How much track and industries can fit?

[StrasburgNut]

I am still planing my layout in the 5.5' by 12.5' room I am still working on. I want to use 8' of the 12.5', the 5.5' section and come back about 6' to 8' on the other side, where the depth of the room expands from 5.5' to 7' deep. I also would like to have the depth of the layout to be 24" deep, 30" max in some spots if needed.

Does anyone have suggestions on what to go with in terms of plans? I have a small amount of N scale, but nothing in HO, and I am not opposed to HO at all. I want a coal mine, a logging camp and a saw mill/paper goods mill in the layout as well as a yard for switching. Can I do something decent in HO without being too cramped? It will be a fictional shortline with an association with the Pennsylvania RR. So I expect to see a bunch of different roadnames as well.

I have tried the Atlas RTS and am having trouble using the flex track and elevation tools. Anyone know how to use these (in plain speak)?

Thanks for the help!

Nut

 

[CP9302]

Can you post a plan view of the room? That would help us visualize your layout space.

Also, you may wand to try XtrkCad to design your layout. It is free and very robust in its features. The Atlas program is rather limiting in what it can do, especially when using flex track.

 

[StrasburgNut]

Actually, I have downloaded XtrkCAD and I find that more difficult to use than RTS.

 

[CP9302]

Actually, I have downloaded XtrkCAD and I find that more difficult to use than RTS.

It is harder to use, but with great power comes greater learning curve, to paraphrase a little.

I use 3rd PlanIt, because I found Xtrk it easier to use. But it costs money, which is why I suggested Xtrk.

Anyway, if you can post your floorplan, I'm sure the folks here can help you out. Chip is especially good at track plans.

 

[SpaceMouse]

Actually, I have downloaded XtrkCAD and I find that more difficult to use than RTS.

Unless you spend the four hours or so it takes to do the tutorial, you might as well give up. But if you want a program that does the job, even the ones you pay $100 for have tutorials.

The question you have to ask yourself: Is worth learning the program to get the best plan I can when I know I will spend $50-$100 per sq. ft. to complete it and spend 50 hours per square ft building it?