Little things always go wrong in planning but your layout is loose enough that if one pops up it, only you will notice the change even if you gave someone your curent track plan. Glad you are able to finally build your layout.
hon30critterAfter a long hiatus I am resuming the construction of my 5'4" x 12' HO scale layout. I had a thread going on it several years ago but I can't find it so I will start anew.
https://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/281323.aspx?page=1
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Here is the current track plan. I have spent many hours refining it using 3rd PlanIt. I know that 3rd PlanIt's track component library is accurate because I have done some testing, so there shouldn't be any nasty surprises when the track is being laid.
There are two parts to the benchwork, both of which will be on casters. One is the main layout which is 5'4" x 12', and the second is the yard which is approximately 3' x 10' plus a couple of extensions where the yard will connect to the main layout. The two parts will be built so they can be separated and moved about individually. The reason for that is that I have limited space in the garage and I have to maintain room for storage, woodworking occassionally, and my paint booth and workbench. When the layout is in use I want to be able to walk around it comfortably, but when it is not in use, I want to be able to push it out of the way.
The main benchwork is built. I have not started construction of the yard benchwork yet. Before I can do that I need to get rid of a whole bunch of extraneous stuff that is taking up space in the garage.
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Dave) You aint foolin me! Your only working on your layout now because you finished your snow plow and you need something to run it on.
J/K - and best wishes to a good finish asap so you can get to running trains!
Ahead Clear!!!!
Douglas
Dave, I'm excited to see you begin this. Congratulations on getting started again. Looking forward to seeing it take shape.
-Matt
Returning to model railroading after 40 years and taking unconscionable liberties with the SP&S, Northern Pacific and Great Northern roads in the '40s and '50s.
Hello folks!
After a long hiatus I am resuming the construction of my 5'4" x 12' HO scale layout. I had a thread going on it several years ago but I can't find it so I will start anew.
The layout was put on hold because of back and leg problems which prevented me from working on it for more than a few minutes at a time. Our circumstances have changed significantly such that I am now in the position of being able to pay for a professional layout builder to do the trackwork and wiring.
I am currently in the process of signing a contract with Peter Lloyd-Lee. You may have seen his numerous You-Tube videos. He has built some amazing layouts. My layout is tiny in comparison to most of the layouts that he has done.
I'm going to use this thread for two purposes. The first will be to seek your advice on a variety of details like what switches to use in the control panels. The second will be to document the layout construction process. Be aware that the construction will not be done until sometime during the summer of 2024. The garage in which the layout will reside is not heated and we have cold winters so I'm not going to ask Peter to work under those conditions. I have a small space heater which will take the chill off, but I refuse to run it when the garage is not occupied.
My first question is about the control panels. FYI, I need to be able to operate the layout from a seated position with a minimum of standing and walking. For that reason, there will be a total of four control panels, two on each side of the walk around layout. For control purposes the layout will be divided down the middle lengthwise. One panel on each side will control the half of the layout closest to it, and the other panel(s) will control the half of the layout on the opposite side of the benchwork.
The panels must be as small as is reasonably possible, and I need to have bi-colour LED indicators on both of the diverging routes. I am too stupid to be able to remember which route is the through route and which is the diverging. I know that having two LEDs is redundant but I can guarrantee that if I don't have two LEDs I'm going to mess things up. For that reason, the single push button turnout controls that are lit to show which route the turnout is set for just won't work for me. Besides, the ones that I have seen are too big to fit in a small control panel IMHO.
I am looking forward to your input. I will post a track plan soon.