Starting a new layout!

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L

lgh2000

Member
Hey I'm starting a new layout it's going to be modern 4x8 with a 2x6 side yard canadian style. I will post pics once I get the track plan down this weekend. I hope I can fit 24" radius curves on the outside and in a couple spots have a inner track. I just have one question what curve radius should the inside track be? I currently have 18" but it sure doesn't look right. I am assuming it should be 20 or 22 inch am I right?
 
A 24" curve with a 48" diameter will be tight on a 48" x 96" layout. Actually it won't fit without a little extension. On a curve you'd be correct with a 22" or less inner track, I think a 2.5" track spacing is normal on a curve.
(I've done this for years, wouldn't you think I could remember all this off the top of my pointy little head?)
 
Nope I think after so long you loose anything you learn hah! From the sounds of things I should probably use 22" curves on the outside then. I'm sure it will still look good for the cars and I will use code 100 track since I'm not very fussy about the rails being higher or not. What do you recommend for weathering the track? I saw one youtube video where he used a solution and then sanded the track after on the tops of the rail.
 


I just use water based paint, engine black on the mains and rust on the sidings.
As for cleaning, if you wipe with a piece of paper towel right away then use a bright boy or equivalent later you should be fine. Don't use sandpaper, it will scratch the rail surface and collect gunk thereafter!
Painting the rail makes code 100 look much smaller.
There's many other ways to do this, I'm sure someone else will elaborate...
 
I painted my track with a brush by hand using artists acrylic, I use a mix of white, black and raw umber to get a nice grey brown going. An airbrush will make it a lot easier, especially if you have lots of track, just be careful with turnouts. Wipe the track immediately after painting. Painted track looks a way better than unpainted track.
 
thanks for the tips guys I'm done the first oval now just setting things up I will take some pics once I have a proper track plan in place.
 
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