Steve_F wrote: Just adding my 2c to the above, I think you can read the whys & how's etc of the above links (which are very good) until your cross-eyed but until you try operating it may not make as much sense as it couldSo with it being your first layout how about copying an existing plan? I was thinking of an HO plan that you could use in N scale which would leave it less cluttered, broader curves and room to add more industries, sidings etc. there is one I like that has been previously posted here. http://www.nmra.org/beginner/ex_plus.html Operating a layout like this would help give you an idea what is needed to make it operational and what you will want out of a future layout. Another option would be to find a local club or operating group, operating a layout will show what you want and need in the design.
Just adding my 2c to the above, I think you can read the whys & how's etc of the above links (which are very good) until your cross-eyed but until you try operating it may not make as much sense as it could
So with it being your first layout how about copying an existing plan? I was thinking of an HO plan that you could use in N scale which would leave it less cluttered, broader curves and room to add more industries, sidings etc. there is one I like that has been previously posted here. http://www.nmra.org/beginner/ex_plus.html
Operating a layout like this would help give you an idea what is needed to make it operational and what you will want out of a future layout.
Another option would be to find a local club or operating group, operating a layout will show what you want and need in the design.
I seem to recall that NMRA layout being fubared, (HO) especially if one is going to use sectional track.
The shape depicted wasn't possible, i.e.
I have pretty much the same questions as Dave. I wonder what the purpose is of your railroad.
Try reading my beginner's guide clickible from may signature.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
There is no run around in the yard. You need at least one pair of tracks with a switch on both ends and enough room for an engine beyond the far switch.
What does your railroad do? Does it go any place? Why do you switch cars? in the yard? where do they go? What is the theme of your railroad? What industries does it serve?
Think about those questions. When you get the answers, look at your track plan. does the track plan let you do those things?
Dave H.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
garthor wrote:The layout is the berkshire valley line in ho. ... in n scale ... The benchwork is 4x12
In general:1. with that much space you can make a real classification yard not just a bunch of parallel tracks. See the Midland Valley yard #HO10029 or the "Big Panhandle" track plan #19 in Custom Line Layouts for HO Scale Railroads for some ideas.2. with that much space you can probably make a much more interesting main line than just a figure 8.3. there aren't enough crossovers on the main line.4. Is there a reason you want the yard lead hidden?
Ok lets try this again the site is:
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa153/garthor1/Berkshirerevised.jpg
Ok here is my first try at using rts software to scale down a layout. The layout is the berkshire valley line in ho. The following layout is in n scale using 13.75 radius for the outer track and 12.5 for the inner, all atlas code 55 rail. The turnouts are also atlas code 55 #7's. The benchwork is 4x12 and will be on casters for moving it around and such. Also the yard and engine servicing areas are not complete ,but you get the general idea. Please post any thoughts or ideas that you may have.