Ok guys, I need some ideas for a track plan. I know some of you guys out there can really come up with some great layout ideas. I had a couple made out on paper, but I just didn't like them. I was looking to add a cement plant, maybe a propane tank area, and also a warehouse or two. Oh, maybe even a small yard.
The layout is a 12ft long, by 8ft long at the ends, by 2 ft wide. Hows that? Well......The upper part of the layout takes up some space, so that leaves me with about 2ft left on the bottom.
I know I can use 22 radius curves. I had lines of 22' going, so it can 2 sets of 22 radius. I am looking to do switching and lots of it. BUT, still have that mainline running.
Its all going to be DCC, so could I have a train going around the layout while I can still do switching? Thats about the main reason.
To sum it all up:
-Buildings: Cement, a warehouse (or 2), propane plant (or some use of tankers), small yard, or anything you think would look good.
-Layout is 12ft long x 8ft wide at the ends x 2ft wide all around.
-Maybe a mainline, and some switching
-It will be DCC
Heres a few pictures of the layout for a idea. Sorry for the bad pics (and yes these are the same as in the WPF). That gap in the pictures will be filled in. I just haven't gotten around to it. It was going to be a lift out, but I changed my mind.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
Hey, I'll see what I come up with toorrow, I don't have time tonight. 1 question, what's the turnout # you're looking for (i.e. #4, #5, #6, etc.).
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
I am open to anything. If some people can come up with a good track plan, the turnouts really wouldn't matter to me.
I am just very bad at this part of the hobby.
Robby P.Oh, maybe even a small yard.
You don't design a layout around a specific size turnout. That's absurd.
If a situation calls for a high-speed switch, you use a high speed switch. If it's a tight industrial operation where space is at a premium, you fit what size switch will do the jo without compromising solid track work.
This space reserved for SpaceMouse's future presidential candidacy advertisements
You will probably have to remove the track you have laid since you have put all of it along the extreme back of the layout. If a longer run is your concern I would suggest a twice around plan. If you want to run more than 1 train at a time you will need sidings to let the trains pass each other. Also having the track parallel the walls looks bad, if the track is running at an angle or a is curved it will look much better scenically.
Look at some of the plans in the MR site or buy some track plan books.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
GraniteRailroader You don't design a layout around a specific size turnout. That's absurd.If a situation calls for a high-speed switch, you use a high speed switch. If it's a tight industrial operation where space is at a premium, you fit what size switch will do the jo without compromising solid track work.
I agree here, with some reservation though. Turnout size does matter where space is is limited and also dependent on motive power and rolling stock. I don't and most likely never will design a layout for someone else but if I were, that would be an important bit of info I'd like to have. I have a 13X9 area for my home layout and to me that is limited space so #6 turnouts will be used on it along with specific radius curves to get the most track work and longest main lines in this space for the equipment I intend to operate on it. Ken
You're right. You don't set a switch size and then use it for everything from the logging line to the NEC crossovers. You should, however, set a switch minimum for the mainline and STICK TO IT! If you can fit larger switches, that's great, do it, but don't fudge it so you can fit that extra industry. You'll regret it when your trains start derailing. I've learned that the hard way, and I ripped up my yard and staging yard to fix that problem. For industry trackage, you can set that sharper, but make sure that it can handle the largest rolling stock and locomotives that would ever use it.
Just my
I think a layout plan should have been decided upon before you got to the stage you are at now. You've kinda tied your own hands as to what you can do unless you start over with blank benchwork. There is nothing wrong with your benchwork...but you should have a plan first before any track goes down.
If you need help with track plans, why don't you go to Internet and type in "Track Plans",( then click on User Track Plans), or go to "101 Track plans". Click on "101 Track plans for model railroaders", for many diagrams of track plans. Lin Westcott's book is excellent. With this length and width table, why don't you go for overpasses and use double slip switches, and wyes to change direction. Include train length run arounds for passing priority trains, and trains going in the opposite direction. Single track loops get boring, quickly!
Bob Hahn
Thanks for all of the input. I had some track ideas, but just wasn't to happy. I had about 3 sidings, and still had a main-line. I think what I need to do, is just look at some track plans, look in some train mags, and see what I can come up with.
Tyler, Thanks for your input here. You said it like I was trying to say it, only a whole lot clearer. Ken
Robby P. Thanks for all of the input. I had some track ideas, but just wasn't to happy. I had about 3 sidings, and still had a main-line. I think what I need to do, is just look at some track plans, look in some train mags, and see what I can come up with.
What you need to do is first get an idea about what you like.
Other people can help you with the how. But too many people leap directly to "how" to make a layout plan, and skip the all important question "why do you want to make a layout?" - ie what is *really* your goal.
That quickly leads into givens (things you cannot change or will not change, even if it means the project will have to be abandoned) and druthers (preferences).
The LDSIG primer: http://macrodyn.com/ldsig/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Primer is a good place to start. LDSIG = Layout Design Special Interest Group.
Smile, Stein
I wouldn't rip out the track you have. I would install a left-hand turnout in the track you have in the foregound of the last picture, and ramp down to the left. Along the wall in the same photo, you might have room for some background buildings. Just my
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
I kinda hate to say this but I think maybe ya put the cart before the horse
I didnt start my benchwork until my trackplan was 90% finalized. less chance of tearing the whole thing out if I made any changes, which I did, but since they were based on the original plan they fit right into the benchwork.
Have fun with your trains
GraniteRailroader You don't design a layout around a specific size turnout. That's absurd. If a situation calls for a high-speed switch, you use a high speed switch. If it's a tight industrial operation where space is at a premium, you fit what size switch will do the jo without compromising solid track work.
What I meant was what would be the minium, and what would he need for main switches, like for a passing siding or something, because if I know anything, a huge SD80MAC or whatever don't particulary like a #4 turnout.
so here's what I got. The yard faces that far back wall. I know it looks bad, but here's a rough idea, tell people what you'd do differently, and let them handle the rest. oh, and the main in front of the propane plant (very large) should be laid according to what switches you need coming off of it. All are #6's b/c, well, I was too lazy to get other kinds on it. Track is code 83. the main can be laid as is, or be laid to be parallel. Yard switcher could be an MP15DC, the road switcher would be something like a GP38-2. Also, through frieghts can run any motive power. I had to go slightly lower than 22 in. radius at one point on the curves. I swapped the tracks to staging, but oh well. If you can't get to staging that way, swing them around to point where you can add staging.
Have you ever read the Space Mouse Beginners Guide to Track Planning? It not only explains alot of the things you need to think about, it's also a very entertaining read! I've gone back and re-read it several times even after I finished my own layout.
-Ken in Maryland (B&O modeler, former CSX modeler)