Feedback on a possible layout

[Anonymous]

For my first layout, I'm considering building the 4x8 Cripple Creek Central from the book "HO Railroad from start to finish". Can anyone provide feedback on this plan, either "for or against"? I'm a newbie to the hobby and this would be my first layout. http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/kal/kal12121.htm

[selector]

Please see this thread...it is on the same forum page today.

I can' directly answer your question, except to advise you to keep researching, reading threads such as the one below, and hoping like heck that Chip takes the time to give you a hand. There isn't much about the old 4X8 that he hasn' t grappled with.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=48666

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jay2far

For my first layout, I'm considering building the 4x8 Cripple Creek Central from the book "HO Railroad from start to finish". Can anyone provide feedback on this plan, either "for or against"? I'm a newbie to the hobby and this would be my first layout. http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/kal/kal12121.htm

I went back and re-read your original first post describing what you want to do.. It sounds like you've done the table vs shelf thinking so I won't try to push you either way.. The layout within that book is a series of articles from Model Railroader spanning from Jan 1991 to Nov 1992..

http://index.mrmag.com/tm.exe?opt=I&MAG=BOOK&MO=9&YR=1994#33

While it would be nice, I'm sure to have them all in one place, with the book, I would suggest going to ebay and finding both years used and have a LOT more information..

http://cgi1.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemWithCategory&item=6009929649

I'm only offering this link as a way to get into the catagory to search for the magazines.. Not to endorse the ad.. He's asking WAAAAAAAAAY too much for what he's offering. Cut out the articles if you wish and recycle the rest.

I think that particular layout would give you decent exposure to all facets of the hobby for both you and your son to enjoy.. As far as what he can reach, remember he's going to grow.. In the mean time, a step stool that he can move around would probably help..

Good luck,
Jeff
[8D]

[Anonymous]

Thanks for going back to my original post Jeff. After several weeks of research, I found myself this past weekend reading the DCC primer that I printed out from Tony's Trains. After finishing it, I went online and surfed through some of the manufacturer websites for DCC kits etc. After about 30 minutes I sat back in my chair like someone had slapped me back to reality. I thought, what the hell am I doing? It was like I started in reality 4 weeks ago, went through a month of dreaming, etc., and was brought right back around to reality again. All for the price of a little research time and a few books.

So, now I'm going with a published plan that will hopefully present realistic challenges that I can work my way through over time. What I like about the published plan is that it has you accomplishing small goals along the way. And that's what will get me in the garage working on it.

So, lot's of lesson's being learned already. Thanks for the feedback guys.

Jay

[Anonymous]

The best way to get started in model railroading is to jump right in. The basic track plan for the cripple creek has been around for decades, and is what you would call a tried and true plan. Go for it, and don't be afraid to experiment or ask for advice. All of us had to strat some where. Just look at it this way. All those who we think of as masters of the hobby were beginners at one time. Have fun.

[cuyama]

Jay,

I recognize that you are interested in the step-by-step nature of the book. But I think you may find that when you're all done that the layout does not prove very engaging to operate.

There are a couple of reasons I feel that way. One is the built-in limitations of the 4X8 in HO scale, some of which I discussed here:
http://www.modelrail.us/id28.html

If you have enough space for the 4X8 and its necessary aisles, you have space for a more interesting configuration. Are you looking at a 4X8 because is absolutely the best fit for your space? Many people choose the 4X8 because "that's what everybody does" for a first layout. Unfortunately, some of those 4X8 builders leave the hobby before they're done or shortly thereafter because the layouts don't prove interesting in the longer term.

The second reason is the limitations of this particular plan. All but one spur may be switched by a train orbiting in one direction. There is no passing track per se, just a short run-around to allow switching of that small industry. It's not the worst 4X8 plan ever, but it may not meet your interests as well as some others -- and of course, in most cases there are better alternatives than the 4X8 (in my humble opinion).

Of course, if your interest is more in modeling and less on running trains purposefully when you're done (which is also a fine goal), then these comments may not be as pertinent.

There are also some elements of the plan that could stand some updating. The centralized control panel is an idea that some people have abandoned in favor of distributing turnout controls around the layout near where they will be used, especially when combined with DCC.

So bottom line, I think there are alternatives that will be more satisfying. One idea might be to use the step-by-step concepts of the book, but apply them to a more interesting track plan that makes better use of your space. You'll have a great time learning about the hobby in any case, but some of these alternatives might provide more enjoyment in the long term.

regards,

Byron

[SpaceMouse]

I am not familiar with that track plan. I would suggest you take the time to work it out on one of the free track planning programs. As good as they are, often the MR plans don't quite work they way they say it will. If you put it into one of the programs that have the exact dimentions of the track, you can work out the bugs on paper. Much easier than trying to work it out on the wood. Plus you become more intimate with the plan--something you need to do if you are using someone else's idea. Learn the layout and play the train's moves in your mind. Make sure it's how you want things to run.

If it is not you haven't invested any money other thatn the book.