beginers layout

[twhite]

OTN--hey, welcome back, guy, haven't seen a post by you in some time! If I were just starting out, I'd probably go with the Turtle Creek, or a variation of it. One of the things about the Turtle Creek is that it looks as if it can become the nucleus of a larget layout when and if you start expanding. One of the best of the earlier model railroads in the 1950's was John Allen's Gorre and Daphetid, and it started out as a 4x8 layout, that eventually took over his entire basement--but that little 4x8 was STILL a part of the larger layout. A lot of us older modelers consider the Gorre and Daphetid a sort of Holy Grail of layouts, it's influenced a lot of our modeling up to the present. To me, the Turtle Creek looks like a great starting point. Again, glad to have you back among us, let us know how your health and school are coming along, okay?
Tom [:D][:D]

[CNJ831]

O-T-N, if the hobby or layout building is fairly new to you and you don't have much experience in designing your own trackplans, go with something that has been detailed out in one or another of the magazines or in books. Freelancing design, modules, etc. are great when you're experienced but can be the quickest way to unworkable problems and construction delays otherwise. You want to be up and running ASAP as the longer it takes you to get to that point, the more likely it is you may loose interest in the project. By this criteria, choices 3 or 4 might be your best direction. Of course, choice 4 has already been provided with an expansion in the pages of MR, so you'd know where to go next once "stage 1" is complete.

CNJ831

[Anonymous]

Hi

i am thinking about building and HO dogbone.I would like a layout with lots of scenery rather than lots of track.

[Anonymous]

Alex,

Have you thought about combining those layouts that you like?

Make a 1x6 "headboard" section that would connect a 4x4 on one side of your bed to another 4x4 on the other side of your bed? Sorta like a stretched or separated "B" shape so that your layout is built around your bed. One 4x4 could be the yard and the other 4x4 could be the industries and the 1x6 "headboard" section could have the passing siding and would allow continous running. I think you mentioned once before that you have a 14' wall in your bedroom. [:D]

This would also allow you to have 3 different scenes. The yard could be from one city, the passing siding could be of the Oklahoma flatlands and the industries could be of some other city.

[Anonymous]

In my view you are likely to windup with a very cluttered effect for the space you have at present. Were I you I would adopt the suggestion of a modular approach. A second alternative would be a pure urban switching layout.

Randy

[Anonymous]

Keep it simple. I would stay away from #5, since when I was starting out I had a lot of trouble wiring reverse loops. I also like ndbrr's suggestion of a modular layout.

[IRONROOSTER]

I would recommend that you go with the one that appeals to you the most. While I'm not familar wtih all that you mentioned, the Turtle Creek Central looks like it might be kind of fun to build and operate - has a pretty fair amount of interesting switching and a small yard with a loop of track. This is about as good as you're going to do at this size. Don't get too hung up trying to find that perfect plan. You'll find once you something built and run some trains that you'll have a better idea of what you like and don't like.
Enjoy
Paul

[greatn]

There are alot of books published out there just with you inmind. There is a book that instructs you how to take a train set and make it into a layout, or maybe a HO layout from start to finish, or how to start small and as you abilities grow, inlarge your layout. Modelrailroader.com has very good information on where to start, what to get, what layout would be best for you. Just remember to have fun and you can't run a train with no track down!!! Happy railroading

[ndbprr]

If I were beginning again I think I would take a modular approach. Either two ends that were each a 180 degree arc that could be continuously moved back as modules were added or that had two side by side tracks that formed a loop to do the same thing. That way you could reuse everything without tearing it up and starting over at some point.

[Anonymous]

I am trying to narrow down the selection of track plans for my new layout. They are all about 4x6 to 4x8 except one dog bone plan. I will explain them below, could you tell me which one is best for a beginner who wants good effect, realistic operation, and nice midwest sencery. here they are.

1) diagonel backdrop with large yard on one side witth a small town one the other side. double track mainline

2) single sence a few industries, and a small yard

3) passing siding , a couple industries. based on the Marengo, Milwaukee, & Northern project layout.

4) Turtle Creek Central

5) Cippewa Central. kind of hard ot explain but here it goes. Hills, dog bone shape, small staging yard, lots of revers loop

Can anyone help me decide wich one of these I should use? Thanks !