I am going to build a simple inglenook layout using Peco Code 55 turnouts and sections. I am a beginner so I did some reading and determined that I will go with 4,3,3 car option. Here is what I have so far (designed using SCARM): SCARM has track measurement tool so it looks like I should be able to fit 40 ft cars. I am still debating if I should go with the red section that's going to be used for loco shed just to spruce things up. I know this is one of the simplest layouts but I would appreciate any feedback in case I am making a noob mistake somewhere.
It is quite basic, but nothing is wrong with that fact. You do limit your possible movements. I always like to see a run-around possibility, so switching can be done in both directions.
Yes a run around is always great to have. But any size layout can be fun and a great first try at it. Just go to the HO forum and look at Apartment Builders little layout and see how great detail he has done. Its all of the little things that make any layout stand out. Go for it.
I do not think I need the run around. The red section would be engine shed so no switching on left side. I am actually debating if I should put engine shed there since it may block the view of the line above.
An inglenook is a very specific design because it is meant to be a switching problem, much like the time saver layout; so no passing siding is needed. What is needed is that the tracks all hold exactly the number of cars listed. It seems like using SCARM is almost overdoing it as you can simply set the cars on layout area and place switches to see how things measure out. http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/Inglenook/inglenook-trackplan.html Not that you can't add some more track and not use it while switching the problem side of things.
I like your plan with the extra track for the loco. You might just make a small office there and leave the track as a fueling track instead of a shed for the loco. Lots of railroads have an open air place where the locos park. I guess it would depend on your theme, but the converse to your argument of not having it is that if you do put a shed there, it’s a view block which will enhance scenery. Looking forward to seeing your progress. I’m a big fan of the switching layouts from across the pond and yours seems to mimic those. What do you have in mind for your theme? What about time period, locos, industry(ies), cars, and scenery? Knowing that might help make other suggestions for you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have couple of NW2 switchers and few cars but since I am starting in the hobby, I have no idea if they are all from matching era. For the buildings I am going to use paper models as the few plastic models I have do not really belong on a switching industrial layout. I will create another post where I am going to post my progress. So far I have built wooden base, covered it with cork and painted.
NW2's are still in use in some places on short lines. American stock has the build date written right on the side of the train car. I don;t really see any reason to worry about prototype anything as long as you are having fun.
