layout from researching to model railroad pike

[gnatshop]

From your comments, I think your lay-out should be much more free-lance than prototptycal. A model railroad can be baesd on what might
have been as much as what was. After all, it's our railroad, and we can build it like we want it!!

This is kinda baclwards, but If your real interest is in structues an scnenery, think and plan wherer you want them, and design the trackwork
to work and service them. When compressed in our model railroad scenerarios, a lot of industries and time periods can be represnted.

[bparrish]

Great space............. Put up some track plan options when you get to it.

see ya
Bob

[mark dalrymple]

Loads of fun coming up!

One thing I might suggest is to look at the possibility of making the layout removable - for emergencys (like earthquakes). The whole meaning of the word 'perminant' changed for me over the last year, and I am now going to go back and reconstruct large areas of my layout so it is all removable if necessary.

Another idea that springs to mind is having different areas in framed boxes. There was an article in MRR mag several years ago with a layout split into four or five different scenes. It looked like an idea with a lot of potential to me and may be worth investigating since you are looking at many different areas etc. When I dig it out I'll give you the month and year.

Cheers, Mark.

[Delaware&NorthernRR]

Here's my two cents worth based on what you posted. I believe an around the wall layout would offer the most bang for your buck. Since you want a long mainline, you will probably want to build a double deck layout. You might build the helix around the support post, thus eliminating that as a scenic problem.
You are going to need to use large radius for your curves and #6 switches to accomodate the size of modern equipment. That will limit the amount of operation you can fit into the room. For example, a 30" radius would mean that on your 14' wall, you have bout 9' of straight track between the curved track necesary to "turn the corners". A number 6 switch takes about 12", so 9' minus 2' leaves about a 7' passing siding. Is this long enough for the trains you plan to operate? A yard ladder will take 12" for every switch, so your yard almost has to go along the 19' wall.
Your space is similar to what I have available, though yours is slightly longer. After going thru many designs, and looking thru seemingly endless numbers of plans in magazines, I found an "E" shaped layout gave me the best use of my space.
I believe the most accurate way to see what fits is to use actual switches and sectional track and lay it out on the floor. You can make this work with just a couple switches by using some masking tape to represent the track as you work around the room. Photo attached of how I do this. Then I KNOW the track will fit as I planned. No matter how carefully I draw my sketches, the track doesn't fit the way I thought it would. Obviously, using trackplanning software would rectify this, but I'm a little old to learn too many new tricks.
I based my planning on a prototype railroad. This kept me focused on what specific industries to include, as well as the scenery of the area. Since you know the geographic area you are interested in, I would suggest making some notes on the railroads, the industries they serve, etc. That might help you to decide if you want to use two or three really large industries, or several smaller ones.

100_1925c.JPG (59.03 KiB) Viewed 541 times

[rebel]

What size equipment? I run 40' stuff for the most part so can get by with 18" curves for tunarounds (try for 22" min everywhere else). I think you have enough room to make a second level without a helix.

[rebel]

Here's my two cents worth based on what you posted. I believe an around the wall layout would offer the most bang for your buck. Since you want a long mainline, you will probably want to build a double deck layout. You might build the helix around the support post, thus eliminating that as a scenic problem.
You are going to need to use large radius for your curves and #6 switches to accomodate the size of modern equipment. That will limit the amount of operation you can fit into the room. For example, a 30" radius would mean that on your 14' wall, you have bout 9' of straight track between the curved track necesary to "turn the corners". A number 6 switch takes about 12", so 9' minus 2' leaves about a 7' passing siding. Is this long enough for the trains you plan to operate? A yard ladder will take 12" for every switch, so your yard almost has to go along the 19' wall.
Your space is similar to what I have available, though yours is slightly longer. After going thru many designs, and looking thru seemingly endless numbers of plans in magazines, I found an "E" shaped layout gave me the best use of my space.
I believe the most accurate way to see what fits is to use actual switches and sectional track and lay it out on the floor. You can make this work with just a couple switches by using some masking tape to represent the track as you work around the room. Photo attached of how I do this. Then I KNOW the track will fit as I planned. No matter how carefully I draw my sketches, the track doesn't fit the way I thought it would. Obviously, using trackplanning software would rectify this, but I'm a little old to learn too many new tricks.
I based my planning on a prototype railroad. This kept me focused on what specific industries to include, as well as the scenery of the area. Since you know the geographic area you are interested in, I would suggest making some notes on the railroads, the industries they serve, etc. That might help you to decide if you want to use two or three really large industries, or several smaller ones.

100_1925c.JPG

For laying out a layout but not spending much money, get a few turnouts of the brand you are planning to use and make photocopies of them (or use the down loadable ones from various sites and print them), then use masking tape for the flex.

[Vettelover7]

I'll also suggest signing up for (if you haven't all ready) the Yahoo Layout Design and OpSig groups. Your questions can be posted there for additional comments and inputs. Good luck with your venture.

[rebel]

Your isles are two narrow, never go below 30", even for one skinny person, you will not enjoy the experience in the long run!!!!!!!!!!!!