Layout Planing Help

[ghonz711]

I am not a first time modeler but this is my first real layout. I have been trying to find the perfect track plan for my layout but so far, I've been totaly lost. I have a very difficult space to work with and I have to admit I have some fairly large plans...lol... If anyone has any ideas to contribute, please do. I am in desprite help. [:(] Below is a copy of the benchwork that i have to live with. If you can give me a sample plan, or ideas, GREAT[:D]

[cheese3]

I cannot see the picture

[UP Deano]

ghonz711, what scale and what are the layout dementions? knowing this will help us help you.

[Big_Boy_4005]

In order to post a picture here in the forum, it has to be stored on the web, not in your computer. It also needs to be jpg or gif format. Nobody can see your drawing yet.

[leighant]

You can get free webspace at www.railimages.com to store photos and track plans which can be posted to forums like this.

[ghonz711]

LOL... i see that now... um well, the layout is 9.5 feet long, and 5 feet wide, but the corners are very tricky. um... i think if you click on the pic, you will get a better view of it... if that doesn't work then... um... this might be a little bit complicated but um... the left corner starts 28 inches from the bottom of the benchwork, and ends 2.5 feet from the far left of the benchwork on the back side of the layout. Um... the right corner starts about 26 inches from the bottom of the layout and ends 25 inches from the far right of the benchwork on the back of the layout... Ya i know, it is very comfusing, but railimages wont give me an accoutn for another 2 days so that's the best i can do right about now.

[selector]

We'll wait...we all had to go through the same thing. For what it is worth, I actually think I was following your description!

[UP Deano]

ghonz711, still, even with the pic, would be helpful to know what scale. N, HO, O, WHAT?

[ghonz711]

LOL... i am very slow... um i model in HO scale and have no disire to change. My layout cannot exceed the size that it currently is ether... lol... sorry

[ghonz711]

hey guys,

for some reason, I can't get railimages to work,[B)] so if you want to see a clear pic of my benchwork for my model railroad, please see freewebs.com/ghonzish/ this should lead you to the proper pic. [:p]

[SpaceMouse]

The format is (without the spaces)

[SpaceMouse]

I am assuming that you are stuck with the benchwork because it is done, correct? The problem is that about half of your bench is unreachable therefore not useful. If you have to fix a derailment or clean the track you are sunk. The benchwork is the cheapest part of the layout. You can get a much better design if you rework it.

Just in the space you show, a U shape 30" wide will give you much more workable railroad. What does the rest of the space look like?

[ghonz711]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

I am assuming that you are stuck with the benchwork because it is done, correct? The problem is that about half of your bench is unreachable therefore not useful. If you have to fix a derailment or clean the track you are sunk. The benchwork is the cheapest part of the layout. You can get a much better design if you rework it.

Just in the space you show, a U shape 30" wide will give you much more workable railroad. What does the rest of the space look like?

Well, the problem is I have to share the space with my brother's slot cars, so i can't exceed the benchwork size that i have already given. In terms of Derailments, and Cleaning, I am able to move the benchwork about 1.5 feet away from the back wall so i can get back there. The benchwork is i guess almost semi-portable, and is on office chair wheels, but thanks for the imput. i really wish i could make it a U shape, but being 15, i still have to live with the restrictions that my parents place on me...lol

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ghonz711

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

I am assuming that you are stuck with the benchwork because it is done, correct? The problem is that about half of your bench is unreachable therefore not useful. If you have to fix a derailment or clean the track you are sunk. The benchwork is the cheapest part of the layout. You can get a much better design if you rework it.

Just in the space you show, a U shape 30" wide will give you much more workable railroad. What does the rest of the space look like?

Well, the problem is I have to share the space with my brother's slot cars, so i can't exceed the benchwork size that i have already given. In terms of Derailments, and Cleaning, I am able to move the benchwork about 1.5 feet away from the back wall so i can get back there. The benchwork is i guess almost semi-portable, and is on office chair wheels, but thanks for the imput. i really wish i could make it a U shape, but being 15, i still have to live with the restrictions that my parents place on me...lol

IT would still be a good idea to keep most if not all of your trackwork reachable. The space in the center could be sceniced and mot such a big loss. Still there's not much to work with. Is N scale a possibility?

If not, your choices are a folded dogbone or a small point to point. Do you need continuous running or can you live with a switching intensive layout?

[SpaceMouse]

Here is a rough sketch of how a point to point might work.



That keeps minimal track in the back an no turnouts back there either.

[ghonz711]

SpaceMouse

Point to Point is a possiblility, but I like the idea of continuous running best.

Everyone

Do you think it's possible to include a yard and small engine terminal in a folded dogbone in the space i have available?

[ghonz711]

I really like Kyle S' latest N scale layout. Do you think if i goat rid of the harbour and made less switching, i wuold be able to fit the layout in my space with a minimum of 18 inch radius and in HO scale??

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ghonz711

I really like Kyle S' latest N scale layout. Do you think if i goat rid of the harbour and made less switching, i wuold be able to fit the layout in my space with a minimum of 18 inch radius and in HO scale??

I don't think you have that kind of space, but it is a place to start. If you aren't using anytrack building sftware, try downloading the free software from Atlas. Mess around with it and see what you can come up with.

Then draw a line 30" from the edge of your table and try to keep all turnouts out of thae center area and run minimal track through there. I know you said your layout is on wheels, but the more you move it the more damage will happen to your layout, engines, and rolling stock.

You should be able to get a yard, but you will get more operations for your space by having a lot of industrial sidings. A fiddle track will help increase your operational abilities as well.

[ghonz711]

YOu are very right about doing damage to my layout if i move a lot. And yes, Kyle's layout probably won't fit. I am STUCK![sigh]

If anyone else has any other ideas, PLEASE CONTRIBUTE!!!

[SpaceMouse]

You know that you want a folded dogbone. You know you want a yard. Get the software and draw it up the best you can. IT is only then that we can start working with you like we did with Kyle. Draw it. Get suggestions. Redraw get suggestions. Eventually it will get there, but you have to start the ball rolling.

[ghonz711]

FINALLY i have a slight idea.[:D] I just found a plan called the Granite Gorge and Northenr, in Atlas' Seven Step by Step layouts. I LOVE IT! I have drawn some basic sketchs and now, i think i will transfer it onto RTS... I hope it works![;)]

[SpaceMouse]

Yes!

[ghonz711]

For everyone waiting 2 see my first atempt at a layout... go to www.freewebs.com/ghonzish It's not bad, but excuse the roughness

[SpaceMouse]

A good first draft. The best thing about a first draft is getting things out there and playing with your limitations. I fear you're trying to do too much in your space, though. You have little room for scenery or industries.

However, the biggest problem I see is that 3/4 of your turnouts are out of your reach zone, That means that 75% of the time you have the potential of doing damage to your layout either by moving the layout or reaching over your trains. That means that tuning your turnouts is going to be done leaning on the front track or moving the layout.

Do yourself a favor. Use the table edge tool and ruler to put a line 30" from the front edges of the table. Now don't let any turnouts get behind that line. IF you absolutely have to get track behind that line make is simple and get it out ASAP. Remember, that track has to be cleaned sometimes at the drop of a hat.

You will have less loops, but loops can get boring fast. It is your spurs and industries that will add complexity and keep things interesting. Think of setting out cars and picking them up.

[ghonz711]

Well, i've always liked running trains a little more than switching, but i'll try and design a layout with the 30" idea... thnx [;)]