Hi.
I've been an N scale model railroader for 20+ years, but this is the first time I've had the opportunity to build a layout this big. The benchwork is already in place for the shelf layout, and the dimensions cannot be modified. This was done to preserve the land grant offered by my wife in these carpeted, heated and air conditioned rooms. I am really having difficulty in coming up with a good track plan for this space. There are three holes indicated through the walls between the two rooms to allow track to pass through.
- DCC Lenz Set 100
- N scale 1990's to present
- New England Themed Layout (Freelanced Shortline RR, running on old NY.NH & H trackage.)
- Single track main with diverging branchline.
- point to point is fine for operations, but I would also prefer a continuous running option.
- Interchange or junction with another road, maybe with Guilford or P&W
- Yard with about 4 classification tracks, 2 A/D tracks and engine facility (diesel), but also turntable and roundhouse for steam excursion and museum ops.
- Prefer through type yard, as opposed to stub, but I am flexible here
- Staging yard 4-5 tracks, stub or through, depending on plan.
- Freight train length avg. 15 - 20 cars. Passenger 3 car steam excursion or RDC.
- Atlas code 80 flex (because I already have 3 cases)
- Peco Turnouts min. #8 on main, #6 on industry and yard tracks (because I prefer hand thrown turnouts and I already have 75+ of them)
- I don't mind a train traveling through the same scene twice, just not on parallel tracks.
- 2% max grade. Layout will remain single level, but grades for aesthetics and branch separation are good.
- Huge cement plant (7' - 10' long) with limestone deliveries from on-line quarry. Prefer loads in out with cement plant and quarry on opposite sides of the common wall between the rooms, but alternatives are welcome!
- Big industries! I prefer 4 or 5 big industries producing 4 or 5 carloads each, rather than a bunch of smaller ones.
- No spaghetti bowl look. I would prefer that tracks near the front edge not run parallel to edge, if possible.
- Broad sweepiong curves where possible. I can accept a 13 " radius for a return loop on one of the 30" sections.
Well, that's the bulk of my preferences. Hopefully some of you on the Gauge will be able to give me some good ideas. I keep hitting the wall in trying to come up with a fun plan for solo or very small group 2-3 person operations.
Thanks in advance!
Eric
I've been an N scale model railroader for 20+ years, but this is the first time I've had the opportunity to build a layout this big. The benchwork is already in place for the shelf layout, and the dimensions cannot be modified. This was done to preserve the land grant offered by my wife in these carpeted, heated and air conditioned rooms. I am really having difficulty in coming up with a good track plan for this space. There are three holes indicated through the walls between the two rooms to allow track to pass through.
- DCC Lenz Set 100
- N scale 1990's to present
- New England Themed Layout (Freelanced Shortline RR, running on old NY.NH & H trackage.)
- Single track main with diverging branchline.
- point to point is fine for operations, but I would also prefer a continuous running option.
- Interchange or junction with another road, maybe with Guilford or P&W
- Yard with about 4 classification tracks, 2 A/D tracks and engine facility (diesel), but also turntable and roundhouse for steam excursion and museum ops.
- Prefer through type yard, as opposed to stub, but I am flexible here
- Staging yard 4-5 tracks, stub or through, depending on plan.
- Freight train length avg. 15 - 20 cars. Passenger 3 car steam excursion or RDC.
- Atlas code 80 flex (because I already have 3 cases)
- Peco Turnouts min. #8 on main, #6 on industry and yard tracks (because I prefer hand thrown turnouts and I already have 75+ of them)
- I don't mind a train traveling through the same scene twice, just not on parallel tracks.
- 2% max grade. Layout will remain single level, but grades for aesthetics and branch separation are good.
- Huge cement plant (7' - 10' long) with limestone deliveries from on-line quarry. Prefer loads in out with cement plant and quarry on opposite sides of the common wall between the rooms, but alternatives are welcome!
- Big industries! I prefer 4 or 5 big industries producing 4 or 5 carloads each, rather than a bunch of smaller ones.
- No spaghetti bowl look. I would prefer that tracks near the front edge not run parallel to edge, if possible.
- Broad sweepiong curves where possible. I can accept a 13 " radius for a return loop on one of the 30" sections.
Well, that's the bulk of my preferences. Hopefully some of you on the Gauge will be able to give me some good ideas. I keep hitting the wall in trying to come up with a fun plan for solo or very small group 2-3 person operations.
Thanks in advance!
Eric