Layout design help

[mopacbuff]

Gentlemen,

By way of introduction, I used to model in HO scale about 20 years ago, then moved on to other things like trap shooting and IPSC competition. My son, now almost 14, has shown an interest in model railroading, so I'm jumping back in. A lot has changed since I was last active in the hobby, to be sure.

We went to a local toy and train show last Sunday and my son bought a couple of Athearn blue box freight car kits, which he enjoyed assembling, so I guess we're going all in.

My Dad worked for Missouri Pacific during the 70s, and my uncle and cousin still work for Union Pacifics Desoto Missouri car repair shop. My favorite prototype has been set for a long time I guess.

Anyway, to my question.

I have an area in a spare room in my house that I'm planning a layout for me and my son. I need some track planning help with it, as that has never been one of my strong suits in this hobby.

The area I have available is 12'X13' (to the edge of a door opening), with space left in the room for future expansion.

So, I am looking for track planning help. I'm looking to model a ficticous part of the MoPac during the early 60s (so I can include passenger service). I am open to any type of design, but i'd like to include the following if possible;

-Continuos running (around the walls with a bridge duckunder maybe?)

-Staging yards

-A fairly isolated, dead ended branch line

-24"+ radius curves

Any ideas/help?

Thanks in advance

MPB

 

[UP2CSX]

My first question is if there's any compelling reason to stick with HO. You'd get a lot more out of the space with N scale and you could do an around the wall layout, use 16" curves, and not have to block the door.

 

[Selector]

Welcome!

Here is what I have at the moment. The outer size is 9' X 13.75', and it comprises four frame modules on 'stilts', each bolted together so that they form a hollow rectangle in which I can stand. It provides continuous running, switching, and I have several industries planned.

My idea was to be surrounded by the scenery. Unfortunately, I guess, since this is set hard into a space in a corner of my basement, I must access the central operating area by stooping and shuffling under the module you see at the left in this view. Other than that, it serves exactly as I had hoped.

It is HO.

-Crandell

 

[Beachbum]

IF you want to stay in HO and IF you think you can handle a duckunder / liftout, Google the HOG (Heart of Georgia) beginners layout. There's a Yahoo discussion group for it.

It's not exactly your dimensions but is easily adapted to different sizes, locales, eras, etc.

 

[mopacbuff]

Gentlemen,

I'd really prefer to stay in HO, as that's what I started with when I was younger and I'm more comfortable with.

I tried a google search for the heart of georgia layout with no luck, all I came up with were broken links.

I've been doodling on paper and I might have some ideas.

MPB

 

[DaWolf85]

Gentlemen,

I'd really prefer to stay in HO, as that's what I started with when I was younger and I'm more comfortable with.

I tried a google search for the heart of georgia layout with no luck, all I came up with were broken links.

I've been doodling on paper and I might have some ideas.

MPB

There are really two reasons I like HO over N scale.
1. As I model the modern era, newer locos usually come out in HO a bit faster than N scale. Also, there is more to pick from.

2. Sound. What sound N scale does have is not as good as in HO scale.



If you have a scanner, scan in your doodles and post them up, I'd like to see them.

 

[jdetray]

Here is Scott Perry's Heart of Georgia site.

And here is the Yahoo Group devoted to the HOG.

- Jeff

 

[Beachbum]

Yeah, what Jeff said. The HOG was designed as an alternative to a 4X8 (all the benchwork can be cut from a piece of 4X8 plywood or foam). If you look at the HOG group files, you'll find some modified track plans in a few different scales. Food for thought when designing your own. Or not. Your call...

 

[Kerrydel]

I've looked at that HOG layout a couple of times. I really like it for a small beginner layout. If I were looking to build a small layout, I'd definitely use it as a starting point.

Kerry