Layout planning

[nickl02]

I want to design my own ho layout. I have a pretty good idea about whAT I want to do. However I am looking for advice to make sure I do this as accuretley as possible

[nickl02]

I want to design my own ho layout. I have a pretty good idea about whAT I want to do. However I am looking for advice to make sure I do this as accuretley as possible

[Anonymous]

Two suggestions, first post your questions in the layout section of the forum.

Secondly, even if you posted the above I wouldn't respond because you have given me no information like where the layout is going. Are you starting with a 4 by 8? The more you can ask specific questions, the more help you will receive from others.

[Anonymous]

Two suggestions, first post your questions in the layout section of the forum.

Secondly, even if you posted the above I wouldn't respond because you have given me no information like where the layout is going. Are you starting with a 4 by 8? The more you can ask specific questions, the more help you will receive from others.

[Anonymous]

Yes, Rick was right on. You need to tell us what scale you plan to use, how much space you have, what your interests are, etc.

I recommend that you read the book "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" by John Armstrong. If you are planning a modest single level layout, I also recommend you go to the Atlas website and download their free design software, Atlas RTS 5.0. If you are planning a layout with many elevation changes, you may want to consider buying one of the fancier programs that will have many tools to help you with the vertical planning along with the horizontal planning. I have 3rd Planit for example.

Finally, like Rick said, I would use the Layout Planning forum for this stuff. Good Luck - Ed

[Anonymous]

Yes, Rick was right on. You need to tell us what scale you plan to use, how much space you have, what your interests are, etc.

I recommend that you read the book "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" by John Armstrong. If you are planning a modest single level layout, I also recommend you go to the Atlas website and download their free design software, Atlas RTS 5.0. If you are planning a layout with many elevation changes, you may want to consider buying one of the fancier programs that will have many tools to help you with the vertical planning along with the horizontal planning. I have 3rd Planit for example.

Finally, like Rick said, I would use the Layout Planning forum for this stuff. Good Luck - Ed

[Anonymous]

I posted this for another reply but it seem appropriate here.
A suggestion on your layout design. If you might have a layout larger than 4 X 8, consider using more aisles say like the letter E. This will give you much better access than one large surface. The ends can be constructed larger to accomodate curves. I was more concerned with using space than access and wish I built with a narrower base and more aisles.
Have fun!

[Anonymous]

I posted this for another reply but it seem appropriate here.
A suggestion on your layout design. If you might have a layout larger than 4 X 8, consider using more aisles say like the letter E. This will give you much better access than one large surface. The ends can be constructed larger to accomodate curves. I was more concerned with using space than access and wish I built with a narrower base and more aisles.
Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Any body can plan a layout, you just have to select the area you want to place the layout, start with a simple track plan and later on you can change it to how you want it.
Start with some basic scenery, ad some stuctures and go from there. Don't be intiminated by larger layouts you might see in Model Railroader. Start small and work you way up.

Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

Any body can plan a layout, you just have to select the area you want to place the layout, start with a simple track plan and later on you can change it to how you want it.
Start with some basic scenery, ad some stuctures and go from there. Don't be intiminated by larger layouts you might see in Model Railroader. Start small and work you way up.

Good Luck!

[GerFust]

For accuracy, you might try planning it with software. Atlas Right Track is available for free at http://www.atlasrr.com/software/welcome.asp. I use it for my layouts (which are smaller). It is fairly easy to use, and has the footprint of many buidlings in it's library. Although no software is perfectly accurate, it will help you see what the possibilities are in the given amount of space.

[GerFust]

For accuracy, you might try planning it with software. Atlas Right Track is available for free at http://www.atlasrr.com/software/welcome.asp. I use it for my layouts (which are smaller). It is fairly easy to use, and has the footprint of many buidlings in it's library. Although no software is perfectly accurate, it will help you see what the possibilities are in the given amount of space.

[Anonymous]

Give us some more specifics and maybe we can help. I've been working on a new layout plan for over a year for a 21' by 25' room we added over the garage. I think I'm about ready to start building the benchwork. I've taken various plans to the NMRA division meetings and have received a lot of good input. Just this weekend, I was working on the engine terminals. One thing I've learned: there is no substitute for taking the actual turnouts and some track to figure out what will fit in a given space. No matter how careful you think you are drawing it, turnouts always take more room than you think.

[Anonymous]

Give us some more specifics and maybe we can help. I've been working on a new layout plan for over a year for a 21' by 25' room we added over the garage. I think I'm about ready to start building the benchwork. I've taken various plans to the NMRA division meetings and have received a lot of good input. Just this weekend, I was working on the engine terminals. One thing I've learned: there is no substitute for taking the actual turnouts and some track to figure out what will fit in a given space. No matter how careful you think you are drawing it, turnouts always take more room than you think.