Hi everybody, My name is Juan Carlos and I'm from Mexico I would like to have some suggestions about which track model build, I actually have a Bachmann limited edition train and I only can build a big oval
I built a 4'x8' plywood table a few days ago and now I want to begin to make my layout but I don't know how many tracks do I need neither wich model track should I build.
Can you suggest me a few ones? and how many tracks would I need to build it
I hope you can help me, thankyou and sorry for my bad english
p.d. my train is an HO scale one
Try using the Track Plan Database under Subscriber Extra on the MR WEB site.
http://mrr.trains.com/en/How%20To/Track%20Plan%20Database.aspx
You have to be a subscriber to access this database.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I'm actually subscribed to model railroad magazine and I have seen that section from the webpage, the problem its that I can't identify what kind of track should I buy to make the model I choose, there are a few ones that I liked it but how many tracks should I buy? what's the radio of tracks?
thank you
Welcome to the forums.
You say you have a train set already. What type to track did it come with? Did it come with a circle of track or a loop? Knowing what type and brand of track you have will help folks recommend what more you need to expand your layoutl.
Would you like to have your model railroad look like it was mostly in the city or in the country? Do you want to let your trains run or do you mostly want to switch cars around in a yard? These questions will help folks come up with a design for a layout that will meet your desires.
There is quite a bit that you can do, even on a 4'x8' layout.
Good luck,
Richard
Hi Richard!, I'm going to answer your questions hoping you can help me, actually my Bachmman Train set came with a 63"x54" oval, BUT I don't want to build my layout with the E-Ztracks that came in my Bachmann Set, I want to buy a few Code 83 Atlas Tracks and that's why I want to konw how many tracks to buy, and what kind of model have to build.
I would like to do a country model, fill my layout with trees, rivers, lakes, bridges, farm animales etcetera, it would be good that my train run and switch cars around yard , that's not so important to me.
Thanks for your help
Haven't you answered your own question?
Once you have selected a track plan, you should be able to figure out which pieces to buy easily enough. If you really need to, download Atlas's free Righttrack software (here: http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm). This will allow you to print a materials list, which will show you exactly what to buy.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
That's the point CTValleyRR, I don't know how to identify what kind of track I am looking , I found a few interesting plans in the MR database, but I would like to have the ammount of pieces and the type of track to buy, I can't find something like that
There are many decisions to be made before your questions can be answered comprehensively. What type of track, how complex a layout, how many sidings, how many turnouts, how much to spend, etc. I started by looking at all the layouts described on the Atlas web site. Then I bought several of the Atlas layout books. The books list exactly what track pieces are needed for each layout. If you do not like any of their choices you will have examples for how many track pieces are needed for a curve and how many for a siding. After I studied the books for a time I was able to plan my layout. The books can be found at...
http://www.atlasrr.com/
Also try http://mrr.trains.com/
There are many layout books from other sources on the web. A web search will find them for you. Language should not be a problem because there are many pictures.
sirkam
I think you might have missed CTValleyRR's suggestion about the Atlas track design freeware. It is fairly easy to use and as he said it will give you an accurate list of what pieces you will need to build your layout. What you will have to do is take the track plan that you have selected and re-draw it using the Atlas software. You don't have to be precisely accurate as long as the plan you draw will fit in the space you have. The Atlas software will then tell you exactly what you need to build your track.
Good luck!
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
thanks for your tip, the idea was that I'd find a few models of 4x8 layouts and then will buy the tracks I need.
Actually I find many RTS files with very good layouts for a 4x8 table.
I've checked for books in atlas webpage, but I didn't find something in specific for 4x8 table layouts.
Thanks everybody for their tips
sirkam That's the point CTValleyRR, I don't know how to identify what kind of track I am looking , I found a few interesting plans in the MR database, but I would like to have the ammount of pieces and the type of track to buy, I can't find something like that
This is because most track plans in the MR database is not made with sectional track - most track plans are made with flextrack, which you bend to the radius you want/need and cut to length.
The track plan will tell you minimum radius and minimum size turnouts. Count turnouts, estimate track lengths by looking at the square grid on the drawing - it is usually either 12" grid or, for larger plans, 24" grid.
If you want to have precise instructions for building a layout, complete with instructions about exactly what pieces of track has been used where, then don't look at track plans from MR - go buy a "starting in the hobby" type of book.
Smile, Stein
Hi Juan
The February issue of Model Railroader is all about 4' X 8' track plans. If you could get this magazine it could be some help.www.ModelRoader.com They might send you a copy.
Have fun.
Lee
@stein I hadn't considered to use flex tracks, then I only will need to idenify turnouts really? and I guess it's easier to do.
Now I know wich one I want to do
@Lee thank yor for your tip, I tried to buy that issue, but MR have no more in stock :( and they won't re print it
Thanx everybody you're a great community!
I used an "HO Layouts for every space" book (I think that was the name) by Altas RR. I took the HO-14 layout and built that. It has parts for both code 100 and code 83 Atlas track. Just another possibility.