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Hello everyone!

Our family is moving and I have had to disassemble my first layout. Good news is that I have a nice finished room in the basement of our new house waiting for me to build my train layout in. On my first layout, I went with Lionel tubular with Ross switches. I did not like the mixed look so for this layout, I would like to go with gargraves and RCS or all RCS. My budget is really tight for this layout. I have only thought of 2 ways to go about this new layout. Either use all flex track or all sectional with flex when needed. What do y'all think would be cheaper and the best? I made a very rough estimated cost for the track at around $700 so I would like to NOT spend any more than that if at all possible. Also, which is better; tinplate or stainless gargraves?

If any of you want to play around with a layout in SCARM, here is a early plan for my layout. Benchwork cannot be expanded more than it is in the file. I do not like the way the track looks but it has everything I'd like (double main,small yard, reversing loop, crossover.) One more thing, the switches in that plan are the RCS that I currently have and I'd rather not buy more if it can be avoided.

Sorry if this was too much to post or if I sound a bit naive. I just want to get lots of opinions from those who have more experience than I before I even start this to construct this layout. I want to do this the right way. THANK YOU ALL!!

-Zachary

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Last edited by PiperArcher
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Hi Zachary,

It's actually not enough information posted for a layout design. Hopefully, you have those answers.

 

My first look at only track placement resulted in these two comments:

  1. The top of the layout, the bends of the bone,left, right and center, need adjustment to maintain a 5.5" to 6" spacing. You have the space and size track to run any trains of today, so don't cramp your track.
  2. There needs to be a longer yard lead.

Have you spent some time reading some books by the layout building greats? You should have an experienced list of what you like and don't like, how you like to run your trains, what level of scenery to wish to build. etc.' after having a layout. All of that will make the track design much easier.

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