IMHO you're trying to squeeze a lot of track into a small area. I'd go for one mainline loop of the highest possible radius (11" in this case). If you want to be able to run two trains at the same time, I'd consider doing a double-track mainline rather than one oval and one figure-8. This leaves more room for scenery, industries, yards, engine facilites, etc.
Since you're doing 'flat-top' benchwork, consider (if you haven't already invested in something else) using Kato Unitrack so you can test out your layout ideas in real space. Most of us tend to greatly exagerate how much we can fit into a given space.
BTW, you can always add Woodland Scenic risers under the Unitrack later to allow for scenery below track level like bridges over rivers, valleys, lakes etc.
mbinsewiI don't know anything about N scale track, would, say, a 10" radius be a good workable loop?
10" is roughly equivalent to 18" (just multiply by the scale ratio 160/87.1). So, tight, but workable for some equipment.
But if that is the outer track of a two-track turnback loop, the inner track would probably be too tight for some of the OP's equipment, since it would need to be about 8¾" radius (at least 1¼" track-center-to-track-center spacing per NMRA S-8). That's equivalent to about a 16" HO radius.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I don't know anything about N scale track, would, say, a 10" radius be a good workable loop?
Mike.
My You Tube
My advice to the OP, is to download some track planning software, there are a couple on line for free, and draw your plan to scale. You might be surprised, either positively or negatively, at the result.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
I understand, Byron, but I am not one of those.
bearmanByron, Bellies? Bellies? Shame on you.
Hey, I've been to train shows.
Byron, Bellies? Bellies? Shame on you.
Placing track at the very edge of the benchwork is a often a problem. Even the slightest inadvertent bump can send trains over the edge to the floor. Dangling sleeves (and bellies!) are also hazards.
Widening the benchwork slightly just at the end curves would be the best approach. They can curve back in away from the edge again right away, there’s no need to keep them straight along the edge. Failing that, if there is any way to add a guard along the edge where the tracks come closest, it would be good insurance.
Once drawn to scale, things may not fit as you hope. Grades, in particular, may be unworkably steep as drawn.
Good luck with your layout.
Then I misunderstood your original post regarding the width. You might also want to reeveluate those crossovers/turnouts between the inner and outer loops, they look like a couple of S curves. You could also add a spur or two in the other loop to provided a couple of rail served industries.
After some very quick research, I think you are going to have issues. The tightest curve that N-scale can take is a radius of 8.5 inches, which means that you probably need a shelf at least 18 inches wide in order to accomodate those loops. In fct, wider because you have a loop within a loop. And this still does not account for any issues regarding the locomotives and rolling stock that can make it through an 8.5 inch curve.
Thanks, all. This is what I initially came up with. Wasn't really looking to model the layout after anything particular, just something to run trains, however, I do plan to make it look as realistic as possible.
Other than seconding kasskaboose's suggestions, you might be able to take some of those straight shelf layout plans and bend them into an L. One more thing, I am not terribly conversant with N scale, but there may be an issue with any track plan with a curve through tha elbow of the L.
Other than seconding kasskaboose's suggestions, you might be able to take some of those straight shelf layout plans and bend them into an L.
Well-before you start with a layout, it helps knowing if you plan to model a specific part of the country, industry(ies), time-period, purpose of the layout, etc. You can ignore those considerations should you just want to run trains.
You also can benefit from doing a bit of reading about the hobby. Plenty of easy-to-read books are available. This forum can complement what you learn, but there's no substitute for joining a local NMRA club or finding a hobby shop.
Whatever approach you take is yours. I swear by having a mentor and suggest it to most anyone! Even experienced folks can benefit.
I have a large database of shelf plans on Pinterest you can take a look out. They are not necessarily L shaped but I have some there as well as other layouts that you could get ideas from. Hopefully it gets the imaginative juices flowing!
https://www.pinterest.ca/andrewvanlaar/ho-shelf-layouts/
Welcome! I'm not a track plan guy, but at least a bump on your thread will get it back to the top.
By multi-level do you mean something your going to need a helix to get up to? Or do you mean one track passing over the other, like with a bridge or a tunnel?
I'm also not versed in the space requirements of N scale, for things like curves, grades, etc.
Any sketches or ideas that maybe you've thought of?
Looking for some ideas on my new 4x6x2 layout (it's two 2x4 boards as an L) for N scale. I've been going through random images online and looking for ideas on the layout but still struggling to figure something out.
Ultimately, I want to be able to run two trains simultaneously but don't really want to run just two tracks parallel throughout the layout. I do have a 6-inch backdrop so I was thinking about some false-front buildings for an industrial look on one side. Likely do a mountain/tunnel in the back corner but I'd love to have something that's multi-level.
Any thoughts?