Hi all, I recently decided to switchover from Atlas to Kato's unitrack, and from a 40x60" table to a 4x8' table, so I wanted to find a new track plan for my project. I'm just wondering if anyone can help point me to some layout websites that have Kato track plans designed for 4x8' spaces. I did my own bit of searching, but I couldn't find anything that I liked. To be a little bit more specific, I'm trying to find something that can potentially be built in stages (for example, start with a functioning mainline, then add features such as sidelines and a yard(s) later on), can handle 2 or more trains running at the same time, and isn't a completely flat layout (as far as the track is concerned). Any resources are appreciated.
The table benchwork will be on wheels to allow for me to move it around easily to access the back or far side. It's not built yet, but the 4x8 ply is already in the room and there's enough room for the table. I'm aware of access issues and am trying to minimize out-of-reach turnouts. I was originally trying to use atlas code 80, but I had issues with laying the trackbed and the track on top of it. I couldn't keep the track straight with no gaps at the rail joiners. So unless I can get advice on how to avoid this problem, I'm hoping that using unitrack would help me in this situation. Picking unitrack because a friend is using it as well.
If you could do with a smidgen more space, last year's MRR Salt Lake Route project (using Kato track) would make a great candidate. It need not be based on UP or even in the desert, BTW.
Funny you mention that one because I believe the previously mentioned friend is doing a layout based on that. It's probably not a big deal if I do something like it as well, especially if I do a completely different scenery style. Is there a place to look at the MRR Salt Lake Route project information for free, or does it require a MRR subscription?
Check out my article about N-scale track plans: Model Train Resource: N-Scale Track Plans to Inspire Your Own Layout Designs
hi, you could order back copies, as MR project railroads go, they are running for month's. On the MR forum, Ulrich (Sir Maddog) has made a drawing of the original trackplan with all tracks listed. We tried to change the plan as well by adding staging. I drew an around the wall version. Keep in mind the railroad was designed for operation on shows and photography, just let 2 trains run without attention. If this fits your bill go for it. All MR-project layouts are looking awesome, they really are quite capable layout builders. Smile Paul
Yeah, honestly? If you're going to use Kato on a 4x8 in N scale, build the table and snap some stuff together and forget about "track planning." Kato snaps and unsnaps with the greatest of ease. There's no need to spend hours gazing into a computer screen or piece of paper, because you can just adjust stuff on the fly. If/when you find something you like then you can start doing scenery, etc.
These are all good reasons to be using Unitrack. While I *prefer* flextrack on cork roadbed for myself, getting your trains to run reliably and without derailments has to be the top priority, or else the hobby is not fun.
I obtained the diagram for the MRR Salt Lake Route layout. I tried recreating it in xtrkcad, however I ran into alignment problems with the expansion track pieces (050) and the double track curve pieces. I'm wondering if anyone either has this track plan created for xtrkcad and if I could have a copy of the file, or if anyone has advice on how to work around the pieces that are causing problems for me. As much as I'd like to just buy a lot of the unitrack and experiment with my own layout concepts without bothering with CAD software, that's a huge investment and there's the potential that I might buy track that I won't be using, and I'd like to avoid the concept of trying to resell used track.
What are your "Givens & Druthers"? What do you need to have, and what do you want to have in your layout? My layout Givens & Druthers for example: Givens: 3x7' space (hollow core door) Atlas c55 flex/#7 turnouts 15" min radius on the main one passing siding layout size manageable enough to finish scenes Maximum access to mainline, removable tops for tunnel access to tracks for maint. Maximum layout portability commensurate with its size Druthers: no grade on the main clearance for autorack/Superliners and high-cube cars 6-axle loco power model 2 signature scenes on the prototype, albiet compressed
Ratonman nailed it. You should make every inch of track easily accessible. Where you can least access a section is where the most derailments WILL happen. Don't forget track cleaning. A club layout I worked on had notioriously difficult access to the hidden track. Had few derailments, but cleaning was a royal pain. Make a removable top, hinged access ports, make the whole second deck lift off, etc. The plan looks like it would provide plenty of operational possibilities. Empties uphill, loads down, a yard to sort it all out, and mainline running.
If you're doing it with open grid instead of stacked foam, the hidden tracks can be accessible from underneath. But then it's no longer a hollow-core door layout...
You could look at using T-TRAK modules which is based on Kato Unitrack. It is an easy way to build from small to large in small increments. Using various combinations of modules will give you a growing layout. It is surprising what can be achieved using a modular concept.
