Hey. I have finally gotten around to searching for a train forum, and now i have one. I got my train, a Bachmann N scale explorer set, for xmas of 07. I finally got my mom to clear off this big piece of plywood on sawhorses. I know, not exactly preaty, but all I had for now. Anyway, I am setting it up, then all of the sudden I realize that I am not going to get any more track on there, because the curved track doesn't curve that much! If anyone knows if I can get a tighter radius track, please tell me! PS: I am only 13, however I do know some stuff about trains but not all:tb-smile:
Bachmannrider, Welcome to Trainboard! One way you could help us out here a lot in answering your question is to tell us a little more about what you do have. How big is your plywood? Is it a full 4' by 8' sheet, or is it some other dimension? What is the radius of your track. If you don't know, set up a semicircle, measure from centerpoint of track to center point of track on the loose ends, and then divide by two. A lot of what we do at my club is use Atlas flextrack. Most is code 80, though we probably would use more code 55 now if we were to do it over. You can bend Atlas flextrack into pretty tight curves, but I wouldn't bend it any tighter than your equipment can handle and look good while doing it. This is a great hobby and I think you will enjoy this board.
Just went down and mesured it. the board is about 3x10, with about a 1.5x1.5 for controls, etc. Also, the radius of the track is 11.25
bachmannrider- We all started somewhere... What you've described, is very similar to the tablework I started on. Give yourself time, there will be a steady evolution. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Doing so will save you time, frustration, and money. Welcome To TrainBoard! Boxcab E50
Yeah, I just have to give myself time. What do you know? Maybe in a year I with have, yea, the whole basement to work on my trains. Right now I only have the piece of plywood and a lamp. (Hey, atleast a have an artificial sun!)
Bachmannrider, I am assuming, since you are here, that you have access to a computer. There are some trackplanning programs out there that can help you plan a layout, or you could do what I do where I get bored planning so I just start fiddling with track on the actual layout until I get what I want. I don't get how 11.25" radius won't fit on a 3' deep board, unless it is at the controls end. If you have an option of putting the controls on a slide out drawer or on an attached shelf you might do that instead. Good luck! Adam
Its not that i don't have any room, but the fact that i have very little room I get about a 90 turn, 1 strait, and then another 90 turn (3 curved = 90 turn) But that is the width. Also the board is not a full rectangle looks like: ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------Track ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ----------- -----------Controls -----------
So... it's like a long, skinny rectangle (1 1/2 feet by 10 feet?) with a little (1 1/2 feet by 1 1/2 feet?) rectangle attached, is it?
Welcome to TrainBoard, Bachmannrider! Would it help, just to get started, to use the 6 curved pieces without the straight piece? Seems like that would make it a bit smaller and your train should still be able to get around the turn OK. This is a great place to ask questions. Plenty of friendly and knowledgeable folks.
OPPS!!! Sorry! Haven't gotten to the computer in a long time! Just wanted to call out, but no new problems at this time.:tb-biggrin:
Welcome back. Can you take some digital pictures of your board and track and post them. Then we can visualize better what you're working with.
I have a layout on a 27" by 80" hollow core door overlaid with pink foam, and run with 11.25" radius. As long as you don't run really long cars & engines, you should be OK.
Welcome to Trainboard! I think we could help you better if you could show us the space you are working with, or at least describe it in a little more detail. What are the dimensions? They don't have to be exact, an approximation will do.
Welcome to Trainboard! If I understand the figure you drew on the first page, the measurements are for an "L" shaped board: 10 feet along the back, 3' on the left side, 1.5' along the front, 1.5' return toward back, 8.5 front and 1.5' return along the right side ---------------------------------10-------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------1.5' 3'------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ----------1.5' ----1.5'------ Is this correct? If yes... then you will not have enough room on either side for 11.25" radius curve. There is only one commercially available set track that would work on that board... 8.5" Kato track. It is difficult to find in the US... most do not use anything less than 9.75" radius here.
Glad to have you on board here at TB. You will want to keep your curves as wide as possible. Your trains will like that. Also, keep in mind that we all started out with a layout that provided us with those essential, school of hard knocks, learning lessons. Your going to do fine and have a lot of fun. Keep us informed.
Welcome , You seem to have the biggest problem solved. SPACE . You must already be a good talker. Some of us never reach that point!! Have Fun! Mike
Again, sorry i haven't been on. WHOA!!!!!!!!!!:tb-shocked: Lot of helpfull Q's!!!!!!! 1. Without the "Controls" Sticking out, the board measures 36.5" x 96" 2. The "controls" part is 17" x 19" 3. I am using bachmann N Scale E-Z Track System 4. I have two locamotives, both bachmann also. 5. Track Stock: 1 Rerailer/power/11.25" curve track, 23 11.25 curve track, 16 5" strait, 1 remote Left switch, 1 remote Right Switch Any more Q's? please send and help!!!!! PS: I found this great program you can use to design track layouts on. I find myself playing with it all the time!!!:tb-biggrin: http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm
OOPS! Also forgot - the camera! HEHE.... I have the camera, but i havent been able to find the driver install disc!:tb-sad: As soon as i can, i will get soom for you!!!!
