Help with my 1st ever layout

[wedge22]

I am planning my first ever layout using kato unitrack on a table of 32"x55" and would like some help with the design element.

I want to use the following layout plan http://www.katousa.com/track-plans/g...ay-bonnie.html and I would like to add an outer loop as suggested in the plan, along with a bridge on the back straight and a tunnel somewhere. This layout is mainly for my son (nearly 4 years old) and myself to enjoy together.

I have the following pieces of Unitrack plus the Six required #4 turnouts and the bumpers.

20-120 x8 Radius 45 315mm
20-100 x8 Radius 45 249mm
20-170 x8 Radius 45 216mm
20-000 x16 Straight 248mm
20-010 x1 Straight 186mm
20-020 x8 Straight 124mm
20-021 x3 Straight 124mm road crossing
20-030 x19 Straight 64mm
20-040 x5 Straight 62mm
20-041 x4 Straight 62mm feeder
20-045 x1 Straight 62mm snap track conversion
20-150 x2 718mm Radius 15º Curve Track
20-202 x1 #6 Left Turnout
20-203 x1 #6 Right Turnout
24-840 x2 Turnout control switch
20-070 x2
20-071 x6
20-464 x2 124mm Deck Plate Girder Bridge
23-047 x5 Bridge Pier No.5

I need to know what is required for power also, currently I have one older Atlas powerpack, if I want to run two DC trains then I belive this requires two DC power packs, correct?

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[Burlington Bob]

To run two trains independently using DC, you will need two power packs and have the tracks sectioned into blocks that are electrically isolated from each other. You will need electrical switches to route power to the blocks and on a small layout like this you could be spending most of your time flipping switches. Might be easier to have a separate oval that is not connected to what you will have here to add interest.

There are books that tell how to wire even the most complicated layout but you should be able to find all the info you need here or on the Internet for free. You can get more info if you ask questions regarding a specific situation as you progress.

 

[wedge22]

Thanks for the advice, I may just go the easy route then and add a seperate loop as I do not want to make the layout too complex.

The layout will also be in the corner against a wall, where would be the best location for the tunnel?

 

[otiscnj]

What are your plans regarding 'the table?' There are also books on the subject of layout construction techniques. You can also probably find some of this info on line, too. The link you included also includes a list of track components required to build the plan. If you want to run two trains, Kato also makes some rail joiner clips that are powered and insulated, too, I believe.

As Bob suggested, asking questions regarding specific topics, often facilitates enhanced communications. Photos also promote feedback.

 

[otiscnj]

Best location for the tunnel depends on several factors, such as:

1)are you modeling anywhere in general or particular, such as somewhere specific in say Colorado or the midwest, or near your place?
2)placement of layout in a given space(room, basement, etc)
3)your scenic plans for the layout
4)within reach of the 'front' of the layout

 

[wedge22]

I have all of the track pieces listed in the Bill of Materials on the Kato page, I have listed extra pieces also in the 1st post.

I have built the table out of an old door, I would like to add a bridge as per Kato instructions and a tunnel, I just need advice on tunnel positioning.

Pictures so far of table.

 

[wedge22]

To answer the last question I plan on basing the location on where I live in Port Moody BC, so lots of fir trees and rain lol.
I dont really have any scenic plans, I am new to MRR and could only suggest a sulphur plant and oil refinery as these industries are close by in Port Moody.
The table is in my man cave in the basement.

 

[otiscnj]

Generally, traditional advice would be to place the mountain(and resulting tunnel) towards the rear of the layout, so you won't have to reach or bend over it to adjust something in the rear of the layout. An alternative would be to place it in a front corner. Are you planning to scenic it in some way like the Kato plan, only adjusted to BC?

Is Port Moody on Vancouver Island? I rode the RDCs up to Courtney many years ago. Oil refinerys can take up a lot of space. Many people model things nearby, as it doesn't cost much money to do research about the industry. Also, modeling something nearby gives a subject for bonding with your son.

 

[wedge22]

Thanks, I was thinking of adding the tunnel on the right side curve and the bridge along the back straight as per the Kato plan.

Port Moody is actually in Greater Vancouver, check out the link,
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&cl...code_result&ct=image&resnum=2&ved=0CDcQ8gEwAQ

 

[jdetray]

If you want to run two trains at once, a DCC unit such as the NCE Power Cab would allow you to do it without any complicated wiring or switches and without the need for separating the two loops. The loops could be connected, which would make the layout more interesting. The Power Cab would replace the two DC power packs.

Just a thought!

- Jeff

 

[otiscnj]

I wouldn't not connect the two loops, regardless of whether you go DC or DCC. A little bit more complicated wiring if you go DC, but not to much so.

If you're going to have bridge(with a river underneath) at the back of the layout, can you reach back there to work on the scenery?

Before I road VIA on Vacouver Island, I rode BC Rail to Prince George, and took the BC Ferries over to Sandwich(sp). BC is a great place!

 

[jdetray]

If you're going to have bridge(with a river underneath) at the back of the layout, can you reach back there to work on the scenery?

That's an important point. It's not only scenery that is a concern, but will you be able to reach a derailed locomotive or car in the corner or along the back of the layout?

- Jeff

 

[wedge22]

I can reach as it is only 55"x32" so not really a long way to reach.

 

[jdetray]

I can reach as it is only 55"x32" so not really a long way to reach.

You may have longer arms than me. There's no way I could reach 32 inches do any detail work such as creating scenery or re-railing a derailed locomotive.

If it works for you, that is all that matters.

- Jeff

 

[waltr]

You may have longer arms than me. There's no way I could reach 32 inches do any detail work such as creating scenery or re-railing a derailed locomotive.

If it works for you, that is all that matters.

- Jeff

A agree. My layout is 24 inch wide and I thought no problem reaching. But once there are buildings and scenery at the front it is a stretch to reach over to the back.