Well... my collection of equipment continues to grow, preceeding the inevitable building of my first layout. However, I find myself migrating back towards doing some track planning for it. I've been trying to keep things reasonably simple for a first time layout build, and yet still be able to keep things interesting for operation.
To date, the most interesting track plan design I've found relative to the space I have available is Lionel Strang's "Appalachian Central" detailed in "Project Railroads You Can Build." An N-Scale L-Shaped layout that fits into a 7'x5'7" space. It has both potential for basic operation, all the elements of model railroading that I need to learn, as well as some introduction to more advanced techniques. It may be a good way to cut my teeth on this wonderful hobby.
Yet, there are some elements of the overall plan that I am not entirely happy with. One of the components is a yard on the long edge of the layout that fits into a space of about 1'x6'. However it doesn't strike me as being well suited to smooth operation. I happen to have John Armstrong's "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" which has been quite informative.
My intention is to take the basic track plan and modify to something that would better suit what I am looking for. For those of you who have access to this plan, are there any suggestions that you might want to make. I am not currently at my own computer, but as soon as I am, I will crack open RTS and give you an illustration of the original yard and then hopefully get some suggestions on good alternatives.
Thanks in advance...
To date, the most interesting track plan design I've found relative to the space I have available is Lionel Strang's "Appalachian Central" detailed in "Project Railroads You Can Build." An N-Scale L-Shaped layout that fits into a 7'x5'7" space. It has both potential for basic operation, all the elements of model railroading that I need to learn, as well as some introduction to more advanced techniques. It may be a good way to cut my teeth on this wonderful hobby.
Yet, there are some elements of the overall plan that I am not entirely happy with. One of the components is a yard on the long edge of the layout that fits into a space of about 1'x6'. However it doesn't strike me as being well suited to smooth operation. I happen to have John Armstrong's "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" which has been quite informative.
My intention is to take the basic track plan and modify to something that would better suit what I am looking for. For those of you who have access to this plan, are there any suggestions that you might want to make. I am not currently at my own computer, but as soon as I am, I will crack open RTS and give you an illustration of the original yard and then hopefully get some suggestions on good alternatives.
Thanks in advance...