OldSteamer
New Member
After an extended absence from MRR I am planing a return in N Gauge so that I can see the trains go around again. My plan is a simple double ( Swiss passenger) loop around a large stone pillar ( 32" x 81"). I have learned a couple of track planning programs and settled upon XTrackCAD using KATO Unitrack (especially like the super-elevated curved pieces) just because I could check that the pieces would theoretically fit together. I will try to attach a copy of the plan. The two loops are close to the pillar on three sides (utilizing scratch built bridges and viaducts) and the fourth side is a spare 14" wide to allow for a passenger station bump out from the main lines.
The inner loop will have non-functional catenary for electric locomotives; the outer line will be for steam traffic. My initial mock-ups of catenary using 0.4mm overhead wire look equal to both Sommerfeldt and Mafen and will help to mitigate the cost of implementing those exclusively. Since I am also finalizing plans to incorporate functioning track signals any additional creative solutions to the station track plan would be most welcome. I am not resisting using flex track but prefer the convenience and the look of Unitrack that can be easily enhanced with weathering. That's the dream so far, now I'm all ears.
The inner loop will have non-functional catenary for electric locomotives; the outer line will be for steam traffic. My initial mock-ups of catenary using 0.4mm overhead wire look equal to both Sommerfeldt and Mafen and will help to mitigate the cost of implementing those exclusively. Since I am also finalizing plans to incorporate functioning track signals any additional creative solutions to the station track plan would be most welcome. I am not resisting using flex track but prefer the convenience and the look of Unitrack that can be easily enhanced with weathering. That's the dream so far, now I'm all ears.