Your Ideas....

Amtrk14 Dec 19, 2006

  1. Amtrk14

    Amtrk14 TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Guys,

    I'm looking into possibly re-doing my HO Scale layout this winter, and I would like some advice. I am open to all ideas....

    Some info:

    1. Have a 8 x 12 work area where layout can go...accessible from all but one side...

    2. Would like 24-26 inch radius curves...nothing bigger...

    3. I model the modern era...

    4. Would like one main line that doen not just follow the edges of the table (in other words, I don't want a huge oval)...

    I have been playin around with the idea of a 2-Level layout. But I don't know how a helix would work. If a helix could work, I would use 22" radius curves on it....

    Hopefully you guys can give some ideas on a cool track plan. I am all out of ideas.

    Thanks in advance, and Happy Holidays.

    Sean
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 19, 2006
  2. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

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    Is a shelf layout an option? Square footage for a shelf layout can be bigger than a rectangle layout and give you more long distance operation on the mainline.
     
  3. Amtrk14

    Amtrk14 TrainBoard Member

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    Unfortunately, no.

    Sean
     
  4. bnsf_mp_30

    bnsf_mp_30 TrainBoard Member

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    A helix will chew up 4 feet so I don't think I'd go that route. But that's just me.

    How about a U-shaped layout instead or would that be too shelf-like? That'll get you away from a big oval and you could walk into the middle, so you'd be effectively breaking the layout into three distinct scenes.
     
  5. John Warren

    John Warren TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Sean

    Have you considered an aroung the room layout, with perhaps a swing up on one end to access the center of the layout.

    A decent idea book could be Kalmbach books, "101 track plans for model railroaders" as it has different styles, sizes, and types of layouts, you also can take part of one, and part of another to make a layout to suit your needs.

    Good luck in your quest...John
     
  6. Wolfgang Dudler

    Wolfgang Dudler Passed away August 25, 2012 TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Sean,

    I had made for a friend a similiar plan for a room 3.2 m x 3.7 m (3' x 12'). At one (long) side I suggested a 1.8 m (6') long paternoster. Well, it could be simple a piece of wood. You lift the board with track and train to the next level. For a helix or ramp is too less space.

    Wolfgang
     
  7. Amtrk14

    Amtrk14 TrainBoard Member

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    I had never thought of a U-Shaped layout before. Were you thinking something like this...

    Sean
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Peter Bechard

    Peter Bechard TrainBoard Member

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    Depending on the length, it's not uncommon to bring one of the ends of the U a further 90 degrees, to form a general "G" shape. Another is to widen one or two of the legs of the U to give a broader return loop. Again, the space available will dictate this.

    Peter
     

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