Hello guys, I'm fairly new to the hobby and just had some experience in my childhood. Please excuse for my expression because I'm german. I've read forums and books but I'm still confused but let's get started... Givens: - gauge n - 210cm x 40cm (something about 6.89'x15.75'') (How I hate this conversion) I think making a layout isnt that difficult but I'm a bit undecided in which region my layout could be. I think it ain't easy to have an imagination of americas cities, landscape etc. 'cause I've never been there. But maybe I don't have to set my layouts place yet so I can set it later. Are there any special differences in american cities which can hinder my ideas? I think police endorsement or skyscraper are the most striking things but shouldnt be a problem cause their are not really seen and goods are shipped everywhere so there shouldn't be a problem? Druthers: - industrial background - street running if possible - present time - coal, container - expandable I've copied this trackplan from a member in this forum (I don't remember his name) but I've got some questions: - is just the middle track connected with other modules? - where are unused wagons parked? - are there any ideas to get out more from my space 'cause it feels emty? Maybe a yard is missing? - Atlas Code 55 is the most realistic? You see, I've some problems in train process and I really need advice from you. I hope you can help me.
Hi, The biggest advantage of this hobby (The greatest one) is that you can decide.:thumbup: You have to decide what kind of operations you'll model. A passing through coal train or a local switcher do not have the same operation. And never forget that more tracks you have, less scenery you will be able to model The scenery is very important to give you the feeling your layout could be real. ...
So I've got another question. I've read much about Inglenook and they are often limited to 4-5 40' wagons but could it be expanded because i read that it's like a puzzle and i don't know if that would bring troubles
One thing about North America is we like to upload and share, so you will find a great amount of photography on the Internet. There are some excellent modelers in N scale, from Germany, creating North American scenes. Perhaps if you could connect with them, they would be helpful with information sources.
Google Maps can help with that. The aerial views and street views can give you an idea of the area you're modeling, especially an urban industrial area. Steve S
holy schnikes! you are building MY layout! I have a bit more room than you, my layout is 40.6cmx215.9cm (16"x85") I used code 80 Atlas track since it is a 1. buget build 2. what I had on hand. I had 4 left and 4 right #6's and a lot of flex track If I were to have had nothing, I would be looking at Micro Engineering code 55 track. Many feel that the detail is better than the Atlas code 55, it is made in America and is always in stock. Atlas track is now made in China, and they have to wait for the factory to make it. I use the center track as the "main" on this industrial branch. I will also use it to go to the next model, which is most likely going to be a simple, longer than normal Ingelnook. At this poing, I bring in a short train of a GP35R, 4-5 freight cars (depending on length) and a caboose. Both ends of my layout have 2 feet (61cm) of track past the switches to give me room to switch (shunt) with. At this point, I have 9 cars up to my standards for opperation, so I don't have to remove them. I plan to add an additional 10 in the near future, and when I do, I will use the long Ingelnook to store them. The BIGGEST issue that I see is your desire to run container cars, they would NEVER go into an area like this. You would be best with a GP40-2 or a GP15-1 and covered hoppers, tank cars and box cars. Most modern cars tend to be long, and will take up more space than you expect. Street running is also not too common any more since trains are considered a public nuisance today. You can see it at http://sopacincg.com
I'm also planning for a budget layout because I've seen it in Model Railroad Hobbyist and it's amazin what is possible with 500$. You are planning in H0 right? And your trackplan looks interesting. I'm confused container cars would never go into urban cities? I thought trains are driving from harbors to those industries in cities to bring them those containers, not? Besides I've no problems running other cars. Many track from Atlas seem to be outsold thats right. I just want to have realistic tracks not anymore because if I start making a modelrailroad I want to do it correct. I've read that Atlas fits a bit easier cause they have two curves for every switch to fit parallel.
Metal_Rex, it's not that container cars are not common in cities, it is more that they are not common in industrial areas. Think about it this way...a container ship carrying Atlas N Scale track leaves China, docks at peir 40 in the Port of Los Angeles. The container is then placed on a train handled by the Pacific Harbor Belt, and taken directly to the Union Pacific yard in Carson, CA, 10 miles (16km) away. It is then shunted on to a train on the Union Pacific, and is ran to Chicago, IL, to be handed over to the CSX. The CSX then takes it to a yard in Newark, New Jersey, and then placed on a trailer frame and driven to Atlas's warehouse for unpacking. Yes, the container gets to their door, but not the rail car. Most rail cars to go to a company are either box cars, refrigerator cars, covered hoppers or a tank car. and no, I am not an HO modeler, I run N Scale
As I said before I've found this one and planed it with Atlas Code 55: http://www10.pic-upload.de/03.04.13/dluu2k8mqjre.jpg Now I don't know if it's important how many cars I can place on every diversion. I've often read about Inglenook etc. and they are all limited to different car sizes are they? Is that important on my layout anyways or could I mix 50' and 86' cars? Further I don't know if i should place those switches equal. Until now I've just one idea about the country. The only reference I have to USA is Texas 'cause a known lives there. I'm impressed of the fort worth stock yards or people who are riding on horses in the city (or is it just rar?) seems american in my opinion. Maybe its just symbol or imagination of america. What do you think about this place for an urban layout? By the way harbor and industry doen't really fits or? The other thing I thought about was Chicago because its the crucial point for trains so there would be many different train types and companies? My next questions would be about the industry and how things work. For example: How does Oil get out of a tank car? Now I'm thinking a bit further but lets imagine i could expand my train (still living in my dads flat) would be a presentation in a totally different landscape (something hilly in the Rockies or so) possible and credible? I'm thinking about a tunnel where the train comes out.
