My first stab at HO table top design… feedback welcome before I do track layout

[freescopesdad]

I've read most of this thread and I am really surprised (shocked really) that no one has mentioned Anyrail. With all of the doodling and track plan modifications and what ifs, the OP can model scenarios that fit almost instantly. Small investment in $, very shallow learning curve for the basics, you won't regret it. I didn't.

 

[William Burg]

Yep… the life-like snap together made design ‘on the fly’ quite easy for the first track

I moved to using flex track and cord roadbed for the second track which I’m laying now… it’s quite different (much harder for a newbie) as you well know

@William Burg I have no computer… so paying for sophisticated track layout planning software is a ‘no go’ for me anyway…

The iPad comes with a free “squiggly line app” that is perfect those who are not serious enough for this forum

The problem with "squiggly line app" is that it's really easy to draw a squiggly line that fits in a space where the flextrack will not. I don't use track layout planning software either, I use graph paper, a pencil, and a ruler, and base my measurements on the dimensions of the switches and radius of the curves. But apparently there is an app for the iPad called "Train Design" that costs $2, if that's what floats your boat, and $2 is within the confines of your budget.

 

[RhB Michael]

I too used pencil, rule, and compass for my current railroad. Worked perfectly without any surprises.