Here are a few pics of a layout I'm trying to decide if I should make permanent or not. It's made up of the various Kato track pieces I have (all the track I own is shown in the pics). Living in an apartment right now, so the layout has to stay small. The dimensions here are 28" x 54" to the edges of the track. Any advice on improvements that could be made?
To me it looks like there's a nasty kink/S-bend at the beginning/end of the inside passing track, although I guess you've been running trains on it already so you'll know if it works or not. If it were me I'd put a short straight in to lengthen the siding and reduce the S.
I think you will get bored running trains on this layout very quickly indeed. Even if your interest is landscaping, I don't really see many possibilities here. Even though this may sound counter-intuitive, go for a double track layout. John Armstrong says in his book that double track is often the better choice for small layouts.
Buy two Kato double crossovers to help you form the double track mainline. Then you can place your sidings off the inner loop. Also make sure your outer loop isn't to closw to the edge of the table. That is an invitation for an impending disaster.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I've made a couple changes while still trying to keep the layout as small as possible (also trying to use only Unitrack that I already own...). The layout needs to stay small because we're in an apartment and will be moving at least twice in the next couple years (yuck). Even with the impending moves, I've decided it's time to get off the armchair and start some sort of layout. This will mainly be to learn/practice wiring and various scenic methods. Some operating interest is a bonus. My original intent had been to build a 2'x4' - this one has crept up to a planned 32"x54". Anyway, a couple new pics (still on the dining room table )
I would suggest getting yourself two Elmers 30 x 40 x 1/2 inch foam core boards from your local art supply store (~15 bucks total). Lay them together along the 40 inch side and you now have yourself a super-portable yet very sturdy base for your layout. Storing/Transporting two 30x40 boards is cake! Also, whatever you do.. do NOT download the trial version of anyRail for track planning... You'll spend WAY too many hours playing around trying to re-design your layout over, and over, and over, and over.... Here are some ideas of what I've done with just one of these art boards... imagine what you could do with two! (after weeks of planning, I finally came up with this one which will begin construction next week!!) Good luck and Have fun!
