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Hello all,
JamesNWR0599 views and no feedback whatsoever. What did I do wrong?
Nothing.
Unfortunately most folks on these forums don't like...
If this works for you GREAT!!!
Have fun building your layout. It looks great for running multiple trains with some switching duties.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I'm trying to find flaws. But I'm not a professional layout designer. I can find flaws in my own designs.
Where the double mainline connects under the bridge, the river might be to narrow when the third track is passing by it.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
Would need a vertical wall between the outer track (tunnel) and inner track unless the outer track is 1-1/2"to 2" lower. Not possible with crossovers located as shown.
Suggest you look at what others have done in the space.
http://mrr.trains.com/how-to/track-plan-database
http://www.layoutvision.com/id47.html
A Google search for Track plans will find other sites
I suggest looking at images and clicking on those that seem interesting to see what shows up on the links.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
Aside from jjd's comment, sometimes posts just get overlooked and pushed way down on the screen.
There is no reversing. The trains all have to go clockwise or counter clockwise.
There is no run around in the yard. If trains back into the yard, how do cars get to the switchback going to the large green circle?
I recommend Armstrong's book on track planning https://www.amazon.com/Track-Planning-Realistic-Operation-Railroader/dp/0890242275
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
jjdamnit 4'x8' pikes Sectional track Simple ovals
Unfortunately, I have no other options. It's not like I have a huge 20' x 20' space to set up trains in. I understand it's not as complex as some of the layouts on here- that doesn't mean I shouldn't be able to ask for help or input. If the folks on here want to usher in the next generation of modellers- which seems to be the vibe I've been getting- this sure isn't the way to do it. I'm learning the ropes and I was hoping I could get some help online from more seasoned modellers since I have no one to turn to irl. This is my very first serious layout ever- color me surpirsed if anyone on here hasn't used a 4x8 layout at least once in their lives- especially for a first layout. but thanks to those who gave help. Just wish that the situation had turned out a little differently.
This shouldn't be interpreted as hostile or rude, by the way. Just the facts as I see them.
James,
first of all, there is nothing "wrong" in a 4 by 8 layout! There are folks who will tell you that this is not the best way of using a given space, but so what - if that´s what you can do or want to do, it´s just fine! My own layout is also "only" a 3 by 5ft. thing. Even John Allen´s famous Gore & Daphetid RR started that way.
Second, there is nothing wrong in using set track. It´s a quick way of getting the track down and run trains and certainly recommendable for a first layout.
Third, commenting on your track plan. It´s a little difficult to do if one doesn´t know what you want to achieve with your layout. Your track plan allows for two trains circling your layout plus a minimum of switching. If that´s OK for you, go ahead. Again, there will be folks telling you it´ll get soon boring to watch the trains running around in circles, but again, don´t let that bother you. M own layout is nothing but an oval of track and 1(!) dead-end siding.
Fourth, there are, of course, "better" layouts, but if those are better for you, you have to decide yourself. But it´s worth taking a look at them!
Gateway NMRA Project Layouts
One of my favourite 4 by 8 designs is Byron Henderson´s (cuyama in this parish) plan:
Last, but not least, there are a few plans available in the track plan database of this forum, which you should look at.
Looking forward to see what you come up with!
P.S. A simple oval may be "boring" to operate, but it need not to look boring!
This was the start:
JamesNWR05that doesn't mean I shouldn't be able to ask for help or input. If the folks on here want to usher in the next generation of modellers- which seems to be the vibe I've been getting
Our young friend received lots of help and input on his earlier plans for different benchwork shapes using different brands of track. It's also summer and traffic on the Forum is lower.
There are thousands of HO 4X8 layouts on the Internet. Including these HO 4X8 plans, each of which is designed with a different focus.
[Edit: Oops, the plans on my page assume flextrack, so they aren't usable for the Original Poster as-is.]
And the Atlas plans (although many of these are overcrowded with track, to be sure).
With more information from the Original Poster on what he is trying to accomplish with this design versus a published plan, there might be more that others could contribute.
I do note that the OP's plan includes a potentially troublesome S-curve that might be OK as-is, but could just as easily be flipped to eliminate the problem entirely.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
By the way, you mentioned in the previous thread that the 4X8 tables were attached to the wall along the long edge. If that’s still the case, there will be parts of the layout that are out of reach -- if you plan on scenery and structures. It's difficult to reach more than 30" across a scenicked layout without damaging structures and scenery.
Dont be afraid of temporary extensions. Ones that you store under the layout when not in use. You could come up with a couple of different ones for different operations to add veriety. I have seen many 4 x 8 layouts in recent years due to equipment costs. Smaller layout less to buy. That also has meant a lot of thought has gone into operation type designs. Design by the type of operating railroad you want based on a prototype idea. Will make the layout more interesting For you. You will end up following a "theme" as it were keeping the whole thing focused on a central time and place adding to the interest
your design has potential. So my best thought for now is based on experience. It always looks more workable and bigger on paper than reality. Layout the track in the plan and see how it works. No wood yet? Masking tape on the floor is a good way to mark out the edges so you can test the plan for what you want. Also. Research the prototypes to get ideas for track arrangements. You would be surprised of the number of tight confined track arrangements usable on a 4 x 8
Wolfie
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
I have started my first layout. It's slow growing. It's a small N Scale 2x4.
First buy the materials like foam (which you should buy first because foam will grow and shrink within 6 months. From what I read).
Cuyama might have a point since some people believe it's a winter hobby. The S curve doesn't seem like a problem. Since the switches in the middle before any curve.
Like it was listed above pick your favorite track plan. When you stare at them more than 10 years they all look the same. No matter how different the scenery and atmosphere are.
I would suggest eliminating the double main. It takes up too much space on a 4x8 layout leaving no room for scenery.
Have you considered a switching layout. Dave barrow built one years ago in less space than a 4x8. was l shape but could be stored away when not in use. and sections have more potential to be reused in a newer larger pike in the future.
Steve
The cool thing about building on a 4x8 piece of plywood is that you can easily move the track around to make changes. If it is going in the middle of the room instead of up against the wall then reach is not a problem. Try to imagine that each side is it’s own different area or town. The problem I see is that the track that goes to the yard also goes to the spur where your industry is which is on the opposite side of the layout. Cut the track from the spur somewhere along the curve and add another industry there. Then connect the yard to the track near the crossover. Maybe flip the turnout that causes the S curve and use that space to connect to the yard.
Sir MadogByron Henderson´s (cuyama in this parish) plan:
Oh, pretty much like this one that I didn't pay attention too before I replied. LOL
Sir Madog, good choice of designs.
cuyama, your layout design looks good to me.
I would avoid the tunnel and leave it open, also make the backdrop a hill or ridge and have some trees instead of a wall for someone just starting out.
Some ideas on this site:
http://www.thegoodsyard.co.uk/
http://www.thegoodsyard.co.uk/trainsets4.html
A few Hornby track plans here
http://www.newmodellersshop.co.uk/Model%20Railway/track-mats.htm
Some more
http://www.scarm.info/layouts/track_plans.php?tracks=Hornby
http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/80037-trackmat-question/
you ought to get a book on how to get started in the hobby. Kalmbach, our host, has a book on sale - take a look here:
Getting Started in Model Railroading
$ 11 well spent!
JamesNWR05might give the book a try
Not a bad idea, James! The questions you are asking have been asked many times before in this forum and I can imagine that the "oldtimers" get a little weary of answering the same set of questions, again and again.
If you don´t like "H2" books, there are a number of how-to videos available in the Web.
A good start is the video series on "The World´s Greatest Hobby"
Get Started
Enjoy!
i would make the second station track come off the first one, not independently off the main. And rather than the double crossover, if you put the out to inner connection to the bottom left and the inner to out up where you have the doube crossover, it's more flexible.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
JamesNWR05 After I have all my tracks where I want them to go, what is next? Do I put down my woodland scenics roadbed? What's the best method for doing this? Is there something else I should do before this?
After I have all my tracks where I want them to go, what is next? Do I put down my woodland scenics roadbed? What's the best method for doing this? Is there something else I should do before this?
Since I finished my cork road bed installation. I'll tell you what I did.
First: Connect all the track together to your desire plan.
Second: Lay the track into the board, if you hasn't already put the pieces together on top of it.
Third: Outline the track plan with a pen following the plastic ballast. If it's sectional track. Make dotted lines between the ties.
Fourth: Glue down the cork roadbed. Make sure you have more than 40 T pins.
I hope this helps.