Newb looking for some input/critiques

@dontchuknowimloco posted:

Hey all. Brand new here and also to the hobby. I got my son (who is 4 and absolutely loves trains) a Lionel starter set for Christmas. After running it I realized I could see myself really getting into this. I've spent the last weeks cleaning up my basement and searching for track plans. I found a few 5x10 layouts here, but decided to use a corner of the basement where it's a little less intrusive. I created this layout on scarm, and I'm just looking for others opinions and thoughts on it before I commit to spending the money.

Does it make sense? Is it practical? Is there something major I'm overlooking? Is it too busy?

Thanks for any input!

@dontchuknowimloco

I think that is a GREAT track plan! The following are a few things you may want to consider.

• If this layout is all the way against the walls in a corner, make sure you can reach the far backs of your trackage because, (One cardinal rule of model railroading) there WILL be derailments in the back and you will have to reach them to remove trains from the track,
• Either build the platforms several feet away from the walls or make sure that the platforms are on sturdy, well braced legs with heavy duty casters on them so the platforms can be rolled away from the walls if needed.
• Also, for a layout of the size you plan to build, make sure there are many track power connections throughout the trackage to compensate for electrical resistance due to distance from the track power source. I put a connection every 6 to 10 feet of track.

Those are my thoughts from years of experience in the hobby. I made all of these mistakes along the way.

Here is hoping that you and your son get many years of happiness from your new layout and, keep us posted as to your progress.

Thank you so much for the response Randy!

The layout has three points of access from the sides, and I'm bordering giant in terms of height, so I think I'll be okay. I still plan to lay it out first and see if I have any problems reaching. If so, casters it will be.

Welcome to the hobby and welcome to this forum (both you and your son). You will find all sorts of assistance and advice here, so don't hesitate to ask and to actively participate.

Before deciding on a final track plan, I would recommend researching a good number of possibilities, including the Ken Hoganson track plans published in each issue of OGR magazine, and even the book by Ken that we published that is a compilation of many of his previously published track plans (available through our Web Store).

It would not be a bad idea to research the type of track you might want to use, too, because there are a number of good options available, such as Lionel FasTrack, Atlas O, GarGraves, Ross, Menards, and others.