Townhouse model Railroading......can it be done?

[Anonymous]

Greetings all,
This is my second post to trains.com.
Yes, that is the today's brain buster. I am curious if this can be achived.

Dimensions:
I am in the design stage of my layout and am pleased to say it is small and narrow (Wall hugging layout) (Estimated dimensions: 1' 4" depth x 1' 8" high x 4' even wide (These are in sections, the finished product should be an "L" shaped board that could be 12' or more from end to end). This is for my HO scale collection.

Problem:
In townhomes I have been looking at, some room dimensions are small and leave little room for anything. Above all else, I need to have the trains able to turn around on each end. The big question is...can this be done without using bigger boards that are X' by X' (I. E. 4' X 8' using 18" radius curves)at the ends of the long section pieces. I will have up to 4 train lines and there is just no room for all of them on the turn around areas (THey are also both on different levels). Does anyone have any ideas?

One layout I saw one time featured a spiral ramp that elevated the train after afew rotations around the spiral. Is a tuck-under an option as well? I do like the idea of having the trains dissapear for awhile out of sight.

Thank you for any help! It will really help ALOT in the planning stages. The turnarounds are key.

Thanks again!

-Adam

[cbq9911a]

Think in terms of an around the wall layout on sections 2' x 4'. Bridge the door(s) with a lift out section.

A lot depends on the size of your room. If you have a 9' x 12' room you can have a very nice layout in HO based on 2' x 4' sections. Go for a larger curve radius, 22" and 24". 18" is too limiting.

Multiple levels could be a problem. It takes 7' of track at a 4% grade to connect 2 levels. A helix could work, but it would take some carpentry.

Hope that helps.

[Anonymous]

You have probably already considered this, but in case you haven't, how about a "point-to-point" type layout? If just letting the trains run unattended is your goal, then this won't work. But if you want switching, etc. A shelf type layout would be your best bet in that space. MR had some great articles on this type of layout several years ago by Bob Smause. Check with Kalmbach back issues dept. for copies. You will be impressed with the amount of detail Bob could achieve with just 2 feet or so of depth. I know I was. Aside from the shelf layouts he did, I recall that his "big" layout was only about a 4X6 portable job that he kept in his garage.
I belive that those articles came out in the mid-1990's, but don't quote me on that.... As the hair turns gray, the memory fades.........
Todd C.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys for all the help and suggestions.

For reply #1:
Helixs are a definit possibility for the ends. I don't know if it's possible to make helixs into 22-24" radiuses.. The prime reason being cornering for bigger train cars and engines. (I have two 89' enclosed auto transports by Walthers that seem to demand smooth wide turns to avoid overhang and derailment) The biggest engines I have planned for are the Kato SD70MACs.

For reply #2:
Yes, I had considered it.
I would rather have the trains go unattended as you mentioned. I'm glad I'm getting these ideas however. My goal is 4 trains max running simultaneously on 4 different lines. But, it's still in the works.


Thanks again guys! Keep those Ideas comming!
-adam