your copy of 'Track Planning for Realistic Operation' and READ Chapter 7! (Oh dear, I'm yelling!). Then get yourself some graph paper and more pencils and erasers.
As far as track planning software goes, I use 3rd PlanIt. It is pricey when compared to the free CAD programs but it is very comprehensive. I recently used the program to design a new permanent layout for my club and everyone was impressed by how detailed the plan was. In addition to the track plan, I was able to design all of the benchwork so that no cross members would interfere with the Tortoise locations, and I was able to map out all the cookie cutter shapes for the elevated track. The club members had no problems assembling the benchwork from the plans (other than the fact that they mounted the first two sections backwards , but when they did that nobody was looking at the plans). I also know from experience that the 3rd PlanIt drawings are accurate in terms of turnout size and configuration. To put the cost of 3rd PlanIt in perspective, I have had far more enjoyment from my investment in 3rd PlanIt than I would have gotten if I had spent the same money on a cheap locomotive.
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
kasskaboose Thanks for the helpful advice. No question that track planning software is a poor substiute to designing a layout than the tools listed above. I might make the right side of the layout sidings to ensure the 6-axle loco and go on the tracks easily. Greg: being a visual person, it helps seeing another layout.
Thanks for the helpful advice. No question that track planning software is a poor substiute to designing a layout than the tools listed above.
I might make the right side of the layout sidings to ensure the 6-axle loco and go on the tracks easily.
Greg: being a visual person, it helps seeing another layout.
Using drafting tools is a goob way to start , however I recommend getting track planning software to check the fit of your design.
XTRKcad is free. Scarm and Anyrail free for limited versions and very reasonably prised for full versions. All have libraries of actual track components.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
A compass, straight edge and graph paper would probably be more viable, and cheaper. Set a ratio that makes sense for the size of the sheet of paper (for example: 1 block on graph paper = 3").
With this number you would count 8 blocks over from where your tangent track ends place the metal point on that spot, pencil contacting the end of tangent track, and make a curve. That would show you a 24" radius curve.
Use actual measurements to plan turnouts.
kasskaboose Perhaps I need to use the Atlas freeware track planning guide b/c this is a total waste!
Also going to be a waste (limited number of components). Track planning software doesnt teach you basic track planning concepts. I read Track Planning for Realistic Operation and Andy Sperandeo's Freight Yards.
using a cardboard template scaled for your minimum radius would give you a more realistic curves. The following might give you some ideas
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Thanks Dave. I have a copy and need to dig it out from being in a box.
Is there a more viable route to take in designing a layout than what I've done? Perhaps I need to use the Atlas freeware track planning guide b/c this is a total waste!
I think you need to do a much better job at drawing everything to scale. IIRC your room is 16' x 16' (please correct me if I am wrong). To me, it doesn't look like a lot of your track components will actually fit in your available space.
For example, all of the turnouts across the top of the plan are drawn at extremely sharp angles. I believe that that is giving you a false perspective in terms of what will fit where. I think you are going to find that you don't have enough space to fit the required curves that lead into the turnouts.
Second, your yard track spacing would appear to be far too narrow, and the turnouts are drawn too small to build the number of tracks that you show. That is perhaps a less important issue, that is unless you need all those yard tracks to operate your layout as you intend.
Pardon my pessimism, but I think what you really need to do is get yourself a copy of John Armstrong's 'Track Planning for Realistic Operation'. I would start by reading Chapter 7, although reading the whole book is strongly recommended.
https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/product/book/12148
You may find it cheaper on Amazon.
Without wishing to be too critical, it seems to me that you have spent a lot of time thinking about your desired layout plan, but you haven't spent much time looking at the physical realities of the space you have available. I will suggest that you take a step back from what you want and have a closer look at what you can have.
Respectfully,
Thanks for everyone's suggestions and questions to consider on my earlier layout design. I took your helpful suggestions and propose the attached schematic. It's in HO scale on one level that mimics the old N&W line in and near Grabo, VA from 1975-early 1980s.
The layout is the farthest left on the photo site.
Should the link above not work, here is the URL:
http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/asadfe/media/IMG_zpshvjdukr5.jpg.html