Expanding a basic layout

[Anonymous]

Hello again all

I would like to know if there are any "rules" or guidlines for expanding a basic layout, which mine is. It is just an oval with two sides on the out side of the oval.

I want to add a mainline to my layout by adding more track to one of the spurs and having it "loop" around to the other spur. Inside this "loop" would be another line, so that I can have two trains running at the same time.

any info would be great,
Don Cathcart

[Anonymous]

Hi Don... Sounds like you're heading into the great unknown of beginner model railroading! There are never any "rules" to follow because model railroading can be what ever you want it to be. I suggest you spend some time reading some model railroading books to see other peoples ideas. Kalmbach Publishing Co. has a neat web site and on-line catalog in which to order some excellent books. Check it out! Good Luck,don't get discouraged if something doesn't come out right and keep trying! Most of all, have fun!
Matt

[Anonymous]

Don: There is only one rule, that is to enjoy this hobby. When I build my present layout, and still am, I started out with a 6 x 10 ft space with two tracks, one running around the outside and one running around the inside of the rectangle shaped layout. I have since expanded by adding a piece onto one side of the rectangle, now it appears more of an "L", I still have the track that runs around on the inside loop but the outside track now runs most of the way around the 6 x 10 rectangle but now also goes around the outside of the new piece, expanding the total running length of the outside loop. This way I have expanded the length of run on my outside track, added more industries and a small engine service area. On my small layout there is one thing that I have tried to do and it seems to work is to keep the tracks from going strait along the edges, try to put in sone gentle "s" curves along the long parts, for me that is down the back and bottom of the "L", the short top part and short top part of the of the leg of the "L" will also be curved. Makes it appear that it is longet that it is. My track is all on flat surface, no going up and down with the track as I do not have the room to make it convincing so the land forms go up and down. One area where the track passes the back of the town I raised the town on a one inch piece of foam, made the back of the one inch foam look like a concrete wall and added rocks and debris, and also added a cross over track ( from outside to inside loop) and a tower near a small creek bed. This way it breaks up the flatness look. What I do before I do anything is take a brown piece of paper, lay it on the floor and mark my track plan on it. This way you can see one to one how the curves, switches, industries ( and sizes of)and scenery are all going to fit. You can make the adjustments on paper easier that tearing up large portions of layout everytime you notice a mistake. Small adjustments cam be made as you build. Above all as I have mentioned the only rule is to have fun and enjoy the hobby.
Good Luck!! Ron.

[Anonymous]

Hello agin, Don... If you want, you can E-mail me a picture of your current track-plan along with benchwork dimensions and layout -room measurements and I would try to draw you some "suggestions"/ scan and e-mail them back to you. If you do decide to do that, please include permanent features of your room such as a water heater, door and window spaces etc.My E-mail address is [e-mail]

Matt