My first layout (4x8)..what I have so far

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adurbin

Member
There were a couple of you asking for pictures of what I have so far in my welcome thread so here it is. A couple of things to note. The track plan isnt complete yet. There will be a couple of interior sidings added in the next couple of weeks. Also the transformer catastrophy that is going on is only temporary until I can get my control panel built.

overall pic:

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The left turnout on the inner main in the pic below will lead to the back of a feed store. (my wife said if I built a layout, it had to have a feed store that also sold indoor and outdoor plants (much like the one here in town that she has to frequent every time were within a five mile radius of it.), as well as an animal shelter (which I kinda like the idea of anyway):

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This area will be covered with grass, shrubs, and maybe a few trees to break the scene:

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My twist on Walthers Al's Victory Service Center:
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And no town would be complete without the Colonel! This kit's quality is not the greatest, but I think its cool no less:
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This area will be where the yard is. I plan to build another connecting table that will extend the layout (im already wishing I had more space). This of course is all dependant upon the better half moving the desert, and the jungle out of my way:

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Good start. Nice layout and I like the buildings. I would suggest drilling holes behind thee controllers and dropping the wires down instead of running them around. It would look better and less likely to get caught.
 
Good start. Nice layout and I like the buildings. I would suggest drilling holes behind thee controllers and dropping the wires down instead of running them around. It would look better and less likely to get caught.

I will be building a control panel that will be completely off the layout surface, at which point I will conceal the wiring like your suggesting.
 


Possibly troublesome s-curves

If the track is not permanently affixed, you might want to consider an alternative arrangement for the crossovers.

oval_x-ovr_s-curves.gif


The top configuration is often seen on newcomers' double-track ovals. Because the tighter inner end curve feeds directly into the crossovers, it creates a possibly troublesome s-curve, especially when shoving longer cars through. The alternative arrangement below offers the same routing flexibility but creates much gentler s-curves.

Best of luck.
 
Always try to have one car length of straight track between two curves going in opposing directions to prevent S-curve problems.
 
I wish that I would have seen this before permanately fixing the track down. I get what your saying, but its too late now. I havent had any issues so far, but time will tell. I know that the track plan is extremely simple, but I wanted it this way since this is my first. Thanks for all the tips and complements thus far.
 




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