Hello everyone. I am a brand new member here on the forum. I am a huge model train collector and about to construct my first true layout. I am putting my track plan together (slowly unfortunately) in order to press forward. My train room will house a 20’ X 18’ X 20’ with a “L” shaped return of 8’ X 12’ HO scale DCC layout. I have built my bench work from 2’ X 4’s, 1’ X 3’s and 1/2” plywood. I have roughly 2” foam board loosely down for the top. Unfortunately that’s where things have stopped completely. I have been collecting since I was 11 years old in hopes that one day I would have the space to build that dream layout. I plan to have 2 mainlines, downtown area, industrial area, coal mines, a good size paper industry with logging via short line, a few ponds/rivers, tunnels and some high mountains. I do struggle with the era because I have pieces from about 1970’s to 2000 range. I am still learning by reading online, watching YouTube’s “how to’s” etc... There is a lot I want to put into this layout. Lots more planning to do and much to learn. The track layout plan has me rather stuck and I truly underestimated how important this part is. I find myself overwhelmed of where to begin. I have spent years and thousands of dollars gaining all the “stuff” never thinking the track plan would be my hold up. I have tried softwares, track planning magazines, videos and every thing under the sun honestly to get a plan together that I could begin building with. My request from fellow hobbiest (hopefully on this forum) that I am willing to pay someone to put a plan together for me that I can not only learn from but begin to build with. I need that extra confidence of something I can use as a map towards getting things going. It’s a offer whether anyone charges for this request or not. However, I am more than willing to provide exact measurements and my vision of what I hope to achieve in my layout. I am easy going, open to suggestions and advice. I am certain that once I have this guide I could really get rolling forward so if anyone is willing to help me out on this please send me a message. I would really appreciate it. I do plan to share my trip along the way with photos and videos of progress with the layout.
Welcome aboard Fanoftherail. I don't wish to discourage you in any way, but if you've never built layout before, you might consider starting your build with a small segment and one that will provide continuous running. You'll likely be surprised as to what you encounter that was unforeseen and how long it takes to complete the carpentry, tracklaying, wiring, structures, scenery and troubleshooting on even a modestly sized railroad, and to have it all run reliably. Jumping in on a large layout without some experience can sometimes overwhelm new modelers and interest is lost. In any case, TrainBoard's members are well skilled and are always willing to offer help.
Welcome to TrainBoard! I will add, that my experience was the first piece of track was the hardest to get past, because I was concerned about messing something up with the design. But, as it turned out for me, I had some great times figuring my way out of of some of these little jams. Think of it as maybe an experiment of sorts, don't attach anything that cant be easily move until you, get a handle on where you are headed, but most of all have fun! It is OK to make mistakes, just learn from them, and move on. I don't think there is anyone with any MRR big or small that hasn't regretted something about their MRR. I know you could fill a small book on mine LOL.
Thanks for the tips. I think you are exactly right - a small start of a continuous run without really “nailing” anything down but rather temporarily attaching it. I am certain one day I will look back at this and have a laugh at myself. Being terrified to place track thinking I would make a mess. Yes for now I am definitely overwhelmed. Thanks again!
RCman, I am in NE Tennessee where I can travel north 25 minutes and be in Virginia and little over a hour to be in Kentucky. Are you near Knoxville?
