Help planing a new HO layout.

[Adam Woods]

I've never been one for moderation in model railroading so this is killing me, I need some help. I am starting to design a new HO layout, the problem is I only have a space 5' 6" long by 3' wide to put it in.
So a couple of questions come to mind.
(1) What is the tightest curve that I can run modern 6 axle locos on. I have a Kato SD70MAC and an Athern Geinesis SD75M and would like to be able to run them. May have to bite the bullet and just run the GP's and the SW1500.
(2) Anyone seen a good place to get layout plans for a layout this small? I would like to have a loop to run on, not just a switching layout.
(3) This is most important, any idea's, plans, ect, please, please feel free to share. I wouldn't be posting if I didn't need and want everyones help.
Thanks
Adam

[LongIslandTom]

Unfortunately, you won't be able to run 6-axle power (or even some 4-axle power) reliably on anything less than 18-inch radius.

There are 15-inch radius curves available, but I would run only short-wheelbase switchers on them.

How about N Scale? You got enough room for an N-scale empire.. Something to consider.

[Adam Woods]

You are not first one to say N-scale. I am still thinking about that, but I have all this HO scale stuff and my wife may kill me if I start buying N-scale. lol.
Adam

[LongIslandTom]

I can sympathize Adam.. I'm short on space too and have nothing to speak of but a small HO switching layout. :D

I guess that's why I spend most of my time buying and superdetailing locomotives!

There is another option though if you want to stick with HO: You can join a modular club and build space-saving modules. Some of the modules I've seen are pretty darn amazing, like Bob Boudreau's Fundy Northern: http://www.geocities.com/fundynorthern/

Check it out. My jaw dropped when I saw how much stuff was crammed into those little modules!

[MasonJar]

I like the modular suggestion, and Bob Boudreau's Fundy Northern is amazing to see.

If you really cannot live without continuous running and the 6-axel locos, you will need to switch. It is just not possible - but you can choose one or the other and (probably) still make it work. I.e. either a switching layout with the big diesels, or a continuous run with small engines (0-6-0/0-4-0/4-axel diesels).

For plans/ideas, google "Mike's Small Track Plans", or "Carl Arendt".


Andrew

[watash]

Hi Adam,
Welcome to our family here at TrainBoard! I try to keep up with new members, but you slipped past me!

They are correct, all HO rolling stock has been made to 'go around' 18" radius curves, until just lately when a few companies are suggesting 22 to 28" radius for particular engines and extra long cars.

On 18" curves, the over-hang on articulated steam engines will require your track be at least 3-1/4" away from a room wall, so you may have to 'fudge' a few more inches into the room if you plan to have any 180 degree curves.
Another problem would be 'buffing' and 'string lining' of cars in the middle of a long train on 15" curves. If you go slow and steady, you can usually make it around an 18" horse shoe curve, but you can't stop suddenly (buff) or start up suddenly (string line).

Because of the quantity of HO rolling stock I had, I had to be satisfied with a switching layout for over 20 years. Now I'm retired, and have the space for all my engines and cars.

I looked at N scale too, but my problem was how to get the money out of engines that were made back in the 1930's and pay the prices for today's N scale engines.

I had hours of fun switching though. :D Now I am glad I did too!

[ February 18, 2006, 08:18 AM: Message edited by: watash ]

[Triplex]

Adam... Still around?

I've learned that very little is impossible in track planning. In this case, though, your goals are incompatible. You cannot combine HO scale, large 6-axle diesels and continuous running in a space 36" wide. You need to make a decision about which of the three you're willing to give up. Until you do that, I can't help with planning.