Hello!
Im currently planning a 2'x4' N scale layout, and would like some feedback on my plans. I have created the plans in the software called SCARM, and it has helped greatly. Any suggestions of my current plan would be greatly appreciated!
https://i.imgur.com/ZlNm9eu.png
https://i.imgur.com/YWoG0Vp.png
https://i.imgur.com/eUTy5SS.png
P.S.: The smaller bridge is going to be a girder bridge, while the larger is going to be a truss bridge. All of the track used is Kato Unitrack.
If you are planning a display layout or one to just watch trains run around, I think it would be OK, but it has very little operational interest. If I am looking at it right and I have looked at it several times, there is only one "siding" and a double continuous loop. I think you would become bored quickly.
For a 2xx4 N layout, you can look at HO scale 4x8 layouts for some more possibilities. Since you have no aisles, you don't have to adjust any areas of the plan.
Good luck,
Richard
Here are some more images:
https://i.imgur.com/4P1YCcl.png
https://i.imgur.com/ykjEqw8.png
There are two sidings, one when the track goes to the top, and one when it goes down. Im going to have two industries (one at each track). It might be hard to see, but the track is a full continuous loop, so the train can contiuously run. Ill check out some 4x8 layouts for ideas. Thanks!
Welcome to the forum.
That's a nice little layout. And well done on the SCARM work.
The entire Kato Unitrack system is pretty much bulletproof, even the small radius curves and #4 turnouts, and the bridges you mentioned are well detailed.
Good luck.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
What is the maximum grade %?
It looks like the mainline takes the diverging route on one of the turnouts? It's not the end of the world but I would avoid that if possible.
It would be nice to see if you could work a passing siding in as well.
Modeling an HO gauge freelance version of the Union Pacific Oregon Short Line and the Utah Railway around 1957 in a world where Pirates from the Great Salt Lake founded Ogden, UT.
- Photo album of layout construction -
OnewolfWhat is the maximum grade %?
That's a good question – it looks pretty stout. Also, has the Original Poster allowed for transitions from level-to-grade and back? If the grade is especially steep, the transitions are even more important. It's best if changes in grade don't start or end right at the junction of sectional track pieces.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
With those links, use the picture icon rather than the chain link icon.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
cuyama Onewolf What is the maximum grade %? That's a good question – it looks pretty stout. Also, has the Original Poster allowed for transitions from level-to-grade and back? If the grade is especially steep, the transitions are even more important. It's best if changes in grade don't start or end right at the junction of sectional track pieces.
Onewolf What is the maximum grade %?
My guess is about 3.5% to 4%, maybe a little more.
Figure the truss bridge at the middle of the back side is about 10" long and about 2" above the lower track. Maybe 2.5" above. It looks like the runs around the curves in both directions are about 60" long. Add a few more inches for transitions at both ends. Or subtract a few. 2.5 divided by 50 works out to 5% max. Actual will probably be a little less.
Steeper and tighter than I'd prefer, but doable. 2-foot by 4-foot coffee table layout. The good news is that the trains will have only a few cars. My N scale Kato F3 can pull 20 cars up a 2% grade. OP should be able to manage 6 or 8 up 5%.