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

[adurbin]

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:

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):

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

My twist on Walthers Al's Victory Service Center:

And no town would be complete without the Colonel! This kit's quality is not the greatest, but I think its cool no less:

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:

 

[waredbear]

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.

 

[adurbin]

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.

 

[tankist]

looks like a start

 

[cuyama]

Possibly troublesome s-curves

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

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.

 

[flyboy2610]

Always try to have one car length of straight track between two curves going in opposing directions to prevent S-curve problems.

 

[adurbin]

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.