Getting back into the hobby after a very long hiatus, 1984 was my last layout. I am impressed with the changes in layouts and benchwork over the years. My last layout was 4x8 and flat. My new one is going to be more adventurous.
I have looked at all the track plans in the database and have decided on a cookie cutter design. I am not able to figure out the plan detail to the benchwork with the different elevations and levels.
As I was unpacking my old cars and engines I found my first Atlas Plan Book. It actually has several plans that I like and more important it had benchwork detailed prints. I do not have to convert 48" 50" and so forth to L girders, though that was my first choice.
To make it as painless as possible I placed an order with the nice folks at Atlas for the entire components package. Track, bridges, turnouts and everything I need to lay on the new cookie cutter table top.
Now to my problem, they are out of stock on almost everything. Very resounding disappointment sigh! So who is the go to company for track and Accessories? Is HO track made to standards? Atlas and others 18" turn the same?
Have 8 grandchildren and I who are ready to start building!
Larry Harris
Larry,
You may want to consider using flex track rather than sectional track. Far fewer joints (spelled possible problems).
Good luck!
Flex is on the list for sure. Any concerns with 15" Radius. I have a mix of 15, 18 and 22".
Larry
15" is very tight and would preclude the use of all but the smallest of locos and cars. 18" is as tight as I'd go. With that you can still many small steamers and four axle diesels as well as forty to sixty foot freight cars.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Larry Harris To make it as painless as possible I placed an order with the nice folks at Atlas for the entire components package. Track, bridges, turnouts and everything I need to lay on the new cookie cutter table top. Now to my problem, they are out of stock on almost everything. Very resounding disappointment sigh! So who is the go to company for track and Accessories? Is HO track made to standards? Atlas and others 18" turn the same?
That is a current problem with no known "security date" at hand. It goes OUT as fast as it comes IN to the USA. you may have to keep trying!
Atlas IS a "go to" company many use. But there ARE others. Micro Engineering, Walthers, etc have same Code tracks.
Try HERE for your Atlas, they seem fairly well stocked right now:
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/HO-Scale-Code-83-s/1465.htm
This company has a lot listed as "next day" which means they have it on the shelves {I live very near them} They are usually well stocked on track...especially the code 83 {as I have listed all above}.
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/HOProducts2.asp?Scale=HO&Item=150TRACK83
You can cancel your order maybe and order form those who have it in stock.
{Someones mentioned 15 "R curves, which may be in your track plans, and I would firmly mention that I would also avoid at all costs, any 15"r curves! the lowest I would go is 18" and I am looking to expand my small one to 22" and 24"-ers.}
You COULD get what you can, and build a small "practice layout while waiting for the trackwork for your larger one. Just a suggestion. Things have changed over the years since 1984!!, DCC operating, track composition, Using latex caulk to secure track, using extruded firm pink or blue foam for layouts, etc, etc!
It might do well to explore through reading current books what you really want now.
Have fun and ENJOY the hobby YOUR way!
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Larry HarrisAs I was unpacking my old cars and engines I found my first Atlas Plan Book. It actually has several plans that I like and more important it had benchwork detailed prints. I do not have to convert 48" 50" and so forth to L girders, though that was my first choice. To make it as painless as possible I placed an order with the nice folks at Atlas for the entire components package. Track, bridges, turnouts and everything I need to lay on the new cookie cutter table top.
Lots of homework going on here. So many changes. I have a very large stack of books and have now moved to forums. I would not have not know about the 15 inch curves with coming here.
Larry Harris Lots of homework going on here. So many changes. I have a very large stack of books and have now moved to forums. I would not have not know about the 15 inch curves with coming here. Larry
I gather that you are nto going to use 15Rs. i do hope you reconsider using 15Rs {not use them that is}, as I think you will be highly disappointed.
Yes, 15"r was a standard back in 1984, but now with bigger prototypes, and thusly bigger models, 18"r is the tightest I would go.
Some articulated steamers were designed to run on 18R. 6 axles locos {like SD-something locos} don't like 15R at all.
I have a small 3.5 foot x 5.1foot HO scale layout that has an inner loop of 15R and an outer loop of 18 interconnected. I found the inner loop to be of little use! I COULD run my A-B set, and small steamers and 4 axle locos, but that's about it.
I also like top run more mid-70s and some modern stuff...SO I have had to expand my layout and want to include 22R and 24R curves now. I WAS going with an 18R inner and expanding an outer 18R with spacers to allow it to continue outside the inner oval. BUT, I found I might as well expand to include 22R and 24R,so I changed my mind.
I suggest again you go up to the very tippy top gray colored tool bar to the "Shop" button, OR the middle top Black "shop" button and search for books for layout and design, which MAY help such as:
http://www.kalmbachstore.com/modeltrains-railroading-model-railroading-books-layout-construction-series.html
http://www.kalmbachstore.com/modeltrains-railroading-model-railroading-books-layout-design-planning-series.html
They MAY be able to help you some more. The venerable older "sectional track layouts" {with 15Rs} DO still survive but are impractical for today's MRRing needs.
Then I would really research DCC for operating systems, If i were you. When I got back into the hobby 7 years ago, {after 20 years{?}} I knew all about DC wiring and dug out my old N scale stuff. BUT, I always wanted HO scale, so I jumped in feet first! I Bought HO DCC engines and set up, but kept reading about DCC. SO I study, and decide I want DCC! I can control up to 3 engines, in any direction, order, on any track in any way I want on either oval or either spur yards with JUST 2 WIRES CONNECTED TO MY SMALL layout With JUST ONE Simple controller!! {You WILL need to add feeder wires though!} I can have one going forward while one goes backward on the SAME track section! I LOVED it!!! It IS a bit more expensive, but well worth it, especially if you want SOUND in your locos!
Good luck in your efforts, and enjoy the hobby your Way!
Larry Harris Flex is on the list for sure. Any concerns with 15" Radius. I have a mix of 15, 18 and 22". Larry
Fifteen inch radius is very tight. There are a few pieces of rolling stock that will stay on the track thru a fifteen inch curve but not very many. Eighteen inch is a much better deal. That's the "train set radius" and all manufacturers go to a lot of trouble to insure that their equipment will run on eighteen inch radius so you can depend on everything except big steam and 80 foot cars to run well on it.
I would use the largest radius I could squeeze onto the benchwork, trains run better and look better on broad curves.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
Went back and went through the plan, it only has one 15r curve in it. Looking at that and with all your thoughts I will work on eliminating the 15r.
On the flex track, I have used it in the past for the long straight runs and some mild turns. Is it recommend to use it as the 18r and 22's?
Larry, want some track cheap and there is plenty to be had? Think Brass! I know, I know many here will tell you it is junk and won't stay clean.
I guess it was about 2 years ago I added some brass track to my good sizes HO scale layout. Guess what, the brass section does not get any dirtier than my N/S track and I am running DCC.
I picked up 20 brass turnouts for a whole $10.00 at a train show. Only thing I don't like is the color, but if you paint your rails, no big deal.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
Larry Harris On the flex track, I have used it in the past for the long straight runs and some mild turns. Is it recommend to use it as the 18r and 22's?
you can make flex track do a 12"R if you wanted...
But, YES, it can be made to go around 18"r and easily to 22"R!
So plan on! The bigger your radii, the happier you {and your locos} will be!