First Layout - Plan

It is a simple plan. But, I think in the long run you will enjoy the large amounts of space you left for scenery and structures. Too many small plans cram in as much track as possible and those get boring after awhile. Most of us enjoy building our trains just as much as running them, and having them nice to look at (because of the scenery) is a plus, and I think you will enjoy your layout.

@BenLMaggi posted:

It is a simple plan. But, I think in the long run you will enjoy the large amounts of space you left for scenery and structures. Too many small plans cram in as much track as possible and those get boring after awhile. Most of us enjoy building our trains just as much as running them, and having them nice to look at (because of the scenery) is a plus, and I think you will enjoy your layout.

@M. Tyler - I agree with @BenLMaggi that leaving space for scenery and structures will pay off more for you in the long run than the "spaghetti bowl of track" approach some people adopt for their layouts.

On my last layout I adapted a practice from the Victory Garden book call "one square foot gardening" to create "one square foot scenery scenes".  The Victory Garden book discusses how to maximize your gardening space by planting different vegetables or fruits in each square foot.  With "one square foot scenery scenes", as I call it, different distinct themes or situations are used.  Here are two examples from my last layout (6 X 15 feet) to give you some ideas for your layout:

The "bark park" shown below allowed use of some small "real estate" between some buildings and a diner.

The "railfan camp" between the tracks, a beacon tower and the layout room's south wall made use of some of otherwise unusable space.

I hope this info helps.

A simple track plan as the basis for a small layout has its charm, but one loop of track may soon become monotonous.  Consider creating a reversing loop by extending track from the loop to the TUNNEL and HILL area.  You'd likely have to give up that scenic feature for a reversing loop. If you prefer to keep those scenic areas and forego a reversing loop, carry on. After all, it's your layout!

Another consideration ... for more train activity, add a second layer.

Just saying ...

Mike Mottler         LCCA 12394

@Mike H Mottler posted:

A simple track plan as the basis for a small layout has its charm, but one loop of track may soon become monotonous.  Consider creating a reversing loop by extending track from the loop to the TUNNEL and HILL area.  You'd likely have to give up that scenic feature for a reversing loop. If you prefer to keep those scenic areas and forego a reversing loop, carry on. After all, it's your layout!

Thanks Mike.  For my DC N gauge layouts I always avoided reversing loops because of the extra wiring hassle, but since with 3-rail that's a non-issue, I actually seriously considered putting in one that cut across the road and connected the yard throat to the track up by the gas station, just like you suggested.  I bailed on the idea, however, when I realized that the reversing loop could only be used once unless I was willing to back up the whole train over it in order to change direction a second time, and I decided that with the way I like to operate (usually watching the train go around while enjoying an adult beverage!) I wasn't willing to do that.

Matt

IMO, using a couple of O-82 curves doesn't accomplish much if everything else in the loop is O-31.  Using O-31 will restrict you to running only shorter equipment.  IMO, it's best to use the widest diameter curves that you can.

Nothing against MTH RealTrax, but finding it can be a challenge.  Also, if an edge of the layout is against a wall, be sure that you have the ability to reach everything.   

Great suggestions from Pat and Mike re scenery, and a second layer adding fun/interest.   

When dealing with my limited space, I found that adding the controls for running a second train was a fun project.  Pick up a couple of MRAPR-12V DPDT relays from Azatrax along with two Lionel 153 trackside signals.  Once you get the wiring figured out (not that hard), getting two trains (and the block signals) to run simultaneously was definitely worth it.   

@Mallard4468 posted:

IMO, using a couple of O-82 curves doesn't accomplish much if everything else in the loop is O-31.  Using O-31 will restrict you to running only shorter equipment.  IMO, it's best to use the widest diameter curves that you can.

Nothing against MTH RealTrax, but finding it can be a challenge.  Also, if an edge of the layout is against a wall, be sure that you have the ability to reach everything.   

Thank you.  I used the O82 curves there because straight track is boring and also because curving the track gives me more room for the scenery at the top of the plan.  Unfortunately O31 is the biggest diameter I have space for almost everywhere else and anyway I can't afford true scale equipment that needs bigger curves, which is why I'm a big fan of MTH RailKing.  I've noticed my local brick and mortar hobby shops don't carry RealTrax anymore but even if they did I wouldn't want the latest hollow rail version of it anyway because it's too noisy.  Fortunately I've had no problems finding the quieter solid rail RealTrax on the internet.  Good advice about being able to reach everything.  I'm going to have to have a think about how I position the layout in the space I have available.

Matt

It looks like a good design to me! Great opportunities to do some outstanding scenery if that's your thing. I think your 082 curves will add visual interest for sure. 

Go for it, follow your vision, most of the naysayers never build anything.  It will be fun.

I like it!  Cheers,       W1