My Layout Progress The layout is coming along...Here's some latest pics: More details (including why I have some HO track in the picture) in my layout blog (link in my signature).
Ah, the man is doing it right. A diagram right there on the base of the layout, something I didn't think of doing when I started.
My Layout Progress The layout is my "zen garden" as well. My last HO layout, I sort of rushed things, and had problems in the end. This time, I'm being patient, taking my time, doing things correctly. Yes, the diagram really helps. I use color-coded markers to outline what I want: red or purple = track (roadbed) outlines grey = streets brown or green = hills/mountains blue = river/water features You can do things that way or just use whatever color. I had to revise the design many times so I'd use a different color to mark the latest outline. I also use a 4' long T-square for marking the straightaway track.
Looking good Mr. Metro. Your wide curves improves the appearance of the train. Keep up the good work and keep bringing your updates back here to TB.
looking great! Glad to see your plan coming to life; looks great so far. I agree the trains look good on that curve. What radius is that in the first picture?
The radius should be around 19". The inner track is HO scale 18" Atlas snap-track, and another roadbed and track will go in place of that. About 60% of the mainline will be double-tracked. The s-curve was planned just a couple days ago. Originally I had a straight oval going but when it came to the canyon part it came too close to the upper track so I made the s-curve to move the loop further away from that. Plus it gave the layout a more "flowing" feel that a lot of layouts I've been looking at seem to have that I was previously missing.
