New guy working on a new layout.

Thanks for posting, Jay. As a relatively small space modeler myself (compared to some basement-filling layouts) I'll be eager to see how you progress.

 

B&OBill

Welcome, Jay.  I can't help because I'm not a layout planner myself:  I lay the track right down to see how it works.  But there are guys on here who can do this.  Hopefully you'll get some ideas.

Welcome Jay....we look forward to more pics!

 

Peter

HI Jay.

Glad to see you left the dark side.

 

Now might be the time to start looking at other types of track.

There is always a big debate here on what is the best track.

You might adapt the tube track to say fast track, and try that on pat of

the expansion. Just to see if you like it. If not, Try some gargraves or Atlas.

It would give you a chance to see what you like before the layout get's to big

and you start second guessing your self.

 

Bruce....

 

Thanks guys!

 

Its funny you mention trying new types fo track, my wonderful other half just ordered me a nice lot of MTH stuff from ebay that includes a nice assortment of realtrax. It seems to be exactly enough to make the outside loop so Ill see how I like that once I set it up. Ive always wanted the outside loop to be at least 0-31 so I wont be so limited on stock ad locos, see how it goes with this new type of track. Only turn off I see so far are the switch prices.

Welcome Jay, Great start! Please keep us updated on your progress.

Alright guys, I got my realtrax in and Im messing around with some ideas. My current dilemma is deciding whether or not to invest in a whole new track syste( I have a very large amound of 0-27) Or save the realtrax for our annual holiday layout and finish the layout in tubular track to keep costs down. I would like to fit a bit more track on the layout which I dont think will be possible with the realtrax and I would also like to have the loops interconnect for more operation. Opinions? Thanks for the input guys.

In my opinion, since you already got some realtrax, I would get it for the whole layout if it is realism and ease of installation and use that you are after.Another option from the realism standpoint is to get rubber ties from a company called "3-r plastics" for your o27 track and put it on roadbed, then ballast it. I did this and it looks pretty good, but I still wish I would have gotten realtrax. However, if you chose this method,I would very highly suggest to get rid of the 27" curve diameter. I use o27 42" turn track with o31 switches in my small yard that I modified a little to fit the o27 profile. The only reason I did this is so I could fit in a 3 track yard without running into my mountain.I have a small layout, too. It is 8x8 with a control center in the middle. The two sides are connected by a lift bridge.Good luck with your layout!

You could keep the main lines in Real Trax and use the 027 for sidings ect.

Look at some of the other layouts posted here to get ideas.

 

Most sidings are not kept up to well so get a little scenic and fill in the track

with sand, dirt ect. and park some cars on it. Make a warehouse district or industrial

yard.

The other day I picked up a realtrax switch, it was an impulse buy. Ive decided on raising the outisde line about 6-8 inches to make way for bridges and waterways Im planning. Ive really fallen in love with the idea of modules..not only for the portability but for the ability to build each part as its own piece of art. The ability to sit comfortably in front of the tv while relaxing and working on my scenery doesnt hurt either.

I used realtrax and have been happy, except I do have a problem switch or two in the group. Do what you can afford, and get something down, as those kids of yours, (I think I read that you have kids?) will get old waiting for pops to save up for cadillac track... I know this goes against a lot of opinions, but I have kids, they are growing up quick, and soon Soccer, Baseball & Girls will probably "out cool" dads trains, so- Sieze the Day.

Thats some good advice. Ive collected about all the track Im going to need. Lower level is in and portals are in place. My 3 year old is pretty jaded when it comes to the train thing. The LIRR runs directly behind our house so she sees trains a few times a day everyday. My niece still goes crazy over it though...but I know that will pass. Knowing this Ive decided to make a project out of it and take my time with the scenery and building something other adults will appreciate when they come to visit, and something I can enjoy operating on. I find that most people light up when they see a nicely done layout..no matter what age.

Sorting out track and finding what you want to use is part of the fun.  Some of the HO folks ggoing to 3R  have a tendancy to be bent on staying prototypical.  It will take a while to start letting go of the rivit counting fase and enjoying what you have.

Been there, still doing it.

Al

The benchwork on the new layout has started. If anyone missed it: https://ogrforum.com/d...ent/6920524194036357

 

The upper level has been raised another 2 inches and some of the supports were moved to make room for a lower level running underneath and the tunnel portals Im using. Im just having fun deciding on things as I go. Attempting to fit a small town area and a yard in this space hasnt been easy...the other half isnt giving up any more space though. Its moduler so I can always move it to another part of the house and expand if I find the space.

Some quick update pics. Lower level is about how I want it besides looking for space for a siding I want to add.Upper level had to be lifted to work with the portals I picked up and Im looking for space for a small yard, whether its on the lower level or on an expansion of the upper level. The open ended area of the upper level will likely be cut back to accomodate a pair of 30in mth bridges. Just having fun with it as I go.

I like what you are doing! Giving me great ideas, too. Thanks for sharing this with us.

 

B&OBill