Very first attempt at a layout
- Thread starter MXD
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Here's the link: http://www.chipengelmann.com/trains/beginnersguide.html
I strongly recommend it, Chip infuses a good amount of humor into his writing. I keep going back and re-reading this guide because I find it entertaining, even though my layout became fully operational 4 years ago.
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The space is 16 feet by 13 feet and it is O scale. Also, there are 2 points that I need to insulate that I did not mark on here but I am aware of them.
Beachbum
Member
What is the purpose of your layout? Do you want to run trains just to run trains or do you want to simulate a portion of a real railroad? Do you want to move cars from suppliers to customers or watch trains go by?
I don't understand any need for the crossover and such at the top of the plan if you want an operational layout. If this is for display, you can run with whatever floats your boat.
I admit I'm biased - I prefer long, linear (if possible) layouts with a high scenery to track ratio that simulate as much as possible a real railroad's track layout with "rational" placement of industries, yards, etc.
But it is YOUR layout, so...
I don't understand any need for the crossover and such at the top of the plan if you want an operational layout. If this is for display, you can run with whatever floats your boat.
I admit I'm biased - I prefer long, linear (if possible) layouts with a high scenery to track ratio that simulate as much as possible a real railroad's track layout with "rational" placement of industries, yards, etc.
But it is YOUR layout, so...
I would like a long linear layout as well but I don't have the room yet. The Crossover was just a way to create a route to flip the train and run it the opposite direction. I admit I have very little direction as to what I am designing. I haven't ever done this before so I am trying to design something that is fun to run trains on with a few options for routes.
If I wanted to model a real railroad where do I find any info or pictures?
If I wanted to model a real railroad where do I find any info or pictures?
Beachbum
Member
You can see most RRs on Google Earth or Google Maps. Have a look at Space Mouse's (Chip Engelmann's) Web site - he has some good advice on basic layout design. And we have many design experts on this site who I'm sure will add helpful comments.
You might also check back issues of Model Railroader magazine at your library for trackplans, just to get some ideas. A key to understanding prototype railroads is that they try to be as efficient as possible (usually) with track and resources - or to put it another way, if they don't have to do it, they don't, so you usually do not see complex trackwork unless it's absolutely necessary.
But again, some folks prefer display layouts and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, if that's what makes them happy. Truthfully, nobody's opinion matters except for your own.
You might also check back issues of Model Railroader magazine at your library for trackplans, just to get some ideas. A key to understanding prototype railroads is that they try to be as efficient as possible (usually) with track and resources - or to put it another way, if they don't have to do it, they don't, so you usually do not see complex trackwork unless it's absolutely necessary.
But again, some folks prefer display layouts and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, if that's what makes them happy. Truthfully, nobody's opinion matters except for your own.
tankist
Active Member
i will suggest getting the Track Planning Realistic Operation book.
Selector
Well-Known Member
There is nothing wrong with this track plan if it accomplishes your aims. What are your aims?
Well...I fibbed. There is something wrong; I would strongly counsel you to ditch one of the two diagonals you have because you are going to need two polarity reversal systems as you have drawn it. Why double up on a cross-over/diagonal when one will do?
Here's what I would do: eliminate the bottom right to top left diagonal, and bring the lead to your inner yard back down, nearer the left side of that curve at bottom. Now lengthen your yard tracks and add a couple of runarounds so that engines can escape. Much more functionality.
-Crandell
Well...I fibbed. There is something wrong; I would strongly counsel you to ditch one of the two diagonals you have because you are going to need two polarity reversal systems as you have drawn it. Why double up on a cross-over/diagonal when one will do?
Here's what I would do: eliminate the bottom right to top left diagonal, and bring the lead to your inner yard back down, nearer the left side of that curve at bottom. Now lengthen your yard tracks and add a couple of runarounds so that engines can escape. Much more functionality.
-Crandell
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IronBeltKen
Lazy Daydreamer
Here's the link: http://www.chipengelmann.com/trains/beginnersguide.html
I strongly recommend it, Chip infuses a good amount of humor into his writing. I keep going back and re-reading this guide because I find it entertaining, even though my layout became fully operational 4 years ago.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website (Learn More Here)