Need help on layout

[rdraper]

I want to model the NKP set in the early 50's to mid 60's. I have a 12' by 12' area with an extra 10' along a wall to use as a return loop or wharever. I'm stuck on what to do next. I've got the 12 by 12 going for the most part(point to point right now but want continuous run). Any ideas what to do or where to look. I'm using a Proto 2K SW8 for yard work and Bachman GP30's for now. I'm using 24" curves and #6 switches customline atlas on the main and #4 customlines in the yard. What would you do if you had that much space to work with?

[selector]

A diagram or pictures would help us immensely. As it is, we can't see your actual track plan on the extant 12X12.

[TomDiehl]

LOTS of options here. One of the easiest, for continuous running is a double track mainline with lower level loops at each end (conceled by a yard or whatever you have at the end of the point to point line on the surface). Just throwing a couple switches, you can go from point to point, point to loop, or continuous running loop.

[rdraper]

My track plan isnt permanent. I want something better than what i have right now. My 10 year old son wanted to watch trains run so we threw some track down temporarily. I've looked at layout design books to get ideas but this is my FIRST big layout and i want to enjoy operating it with my children and by myself when i can. I dont know what to do.

[NZRMac]

I downloaded xtrkcad from www.sillub.com and found a portion of track I wanted to model, local Midland line.

Then just played with the design till I was happy and had as much as I could from my prototype. I then posted the plan and asked the guys to comment, made some changes.

Now I just have to build it!!

Ken.

[rdraper]

I tried downloading that software but i kept getting an error on page message. Do you know of another site to look at?

[Anonymous]

Hi All
I've been planning a 11' x 23' layout using Atlas' Right Track Software.
I bought the inital floppy quite some years ago for about $10 and it's upgradable for free at the atlas website.
Use the code 83 library for 24" rad. curves.

[twcenterprises]

Well, while I'm here, anyone got any suggestions for a 8x20' room? I was thinking about maybe a folded dogbone type with a branchline running uphill around the edge to a mine on one end. I don't have any room restrictions to deal with except the entry door.

Brad

[BigRusty]

I have been designing layouts for over 60 years and the most important thing that I learned was this: Whether freelanced or prototype the essence of a good layout design in my opinion is that it replicate how a real railroad functions.

The railroads function is to move people or goods from one place to another as expeditially as possible. It doesn't start from point A and end at Point A. It starts at Point A and ends at point B. Point A can be a terminal, an interchange with another railroad, a port or some other end destination. Point B can be the same. Trains NEVER run from Point A to point A or vice versa. There may be branches to other cities, coal mines or what have you along the way. No train that proceeds to the West returns from the East.

Before wasting your time drawing a layout, try drawing a schematic track plan. A point to point layout must either have terminal facilities at each end and a means of reversing direction whether it be a return loop or yards and a turntable or wye. If you want industrial or passing sidings sketch them in where appropriate. When you are satisfied that it is true to prototype practice you can then place Point A where you want it and then wrap the schematic around your space in whatever plan works. You may lengthen or shorten some sidings, tangents and generate some curves, etc., but now you will have a layout that makes sense for real operation. No trains will be chasing their tails (railroads don't usually run in circles) on your railroad. Feel feel to freelance or follow prototype as you wish but design a RAILROAD not a toy train set. By drawing a shematic FIRST you will save countless hours in erasing, redrawing and changing.

[pcarrell]

This might get a bigger response in the layouts section of the forum.

[Anonymous]

I agree with BigRusty's statements about layout design IF you want a railroad that operates like a railroad. That's what I want and I did my design the way BigRusty said. I took a prototype line that has been downgraded or abandon and had my freelance railroad take it over. Someone else may want to just watch trains go round and round. What ever makes you happy should be on top of the list, then the shcematic if you chose.