I am waiting for the arrival of my Blackstone HOn3 K-27 and am looking to build a small switching layout, dcc of course. Thanks
If you ever wonder about track arrangements, there is a book called tracking ghost railways of colorado that has lots of real track plans. Also, it is possible to go to the Denver Public library web site and look through their photo archive. They even sell prints if you really like an image.
If you're asking for help in designing a layout then we certainly need a lot more info to work with. Here's a mostly generic post I make quite often when members explore new layouts. The principles apply to any layout design. I like to take things away from the drawing board for the first week or two in order to compose a better understanding of what the goals and requirements of the layout are to be. Instead of laying out track for now, take a week or two and simply create 2 lists, one for Wants, the other for Needs. It might sound pointless at first, but I assure you a good 90% of people who heed this advice end up with a layout 1,000 times better than those who dont. So what are these lists? Quite simply, the Need list should include anything and everything you NEED your layout to incorporate. This could be absolute needs, such as the code 80 track, or preferential needs, like an extreme desire to include a roundhouse/turntable. It could be switching scenarios, specific scenic accents, era, region, buildings, equipment to operate, anything you can think of. The Want list is similar to the Need list, except that the items on the Want list are more fluid. It should include anything you'd enjoy on the layout, but would not be heart broken if there is no possible way to incorporate the item. Again, consider all aspects you can think off. Once you have two sizable lists complete, then you can look at your allotted layout space with a better perspective. Instead of designing elements in an unguided manor, the Wants/Needs lists will act as a set of guidelines for the design. You can simply start at the top of the Needs list and check the items off as they go into the design. You'll quickly see how things merge together to form a more unified and realistic result simply by trying to connect the items on these two lists. Take a day or two, or 7 and consider every possible aspect of your layout. If you absolutely love it, put it on the Needs, if it would be cool but not necessary, put it on the Wants. If you then come back and post those two lists, the many experienced track planners on TrainBoard will be more than happy to offer design help.
Mark, If Trainboard had articles, that post should be one. Maybe put it in the Tutorials section as a sticky? Or here, under layout design?
I'm not, with the exception of some dual-gauge track, sure of what I want. I was hoping to see some small switching HOn3 plans to sort of spark my imagination.
RatonMan, Do you have any particular types of operations or scenery or geographical oddities you prefer over others? A favorite prototype? You have a K-27 coming, so that indicated to me that you have some interest in Colorado narrow gauge. Dual gauge track is certainly do-able. Where Sumpter Valley interfaced with Union Pacific in Baker City, Oregon, there was some dual gauge trackage. I would imagine much the same with some of the Colorado railroads. I think Uintah Railway had a dual gauge section, too. Generally, the dual gauge in North American prototype would be over just some limited portion and not the whole system. There wouldn't be any point in making a whole road or pike dual-gauge. You'd miss out on the advantages of narrow gauge (e.g., tighter spaces, less roadbed needed, etc.) but have all that expense. Give us some idea how much space you have and then maybe give us a couple links to a few trackplans that you do like and tell us what you like about them and we might be able to lead you somewhere. Good luck, Adam
Are you planning to model (part of) the Alamosa yard? Alamosa yard. With Colorado and dual gauge, that's the first place that comes to mind.
Well even a hint as to the size of the layout would help. We need your help, so that we can help you.
Geeky is right. No matter how little you think you might know on this, you know at least your space constraints and your basic preferences. I would like to suggest that you find two or three trackplans you like and then post them or links to them here and say what you like about each. Good luck! Adam
