AJZHi, Thanks for the previous info on Benchwork lumber. Ripped plywood and Poplar boards might be the options on my open grid design. Going to start studding up the walls this weekend. 16x30 overall area. Framed around the sump pump area already. Need to put a flat door there for access. Probably a 3 wall plan with a center peninsula. Once the Benchwork is up then I need to come up with a track plan. A challenging but fun project. I'll post info as it progresses. Thx, Andy http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o751/AJZ6/image_zps0642b017.jpg
Made your link clickable. Good to hear you are underway.
EDIT: your photos are not there anymore
Andy
Your ambition is admirable...but...you might want to toss around some ideas for a trackplan BEFORE you get too far with the benchwork.
I understand that the basic footprint might not change much but its a good idea to have some thoughts about curve radius and locations of towns, stations, or yards first.
- Douglas
Andy,
Its tough to see for sure, but it looks like the radius of your curves on each of the three turn back loops are very sharp. Almost out-of-scale sharp. Consequently, I don't think that plan will fit.
Good thing you haven't started the bench work yet.
You have a good sized space to work with and it will take some real money and time to build the bench work for this layout. Take some time to design the plan accurately. You can use graph paper.
Just some quick math: If you use 30 inch radius curves for the center peninsula's turn back loop, that's 5 feet wide just for the track. Add another 6 inches on either side for clearance (you don't want the track right on the edge of the bench work) and that adds another foot, for a total peninsula width of 6 feet. 36 inch aisles on either side takes up another 6 feet, leaving 24 inch deep benchwork along the 2 long walls. Those are nice sized dimensions to fit track.
Fitting 2 turnback loops along the long walls, and leaving enough room for aisles along your center peninsula, will create your pinch points for the layout.
As others have noted, your handrawn design will likely not fit as drawn, although something similar might. The biggest issue will be the turnback curves, but it seems that you might be overly optimistic on turnout angles and lengths as well. It's hard to tell because the image of your hand-drawn plan is so small.
Both the published plan and your sketch have three turnback curves (or "blobs"). You might also consider a spiral peninsula design, which requires only two "blobs". This is particularly helpful if you want broader radii. Here's an example in HO in about 13'X19'.
You would certainly be well-advised to finish the track plan to-scale first before building benchwork. Best of luck.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
You don't necessarily need software for this. If you don't have one, get a copy of John Armstrong's "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" and in particular read up on the 'squares' method. By marking of your space in Armstrong squares and keeping within the restrictions of what will fit within a square, you can sketch designs anywhere and know what you are drawing will fit even if the angles and curves aren't precisely drawn.
Oh how I wish I had a slightly bigger room, I've loved that plan of Byron's since seeing it in MRH, the space is even shaped similar to mine, but has a few more feet of width and a bit more length. I'd change the theme to coal instead of logging,
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Really great space to work with. Decent ceiling height and clear of pipes, ductwork etc. Whats up w/ that window placed in a basement partition? Just a fixed upper sash. Is it for light or ventilation of some sort? Planning on a dropped ceiling?
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
Hi!
May I suggest..................
Finish out the room first. Allow plenty of electrical outlets and lighting fixtures.
At the same time or after, I would begin the layout plans. I would do everything on paper first. Scale drawings will make a huge difference in the progress of the project. Take your time, don't fudge turnout spacing or curves, and give yourself a little space cushion here and there.
A good, well thought out plan will make the project so much easier. And not just a plan for the tracks, but for the benchwork, and even the table tops (if you are doing that type of layout). In example, on my current 11x15 two level layout I drew plans for cutting the sheets of plywood, so as to minimize waste and to be as efficient as I could. Got to say, it worked out great!
Having built layouts since the 1950s, I know how hard it is to spend time drawing out plans. We all want to grab a saw and drill and get to work as soon as possible. BUT, taking your time and putting forth the effort in the planning stage will make all the difference in the world.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Hi AJZ,
an important other chapter in John Armstrong's "bible" is about setting standards. Long 85 ft coaches or even longer 89 ft modern autoracks require large radii (30"+) and long turnouts (#6 or #8). Aisle width under 30" might be OK for a very short distance, though when operation is done with a couple of friends allowing for sufficient people space is mandatory.
When drawing with squares even the back of an eveloppe will do.
Wish you luck!
Paul
I think the window is the enter - exit and escape hatch with the track plan he has LOL. Jim.
AJZJust planning a rec/media kinda room on the other side of the of the train room. Wanted to make that wall with the window look like a passenger depot. Something with a train theme instaed of a plain wall. Lap board siding, etc.. From all the replies I see to take my time on the track plan makes sense. It's helping me rethink a few things.... Good positive things. Thanks!!Andy
Andy, Great idea. I too did something similar as a facard for our Tower for the club layout. We have 14 ft ceilings and the dispatcher's office is located on a second level to the end of the train room w/ an almost 2 story blank wall. Only doors to shop/ storage. I cantervevered the floor joists of the 2nd level allowing the upper "tower' to extend 2 ft. Trimmed out w/ pine corner board and cedar clapboard. There is actually rafter tails and cedar roof singles done for a hip roof.
http://www.ssmrc.org/images%5CP8204927-2.jpg
View from dispatcher in tower
Looking forward to see your progress