NVSRR I noticed the track spacing is 2 1/4. Through the yard where you have. 30. Inch dimension I count 18 tracks through that dimension point. That right there would need to be at least 46 inches for all that track. Or did I miss something?shane
I noticed the track spacing is 2 1/4. Through the yard where you have. 30. Inch dimension I count 18 tracks through that dimension point. That right there would need to be at least 46 inches for all that track. Or did I miss something?shane
I am thinking, judging from the drawing, that the 30 should be a 48.
Ed
"What's best type of uncoupling magnet-hidden under the ties or ones that mount ontop of the ties?"
Why, UNDER, of course, because real railroads don't have big magnets scattered on the tracks everywhere. Of course, you'll have to have a way to keep track of the Unders. That'll be a Kadee #308:
https://www.kadee.com/ho-scale-uncouplers-c-274_280_300/
To the right, you'll see #309, the electric version. You will likely be using a lot of them, for sure on the main, and quite possibly in the yard. The 308 is pretty decent for industrial sidings and stuff like you "ash pickup track". You can lessen the need for the uncouplers by using the "delayed" feature, I am told. I recommend you try it out on the bench before you assume it will make you happy.
"What would be the best type of turnout control for this type of layout?"
The answer partly depends on you feelings of reaching into the layout to throw a switch, and having an unprototypical thingy replacing a switch stand.
That said, remember that on the main, there are many turnouts that don't have switchstands, anyway.
For a simpler layout, I'd consider mounting the switch throws at the edge of the layout, and using a mechanical linkage. This layout is too full for that, I think.
I would likely suck it up and bulk order some Tortoise. And build control panels on BOTH sides of the yard. THAT will be a lot of wiring, and keep you quite busy for awhile.
Considering how much fun it is to work above one's head while kneeling on the floor, I recommend doing the yard in modular sections, so that you can lift (hoist) out a section and turn it upside down to work on the switch machines and wiring and all that.
If that's looking, uh, unrewarding, the other choice is the first variant mentioned:
But PLEASE not out on the main!
Hi Shane,
Thanks for your comment, I got really concerned there for a minute...
Main line is spaced 2 1/4 inches with min radius 36" and yard spacing - below
Ed, thanks and hope all is well...
Please see attached
7j43kI would likely suck it up and bulk order some Tortoise.
I bought 4 twelve packs from Model Train Stuff about a year and a half ago. If you know you will need them, buy them now.
It really stinks to get to the point where you need them, and they are unavailable, price increases, or design changes. This advice applies to a lot of Model Railroading items.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL richhotrain SeeYou190 richhotrain But over these past 17 years, I have refined my modeling tastes and found myself with stuff that I don't want or need, not only structures but also locomotives and rolling stock, especially passenger cars. It has taken me 40 years, two scales, two eras, and five layouts to figure out what I really want out of this hobby. I also have a lot of passenger cars that do not thrill me all that much. -Kevin To borrow a lyric from U2, I stll haven't found what I'm looking for. Rich I must be unusual, I started in this hobby at age 10, I'm 64 now, and by age 20 I know exactly what kind of model railroad I wanted. All my layouts since then have reflected my current goals. I started out as a teen modeling the 60's, but other than that era change to 1954, I have never changed scale, locale, or type of railroad. By my 20's I had most of my design and operational goals in place. By my 30's I had the space and money. In my 50's I perfected my operational plan and partually took down one layout to redo it. So most everything I have gathered fits my goals perfectly. Now to build the last version...... Sheldon
richhotrain SeeYou190 richhotrain But over these past 17 years, I have refined my modeling tastes and found myself with stuff that I don't want or need, not only structures but also locomotives and rolling stock, especially passenger cars. It has taken me 40 years, two scales, two eras, and five layouts to figure out what I really want out of this hobby. I also have a lot of passenger cars that do not thrill me all that much. -Kevin To borrow a lyric from U2, I stll haven't found what I'm looking for. Rich
SeeYou190 richhotrain But over these past 17 years, I have refined my modeling tastes and found myself with stuff that I don't want or need, not only structures but also locomotives and rolling stock, especially passenger cars. It has taken me 40 years, two scales, two eras, and five layouts to figure out what I really want out of this hobby. I also have a lot of passenger cars that do not thrill me all that much. -Kevin
richhotrain But over these past 17 years, I have refined my modeling tastes and found myself with stuff that I don't want or need, not only structures but also locomotives and rolling stock, especially passenger cars.
It has taken me 40 years, two scales, two eras, and five layouts to figure out what I really want out of this hobby.
I also have a lot of passenger cars that do not thrill me all that much.
To borrow a lyric from U2, I stll haven't found what I'm looking for.
Rich
I must be unusual, I started in this hobby at age 10, I'm 64 now, and by age 20 I know exactly what kind of model railroad I wanted. All my layouts since then have reflected my current goals.
I started out as a teen modeling the 60's, but other than that era change to 1954, I have never changed scale, locale, or type of railroad. By my 20's I had most of my design and operational goals in place. By my 30's I had the space and money.
In my 50's I perfected my operational plan and partually took down one layout to redo it.
So most everything I have gathered fits my goals perfectly.
Now to build the last version......
Sheldon
I don't know what is usual and what isn't. Meaning what is normal and what isn't.
For me, I would say that life's journey impacts what I might find interesting, and since the journey changed, the some aspects of model railroad interests followed along.
All I know is that when I was a teenager in 1977 being inspired by the V&O, I had no contemplation that I would find 2010 more interesting, until 2010 actually got here.
And I had no idea that places other than my home state of Nebraska would be just as interesting to model, until I actually moved there.
I know that if I move to Florida, I will get to know the area well....that's what I do...so my interests will likely move with it. I'm getting prepared.
- Douglas
DoughlessAll I know is that when I was a teenager in 1977 being inspired by the V&O, I had no contemplation that I would find 2010 more interesting, until 2010 actually got here.
A a teen I was inspired by Tony Koester's ALLEGHENY MIDLAND. That is why the first two SGRR layouts were heavy into coal hauling in tree covered hills.
Then Tony prototyped his layout, and I lost interest.
When I switched to HO, I really thought I would keep the same era, but my interests turned to steam locomotives, and back-dating the SGRR happened.
I know if I were to start over, it would be in G scale, set in the 1960s, and be different again. That is not going to happen, but I know interests change over time.
MSMSteam only layout and I see the engine facility as a very vital and busy place during operations.
Just a suggestion, MSM: You might try using the "quote" feature so that other readers/posters know who exactly you are responding to with you posts. To add a quote:
That's all there is to it! Happy quoting...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
SeeYou190 Doughless All I know is that when I was a teenager in 1977 being inspired by the V&O, I had no contemplation that I would find 2010 more interesting, until 2010 actually got here. A a teen I was inspired by Tony Koester's ALLEGHENY MIDLAND. That is why the first two SGRR layouts were heavy into coal hauling in tree covered hills. Then Tony prototyped his layout, and I lost interest. When I switched to HO, I really thought I would keep the same era, but my interests turned to steam locomotives, and back-dating the SGRR happened. I know if I were to start over, it would be in G scale, set in the 1960s, and be different again. That is not going to happen, but I know interests change over time. -Kevin
Doughless All I know is that when I was a teenager in 1977 being inspired by the V&O, I had no contemplation that I would find 2010 more interesting, until 2010 actually got here.
With respectful sensitivity to the OPs track plan thread, I'll make one more comment about this.
I have had two distinct interests forming the past few years. Both freelanced shortlines of course.
One modern era, more robust railroad with a decent level of activity. Maybe an appearance by the nearby Class 1.
The other a backwoods Southern Georgia sleepy line. Woodchips, Kaolin, and peanut farming. Era about 1970. Sw1200s. Still could use 40 foot converted woodchip hoppers.
One would have more track and buildings than the other.
Dilemma: Two distinct themes, at least different enough it would be hard to combine them.
How do I choose between two conflicting but equal interests?
Solution: Two separate layouts. One chair height, one standing height. Built like a double level layout, but no helix. Not connected.
The sleepy line would have few buildings. Could be mainly trees and backdrop and only 12 inches deep as to not interfere with the lower layout.
This requires more thought.
tstage Just a suggestion, MSM: You might try using the "quote" feature so that other readers/posters know who exactly you are responding to with you posts. To add a quote: Click on the "Reply" button to the post you want to respond to. Directly above the Post Body you'll see the words of the poster and the "Add Quote to your Post" button right below it - Click on "Add Quote to your Post" and the entire post will show up at the beginning of your text box between two bracketed "quote" codes. Add your response AFTER the 2nd bracketed "quote" (or "
Thanks Tom...
7j43k "What's best type of uncoupling magnet-hidden under the ties or ones that mount ontop of the ties?" Why, UNDER, of course, because real railroads don't have big magnets scattered on the tracks everywhere. Of course, you'll have to have a way to keep track of the Unders. That'll be a Kadee #308: https://www.kadee.com/ho-scale-uncouplers-c-274_280_300/ To the right, you'll see #309, the electric version. You will likely be using a lot of them, for sure on the main, and quite possibly in the yard. The 308 is pretty decent for industrial sidings and stuff like you "ash pickup track". You can lessen the need for the uncouplers by using the "delayed" feature, I am told. I recommend you try it out on the bench before you assume it will make you happy. "What would be the best type of turnout control for this type of layout?" The answer partly depends on you feelings of reaching into the layout to throw a switch, and having an unprototypical thingy replacing a switch stand. That said, remember that on the main, there are many turnouts that don't have switchstands, anyway. For a simpler layout, I'd consider mounting the switch throws at the edge of the layout, and using a mechanical linkage. This layout is too full for that, I think. I would likely suck it up and bulk order some Tortoise. And build control panels on BOTH sides of the yard. THAT will be a lot of wiring, and keep you quite busy for awhile. Considering how much fun it is to work above one's head while kneeling on the floor, I recommend doing the yard in modular sections, so that you can lift (hoist) out a section and turn it upside down to work on the switch machines and wiring and all that. If that's looking, uh, unrewarding, the other choice is the first variant mentioned: But PLEASE not out on the main! Ed