track plans

Does anyone know WHERE I can find some track plans online for KATO Uni-track and/or ATLAS True track that list the pieces? The Kato website only has one in my size (2' x 3') and I don't like it.
They HAVE TO BE Kato Uni-Track or ATLAS True-Track since I can't solder in our apt.

 

plans

I dont know them off the top of my head but if you search the layout forum for small plans there are to or three websites regularly mentioned that have plans for your size. Sorry I cant help more but rest assured they do exist.

 

2' x 3' layouts for Kato and Atlas Tru Track may be hard to find. 2' x 4' layouts are easier to find. Here are some 2' x 3' layouts that you may like. You can get a precut 24" x 48" sheet of plywood for around $15 at your local supply store.

http://www.thortrains.net/nscale/nminis2.html

 

Depending on your budget you can "design on the fly".

1. Sketch out a few plans
2. Using graph paper figure how they would fit your space
3. Purchase enough track to build them
4. Adjust as you see fit
5. Finalize and add scenery

The budget part is because using this method you will have to purchase more track than you might actually require in the end. Still since most of the curves and straights come four to a pack that might not be an issue. You can get an idea of how things fit together / how much space they take up from the Kato site plans and extrapolate from there.

Hope this helps.

 

Yeah, what Grey One said.

Two foot by three foot is so restrictive that you don't really need a lot of track to cover every possible permutation. Assuming that (i) you build a layout which allows for continuous running, and (ii) you use Kato Unitrack, here's what you know:

--- You can only use R216, R249, or R282 curves. You can't use anything larger.
--- You can't use the 90-degree crossing.
--- You almost certainly won't have room for a #6 turnout.

Therefore the following parts list should cover every possible construction:

2x R216-45
1x R216-15
2x R249-45
1x R249-15
2x R282-45
1x R282-15
1x S248
1x S124
2x road crossing track
2x S62
2X of the short fitter track
As many #4's as you can fit/care to buy

 

KATO Unitrack is code 80 and Atlas True Track is code 65. You will have height issues. I would choose one or the other. If you want to mix them, then I suggest making your own connecting tracks by cutting KATO and Atlas track up and then gluing them together.

As for layout, it's quicker to copy a known design. On the other hand it's fun to modify the design for your own needs. You get to name the final design, and if it's a really good design, it will be copied, and you become famous. Anyway, keep searching and in the meantime, design your own......

There are many model train layout systems that you can choose from. I use AnyRail and so this is what I would do to get started with my own design.

Download the free version of AnyRail. The only limitation is you can't use more than 50 pieces of track. If your layout exceeds 50 pieces, just make two separate designs, print them out and tape them together.

To get started using AnyRail....

Settings/Measurement System = English Fractional Units
Settings Width = 36
Settings Length = 24
Track Libraries/N/KATO = KATO Unitrack
Track Libraries/N/Atlas = N Atlas Code 65
Home View Scale = as required

Drag and drop track as required inside the 36x24 window. Right click on a piece of track to rotate, flip and glue it in place. As you can see from the screen shot, KATO has more track than Atlas to choose from. You might find a KATO Unitrack versus Atlas True Track thread.

Home Info = List of Materials will create a list of tracks used. Prices? You are on your own. Go to your local N scale club and ask for advice. It's really not appropriate to start a Vendor A price versus Vendor B price thread.

Well, that's what I would do.

 

Here's an online article I wrote with some n-scale track plans:

N Scale Track Plans to Inspire

And a video article as well:

Videos of Great N Scale Track Plans

Aurelio