Week 2 of my new Ho scale Layout

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KrazieTrains

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Week 3 of my new Ho scale Layout

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xbTQkh41vA&feature=channel_page[/URL]

Hey guys here is a post to the video of my Layout for week 3 plz tell me what you think i am fixing to put a sealent coat over the osb board to keep it from warping but it should not with as much as i have braced it. I have only used 3 in screws all around and i can actually get on the layout and walk on it and I am 215 lbs so i know it can hold its own this is my first time ever doing this hobbie so if you have any comments or suggestions plz let me know! This layout is in a 12x20 shop that has heat and air! Thanks !!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSkpcRd-W2k
 
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Did you measure out the curves and the turnouts?

I ask because the turnout leading into the yard looks to make a really tight curve and the angle on the ladder for the yard seems very steep also. It might just be something from the camera angle or something. The easy way to "measure" is to use the actual turnouts you plan on using and laying them on your markings to see if the match.
 
I'd suggest that you consider putting as much as 2 inches of the blue foam board on top of your chipcore. You really don't want to fasten your track to the chipcore, and the foam will also allow you to hollow out for water (ponds, stream or river etc.) It will also make your train quieter.
 


Hi KrazieTrains: It looks like you have a great space there for your layout. Since you're still in the planning stage, this is the time to make any changes or improvements. Here's a few observations. If you're planning to add scenery, you might want to reconsider your electrical outlets. They are handy now, but I would want them below the layout. As to your track, a good rule of thumb is make sure all your track is within easy reach from the aisle. It looks like you have a couple of corners where the track is close to the back drop, it may be hard to reach. It also looks to me like you based your layout height so that it will clear the window. You could raise the whole thing to clear your outlets, and drop a section to clear the window. I think I would move the yard over to that long, straight section. These are only suggestions. Good luck, I think you'll have a fine layout.
 
Ty for Replying i have outlets on the upper side of the layout and the lowers side so when I am done I can just put covers over them and use the lower ones the radius on the turn going into the yard is actuall a 22 deg radius and I have to fix the ladder it is just a hair to steep. I was just taping it out to get a general idea of what i might want. Plus if i raise the layout it will be past my armpits and then i would need a stool to work on it. Ty all for your posts plz keep them coming b/c I am new to this hobbie!
 
Hello,

Welcome to an addictive hobby! I was watching your video and noticed something that may or may not be an issue for you. Your trains look like the come within two inches of the wall. That is enough room for the train to clear on curves, but I would recommend at least six inches to allow for scenery. On my tight spaced layout my trains get as close as yours do, and it makes it very hard to hide the fact that the backdrop is just a backdrop. If the track was further away, you could incorporate trees and hills that blend into the terrain, hiding shadows and seams.

As far as your siding goes: I think your spurs are kind of short. The two that are closest to your mainline, you might want to consider having be connected at both ends to allow a longer train to be able to pull in. Sometimes when switching, a longer train can buckle at a quick S-bend if you are pushing it.

I'm not sure what you are trying to do with your layout, so it's hard to give you specific advise in certain areas. Let us know what you are trying to do, or what you might have in mind (e.g. What era, freight or passenger, industries, type of trains, mountains or prairie, ect) and we can help more!

It looks like your off to a good start, keep it up.
 
I am basically doing industrual I will probally add another section to it as well still kind of confused of what i am going to do. but mostly it is going to be industrual. the track on all sides in 2 1/4 in away from the wall. But the addon will be like a leg off of the main layout that will be 8ft long by 30in wide that will be a yard so i can take off the on that you were talking about I just have to wait for my wife to move her birds I will prob change it a cpl of more times before I start laying the corkbed and track I just want to take my time and not rush anything. Oh it will mostly be flat land no mountains or lakes or rivers just mostly flatland! No passenger cars I thought about a coal yard, paper mill and others. the era will be modern day. Thanks for the Reply and let me know anyother infor you might need!

__________________
Rusty
 
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You should look into foam roadbed, it can be a little tougher to work with at times (mainly turnouts), but it sure does reduce noise!

I heard your birds in your video, cockatiels?
 
Nice!

Rusty, your layout is shaping up good. Did you have a plan, or just start laying tape where you thought it would look good?

I didn't have a plan for mine - just started laying out track where I thought it would work well.

I have had to take the winter off playing with my trains because my garage is un-heated. I went out there this afternoon, and the temperature was 19º.

http://www.lasvegasmikey.com/HO/index.html

Garage%20VII.JPG
 
Basically i have no plan just started taping to get a general idea i have decide to add on a extension to it that is 8ft long by 30-45in wide for a yard so i can have more space for industries where my yard is at now! I belive that i will be going dcc as well I am just trying to take my time and not make any unnessecary mistakes!
 


Hi, Krazie and welcome to the forum and hobby. :o)
A couple thoughts from the structural side - Think through the backdrop and set it as soon as possible. It really gets difficult trying to place paper, painting, masonite in the corners AFTER you've started setting track and scenery!! #(*@#%*& - sometimes I get very impatient.

If you are using under table switch machines (Tortoise), count on the under table braces being where the machine mechanism will be located. I used screws on the undertable 1x4s so they could be easily moved. That worked about half the time :[

Ditto on keeping the track away from edges (front or back) unless it goes through or behind trees, buildings or thru tunnels. Couldn't tell for sure but the ladder track spacing looks wide. Somewhere around 2" si about right and will give you more space for structures.

I started with a John Allen Timesaver to get some trains running then added a dogbone with the turnouts so I could run in a circle and do some switching. A year and a half later, the layout is about 1/2 finished as far as scenery and track.
Best wishes and keep us posted.
Regards,
Jon
 
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E. McKeesport & Allegheny said:
Rusty, your layout is shaping up good. Did you have a plan, or just start laying tape where you thought it would look good?

I didn't have a plan for mine - just started laying out track where I thought it would work well.

I have had to take the winter off playing with my trains because my garage is un-heated. I went out there this afternoon, and the temperature was 19º.

http://www.lasvegasmikey.com/HO/index.html

Garage%20VII.JPG
Click to expand...

I would recommend putting some sort of covering under your garage door so water won't drip on your layout if you were to open the door after/during a rain storm. My garage drips water everywhere when I open the door, I would hate to see anything of yours get ruined.
 
Not to steal your thread, Krazie...

Adam - That's a good suggestion, but even in the worst thunderstorm the garage door doesn't get wet as there's a large overhang above it. Wind and rain from the west don't hit the door.

I plan on finishing the garage ceiling with ¼" plywood so it isn't so drafty and will be easier to heat. I haven't been able to work on my layout since the first week in December as it's just too cold. All of my track was laid in 80º weather, so now it's contracted and the joints have opened up.
 
KrazieTrains said:
Basically i have no plan just started taping to get a general idea i have decide to add on a extension to it that is 8ft long by 30-45in wide for a yard so i can have more space for industries where my yard is at now! I belive that i will be going dcc as well I am just trying to take my time and not make any unnecessary mistakes!
Click to expand...

I would suggest you start making plans on paper now. It's better to work through all the possibilities you can think of now before you proceed further with your benchwork. It would be a shame for you to start laying track and make a significant investment only to have to rip things out when you find something doesn't work.

As others have said avoid running track so close to the back edges. You want people to see THE TRAINS. Putting them towards the back makes the trains have less of an impact. Scenery is important but remember our primary purpose is to run and enjoy the trains. Plus with the tracks so close to the back edges it's going to be much harder to gain access to them. You want to avoid having to reach OVER the scenery/structures to get to the trains.

I realize it's hard to resist the urge to start laying track but I can't stress enough how important it is to get a workable track plan so you're not "winging" it.

-G-
 
Good job on the cork roadbed. Do you have a track plan drawn out on paper yet? So far, it looks like a double track mainline and a passing siding?
 


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