Looking for Feedback on my HO Layout Design

[thomashmaine]

Yes, version three is a good example of a compound ladder. As you see, you can get more yard tracks in the same space using a compumd ladder than a tradition ladder.

Not sure what you mean by width of a yard. If you mean space between tracks, a lot depends on the size of your hand. Lay out three tracks. Put cars on all three. See how close you can get the tracks and still be able to rerail a car on the middle track without knocking over cars on any of the outside tracks. For most people, it's between 1.5 and 2 inches.

Jim,

thanks for the feedback. for the width part, i was wondering how wide of a space do i need for a yard? i could potentially put a slight "L" shape to the table to extend the yard, but it can only be about 24" wide, would that be enought space for a yard?

thanks

thomas

 

[thomashmaine]

Unless one has a real large layout, I like the less is more concept some folks are endorsing. Meaning a little less track and a little more scenery.

Larry,

at the moment i would rather see more track then scenary, but that may be my inexperience talking. I also want to build up my skills, starting with setting up a layout(track, wireing,) and learning how to manage the trains on the layout properly with dcc. once i am comforable with that i will start trying to incorporate scenary. Im not sure if this is the best way to go, but i feel like you cant learn and setup everything at once. im getting to the point where i want to see trains on the track.

 

[Larry Launstein Jr]

Larry,

at the moment i would rather see more track then scenary, but that may be my inexperience talking. I also want to build up my skills, starting with setting up a layout(track, wireing,) and learning how to manage the trains on the layout properly with dcc. once i am comforable with that i will start trying to incorporate scenary. Im not sure if this is the best way to go, but i feel like you cant learn and setup everything at once. im getting to the point where i want to see trains on the track.

When it comes to track, definitely one should have a plan. And I don't blame you for wanting to get the most out of your layout as you can. I'm of the belief, though, that a little less is definitely more, because to me, it is easier doing a little bit at a time. And as far as the scenery goes, I did plan out my streets, but the buildings, trees, and my lake are pretty much fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of thing. I didn't think the second track plan that was posted was too far off from what you were initially looking to do, still giving you plenty of track to work with, and having at least some room for some nice, dramatic scenic effects.

 

[ianacole]

Jim,

thanks for the feedback. for the width part, i was wondering how wide of a space do i need for a yard? i could potentially put a slight "L" shape to the table to extend the yard, but it can only be about 24" wide, would that be enought space for a yard?

thanks

thomas

How long would you be able to make the extension at 24" wide?

 

[thomashmaine]

from what i measured last night, i could make a L shape with the following dimensions

120"X48"x88"x24

so to answer your question about 32".

 

[ianacole]

Those dimensions look like a 4'x10' with a 40"x24" extension ... correct? Or should the 3rd measurement be 80"?

 

[thomashmaine]

figured i would just post a picture of it

 

[ianacole]

With that you could do a fairly lengthy yard, especially if you started it on the left, coming inside, and elevating the mainline over the yard.

Can you send me the .rts file for that table? [email protected]

 

[thomashmaine]

just sent the file to you