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Opinions on a 3x5 N-scale track:

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  • Member since
    September 2014
  • 27 posts
Opinions on a 3x5 N-scale track:
Posted by ScrewySqrl on Sunday, September 2, 2018 11:04 AM

track plan

Era: early 1970s. Location: fictional town.

 

this is a 3x5 track plan I have been working on for a while.  The idea is for both an interesting continuous running and have avai;able randomized operations as well

the colors: Blue: Main line, cyan: main line in tunnel, light blue: runaround track, grey: industries, purple: interchange, Yellow: Yard

Grades are a slightly steep 3%, but maximum train length is a road switcher engine (like an Alco RS-series or GE 4-axles) and 7 cars, so it should be easily doable.  Main line is an impressive 1.54 scale miles. minimum radius is 9.75"

Much of the scenery doubles as a view block.

 

a 3D view:

3D

 

Any comments, suggestions or ideas?

When I hear the iron horse make the hills echo with his snort like thunder, shaking the earth with his feet, and breathing fire and smoke from his nostrils, it seems as if the earth had got a race now worthy to inhabit it. 

-- Henry David Thoreau

  • Member since
    April 2019
  • From: Pacific Northwest
  • 780 posts
Posted by SPSOT fan on Monday, April 29, 2019 12:28 PM

I have no idea if the OP is still around but I took a look and the track plan, and I have a few comments. First if this is 3’ by 5’ then that minimum radius is very tight. It will be hard to put anything but four axle switchers and 40’ boxcars on the layout. Also as the OP mentioned the grades are steep. Very power locos are needed, many of which can‘t fit the curves. For anyone looking, OP or otherwise, this is an okay layout but it will require some very specific equipment.

Regards, Isaac

I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Monday, April 29, 2019 1:05 PM

Where did you find this?  In the "not answered" list?

Mike.

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Bern, North Carolina
  • 4 posts
Posted by Ole Gunny on Saturday, August 13, 2022 11:30 AM

I'd like to give this plan a try. How do I go about getting a list of track needed from you?

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: AU
  • 713 posts
Posted by xdford on Thursday, August 18, 2022 7:31 PM

I presume that you are trying to use Kato or Atlas track? I don't have a problem with your plan as such and it will fill your needs for running an operations. However I wonder if you should try to use some flex track for the long straight sections to make your track a little more free flowing perhaps with set track curves with a transition curve into the set track curves.

Even a slight slew of the straight will make your layout look bigger because the visual reference with the edge of the layout will be gone. It is something I wish I had done at the front of my own layout.

Cheers from Australia

Trevor  Editor Railway Modeller Australia

 

  • Member since
    December 2023
  • 2 posts
Posted by dellux on Friday, December 8, 2023 1:37 AM

ScrewySqrl

 

I'm just getting into model railroading and saw your track plan on SCARM. I have linited space so your plan fits my needs. Is there any chance you can post the file name to your track plan? Then I can get track details. Thanks,

track plan

Era: early 1970s. Location: fictional town.

 

this is a 3x5 track plan I have been working on for a while.  The idea is for both an interesting continuous running and have avai;able randomized operations as well

the colors: Blue: Main line, cyan: main line in tunnel, light blue: runaround track, grey: industries, purple: interchange, Yellow: Yard

Grades are a slightly steep 3%, but maximum train length is a road switcher engine (like an Alco RS-series or GE 4-axles) and 7 cars, so it should be easily doable.  Main line is an impressive 1.54 scale miles. minimum radius is 9.75"

Much of the scenery doubles as a view block.

 

a 3D view:

3D

 

Any comments, suggestions or ideas?

 

  • Member since
    December 2023
  • 2 posts
Posted by dellux on Friday, December 8, 2023 1:43 AM

Ole Gunny, I'm new to the forum and have the same interest you have for these track plan specs. Did Screwysqrl send you the list?

Thanks,

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