Atlas Layout "The Trunk Line" HO-6

[kcoyle]

Hi,

Has anyone used the Atlas Layout "The Trunk Line" HO-6? I have it pieced toether on my floor looking at it adn was wondering if anyone has done this one and does it work and realistic? I figured I would piece it together on the floor as I have not built my platform yet. I am looking for a layout that will give me options and allow me to grow into it operationally as this layout allows for two running trains.


Thanks,

Kevin Coyle

[Anonymous]

The atlas plans are generally pretty well thought out and work well. The only problem is that you usually end up with a spaghetti bowl of track. But, if that is what you want, then the atlas plan should be Ok.

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kcoyle
Has anyone used the Atlas Layout "The Trunk Line" HO-6?

First, I have never built or run this layout. In all the Atlas track planning books that I have (dating back 30 years) I had never seen it before. However, I did have a simplified version of this layout for 2-3 years back when I was in Jr. High. I enjoyed running it for hours and hours. So with that in mind, here are my comments, using the last two digits from the layouts at following link as a reference. http://www.atlasrr.com/Code100web/index.htm

QUOTE:
does it work and realistic?

Any 4x8 layout with a loop is seriously limited in the realistic category, with a double track loop more so. Watching two trains go around and around is only slightly more interesting than one. It depends on your imagination just how long it is interesting.

I see a couple of "realistic" ways this layout could be operated with two trains. First a double track mainline. With two trains going the same direction the challenge is to, without stopping either train, move the faster train on to the facing traffic track, get it around the slower train, and back onto the right track. A second way is to have one train running constantly representing the "through trains". The second train the local peddler. The idea would be for the peddler to service the two "towns", without interfering with the throughs. The hard part of that is that the town inside the loop requires a switch back and the only run around uses both loops. Well, that is unless you cheat and circle the entire inside loop as a run-around.

QUOTE:
I am looking for a layout that will give me options and allow me to grow into it operationally as this layout allows for two running trains.

Don't totally equate running two trains with two separate paths. Their layout HO-5 "senior twice around" also allows for two train operation. It is just a totally different type of operation. In fact, a layout similar to HO-5 is what I upgraded to when I replaced my Jr. High layout. Also with today's command control systems being so cheap and standardized (DCC), two train operation is not nearly the headache it used to be. If one didn't mind caboose chasing, two trains could be independently controlled on even HO-1 layout. My son has a 4x8 version of HO-20 and it regularly runs three trains thanks to the modern control systems.

Other comments:
1. Unless you want the center space for some fantastic scenery (which many people prefer), most of the center area is wasted.
2. The only options I see for HO-6 are to either add more spurs toward the center to give it more switching option or add a shelf extension off that top spur going off to a second board.
3. I would think that adding a few more industrial spurs would make HO-15 more to grow into operationally
4. In my opinion when limited to 4x8 and for a single train - to me HO-30 looks the most operationally interesting. But I find switching the most interesting thing. HO-11 could be modified to greatly improve its expanded operability. Many trains moving simultaniously would be HO-25, and most realistic would actually be HO-18 (but I don't know anyone who has actually made this layout).
5. If you decide to go ahead with this layout. Add a divider through the center to visually create two separate scenes.

[Tom Bryant_MR]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kcoyle
Has anyone used the Atlas Layout "The Trunk Line" HO-6? I have it pieced toether on my floor looking at it adn was wondering if anyone has done this one and does it work and realistic? I figured I would piece it together on the floor as I have not built my platform yet. I am looking for a layout that will give me options and allow me to grow into it operationally as this layout allows for two running trains.

Hi Kevin, my first layout was an Atlas layout from one of their books. I modified it and true to Joe's observation mine ended up being a spagetti bowl and does not satisfy me from an "operational" aspect. Atlas advertised in their layout verbage that 4 trains could run on mine. Maybe I ruined this by modifing it.

At least the H06 looks like some switching is possible.

You might consider using some CAD software first and try simulating running trains on this layout. This can show you where things might not live up to your expectations. XTrkCad, http://www.sillub.com/, is free and if you are willing to spend some time learning, you could reproduce the Atlas H06 layout and then run some trains on it virtually and see what you like and do not like.

Realistic is a subjective term. Get Track Planning for Realistic Operation from Kalmbach books. I know the urge is to get the crew busy pounding in those spikes but this one reference along with inputs from this forum helped me more then ever in "realizing" what it was that interested me in model railroading.

Good luck and keep asking [:)]

[Anonymous]

I built a 4 by 8 layout based on this plan that was a series of how to articles in Model Railroader. It is called the Turtle Creek Central. Here is the link. http://www.trains.com/content/dynamic/articles/000/000/003/606xmycp.asp

This was the perfect layout for my family. It could be run like a traditional 4 by 8 oval. This is the way my kids operate it and they love it. It has three bridges, two mountains and a tunnel.

However, when I operate the layout I use it as if it were an industrial switching layout. In other words, I begin the session from the yard area and do not cross the bridge and go around through the tunnel until the very end of a successful operating session when I indulge myself with a couple of victory laps. If you operate The Turtle Creek like a switching layout the area at the close end of the layout can be treated as a four track yard. I added a completely different mine section than the series of articles they suggested in the 2004 series. I also made a few modifications to the original four by eight which eliminates a whole lot of the shunting. My version of the Turtle Creek is more like an Eastern Pennsylvania prototype -- a little more urban and industrial -- while the article is Western Pennsylvania.

The point is, explore other 4 by 8 track plans. Most of the Atlas layouts are meant to be the traditional oval with a couple of spurs. But there are many more clever plans out there. I built the Turtle Creek with the intention of that being my kids' layout and when I was finished I would build my own. But I found that the layout design was brilliant and instead I keep adding to it and improving it. I have several more ideas for modules.

[mononguy63]

Hi, Kevin.

I actually used a slightly modified Trunk Line for my first layout and loved it. You can run a couple of trains for railfanning, or swich industries in multiple creative ways. Plus, it gives ample space to hone those scenery skills and display structures that have been sitting on the shelf for so long...

Jim

[kcoyle]

Hi,

Thank you for the great tips. I figured I would start with a basic 4x8 plan to work on my model building and scenery, then later on move into a large platform when I get more space.

Thank you again for the great advice.


Kevin

[Anonymous]

I think that starting with a 4x8 is a good idea to practice before you drop some serious $$$ into a bigger layout. One thing that most new modelers do not do and that they should is start with DCC. DCC is no longer "the future". Cab control is really a thing of the past for serious railroaders. Cost is what puts most people off from DCC. But it really isnt so bad. considering that a basic (VERY basic) system starts at around $80 and a good DC power supply is about $50. If you want a DCC system that will last you for years I suggest the Digitrax Zephyr. It will cost you about $150 but it is completely expandable and you can use it on many larger layouts to come. It has a lot more features than the $80 system from bachmann. And is more complicated. But if you look over the user's manual you will have no trouble. The best part is, DCC is EASIER to wire than DC cab control. It takes only 2 wires! and you can run multiple trains on the same track. Even in different directions. Plus you get to fully utilize the incredible sound decoders available today for about $40. So You should definently consider DCC no matter what layout plan you decide to build.