Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
Here are a couple of places to look: http://www.modeltrainguide.com/trackplans.php http://www.thortrains.net/index.html Atlas have several books on layout planning, too. I would like to offer some free advice. I'm about to tear down my 4x8 sheet of plywood after eight months in the hobby. It's too small for HO, so if you are limited to that space, go with N Scale. A 4x8 sheet of plywood has some real limitations: #8212; the maximum radius turn is 22", which is too tight for passenger cars, some of the longer newer freight cars, and some locomotives, especially steam locomotives or some newer large diesels. A Budd car (RDC) won't run through an 18" curve without a lot of complaining. Through a 22" curve it has a huge overhang. #8212; 4x8 doesn't allow enough area to do much beyond a simple oval or folded dogbone. Attempting to run a double track makes it much worse. #8212; You won't be able to include any kind of functional yard within the interior of your oval.. A yard with 4' sidings needs 10 or 12 feet to work properly, once you include the length of the turnouts and the switch leads. For these reasons, I am not satisfied with my 4x8 plywood sheet. No big deal #8212; it was my first effort, I learned a lot from it, and can move on quite a bit wiser. My new layout will still incorporate a sheet of plywood, but it will be in one corner of the room and the trains will run from there on 24" shelves along two walls. i would suggest that you not make anything too permanent for the first six months. If you are satisfied with your layout after that time, nail everything down and commence with scenery. My hunch is that you will be looking for more real estate. Cheers Scott Fraser Calgary, Alberta
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community