HO Scale 8X8 Layout I started working on this layout last night. I orignally planned todo the Junior Pretzel in the Atlas Layout book, but once I had it layed out on the table it just didn't seem right. So I layed out the Yard Master Layout which is a 4X8. and I wanted to have a yard so I have a 4X4 section that seemed right to use. Unfortunatly I didn't have enough turnouts to test ideas so I had to wait to come in today and play on RTS, Above is what I came up with. Color Coded for Blocks. Where the Purple and Yellow passing is where I plan to put a passenger station with platforms. But I'm basically looking for comments, Ideas anything really. Pher
Pher, The only thing I can see is that your sidings and stub tracks are really short, you really can't get more than one or two cars on them. Unless this is what you are after! One reason I don't like to make suggestions about layout plans is because I really don't know what the owner has in mind!! Oh well, just my 2 cents!
What did you have in mind for any industries that your RR will serve? Any of the spurs intended for locomotive servicing, etc? Boxcab E50
I was looking at what kind of industry not really sure, perhaps mainly intermodel, I was going to us part for Enigine/Car Service service, Thus I can get a way with the smaller spurs for a single engine.
Looks like the electric blocks are laid out well enough. For intermodal, you probably won't be able to do any of the well cars we see for double stacks. Spurs likely aren't long enough. Will need to do it with TOFC. Where the green and black switches join, I'm wondering if you could use the green switch to lead into the spurs. Move the second black switch to where the first one is situated. Then run the brown track parallel and join it further left? It would make the spurs slightly longer. Just a thought. Boxcab E50
How long of a Spur would I need todo Intermodel with Well Cars? one option is just do near 4 foot long spurs right off the main track. I can split one and make a service yard. I'll play with a design tomorrow, since I want to order what I need so I can start the Roadbed. Pher
Perhaps I'm confusing myself here. I was thinking of the modern well cars that are coupled semi-permanently in groups of five. If this is the case, in HO, I couldn't really say how long a spur you'd need. As I model in a different scale. I know there are people here who do model in the era, HO scale. Hopefully, they'll jump in and set me straight. Boxcab E50
To me,i see a plan that is designed with runners in mind.If you like to just watch trains run,this layout is going to function well for you.If you want to have an operating layout,i just dont see it happening here.Its the type plan that had spurs added as an afterthought with no rhyme or reason in my eyes.With the type of space you have to devote to your layout,there are alot of options available.If you want to operate ,consider alternatives.I think you will see what i mean as you look at other options. Whatever you decide i wish you well.
That's why I'm posting here to get the input. I want to do a mix of Runners and operating. I don't like point to point layouts. I'm not fully up to specs on what can pass a 15" radius. what is realistic and what isn't. the Above plan is closer to what I'm looking for in my mind, but I want to avoid getting into teh layout and change the whole thing since something doesn't work right.
Pher, Here's a great link you might want to take a look at: http://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/~smithbf/BFSpages/LDSIGprimer/TOC.html Martin
thanks, that has helped, I think I need to fully redo all I'm doing since a 8X8X4 L shape table is going to do what I want so I'm gonna go back and redesign my space better, and run the layout against the wall. In lookin at peoples layout, Colonel's layout is what I'm looking for. I just need todo my Givens first so I know what I can build. Pher
Pher- Just take your time, and all will work out very well. Sketch, imagineer. Measure. If using sectional track, you can easily arrange, and rearrange it until the fit feels right. Boxcab E50
The Building Permit has been Applied for and Accepted to Do a around the room layout on the 3 walls. so I can plan this weekend and hopefully do the BenchWork this week, while I have the house to myself to work the most I can. Pher
Thanks for the compliment Pher I agree with the other comments that although it would be fine for continuous running the design does not offer a great deal of operational opportunities. i would remove the figure 8 for a start and you need a through yard to store trains. The more industries the more opportunities and additional interest, You will actually notice my layout is basically and around the wals layout. Look forward to seeing your latest design.
yeah, My Wife approved me changing to around the wall layout since it's int he Garage and we don't park the car in it. Pher
