Ok, I have finally figured out the area for my forthcoming N scale layout. It's basically 30" by 9', with a roughly 16"-18" deep 60" long extension off the left front. Moving onto the track plan, I'm leaning towards a single track with some passing sidings. Also, a small yard, and a branch for the aforementioned extension. My big question is should I make the mainline appear to go somewhere, or do I use it as a conduit for getting trains to and from staging? That being said, I want to work the branch and have a little switching on the main. Am I making sense yet? Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Mike, Are you thinking point-to-point or a loop of some sort? 30 inch width would allow about a 13 inch radius turn. Since you have more room at the left side you could have a broader radius there. Remember that a train of 10 cars in length will be about four feet long, depending on size of engine and length of cars. That's half your layout distance so in some ways your train will never seem to go from one place to another without a loop. Let us know what you are thinking of. Also what era are you modeling, what other wants and preferences do you have?
Yes, you are making lots of sense. Any particular era? Keeping it flat? Is this your first layout? I'd suggest getting some grid paper and drawing up sketches but also check out various sites starting here: http://www.naisp.net/mfischer/m_train2.htm#doorplan The bottom two show staging configurations.
More info Ok, here we go. This is about my 12th layout in my life, 1st N scale that is completely mine. As for terrain, it'll be based on the Adirondacks/Catskills/New England for scenery, and the resulting grades. I want a loop for some continuous running, with the branch climbing off of it. I was thinking of a folded loop of some sort. Era, oh boy. I love the transition, but am more attracted to the time just before Conrail. I was born in 72, so I barely remember PC and EL. Equipment will be mostly four axle diesels, cab units and hood units. My six axle guys will be on the mainline only for the most part. To get a general idea of my thought process, the Atlas layout "Atlantic and Longhaul" is kind of my inspiration with some track removed and rearranged. Hope this helps. Oh, and train length will be probably in the 10 car range or so, the branch will probably be about 3-5 cars.
Design underway Well, I got my MRP 2007 a few eeks ago, and have decided on keeping my original plan for the main part of the layout. However, along the left side I'm going to basically build a double deck section. The lower level will lengthen the mainline, and will have hidden staging tracks behind the scenery. The upper level will be the end of the branch line. When I get some track plans done I'll post them here.
On suggestion, based upon stomach size and arm length- Can you squeeze out another 6" on the depth for loops and a whole lot more scenery? If you can go 36" you will be able to do much more in operations and decorations.
A crude graphic of my available space Sorry, it's not to scale, but here's a rough outline of the space I have available for my layout. Under the 2 ft wide part we have a computer and desk, and under the main part is a futon that we use for guests. The depth is also dictated by a window on the right that we don't want to block in any way. I'll slowly be developing a trackplan to fit this space. Stay tuned.
