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I found a great layout I want to build. It's in August 2008 Model railroader page 49. The problem is: I really don't have the know how as to all the track I will need.
Could some one in here help me out with a "shopping list" for the track? I am not interested in any of the structures.
Here is a scan I took from the mag. Not sure why it came out blue......
checked the file on the mr site...
no list of materials, scale is HO, at least the downloadable pdf gives a cut diagram for the plywood sheet, but other than turnout sizes, etc..
no other info on thier site..
Well, time to get out the scale ruler. Assuming you're going to use flex track except for the switches and maybe a few small filler pieces, you can measure the track on the layout plan and divide by 36" to get the approximate number of flex track sections you'll need. I'm assuming the unlabeled switches are #5's.
I'd reevaluate the whole layout before I made a decision to go ahead. That's a lot of track crammed into a relatively small area. I counted 16 switches, including a curved #8, and a 30 degree crossover. The switches alone, for just regular Atlas switches, are going to run you about $400, double that if you want remote control. The cost of track is miniscule by comparison, probably less than $100. The layout would give you more room for scenery and still have enough operation for a one-man layout with about half those tracks and switches.