Newbie - N scale HCD layout question

Greetings,

I am getting back into model railroading, and starting a 32" x 80" N scale layout. I used the freebie version of anyrail to come up with a simple double mainline with a yard and multiple sidings. I was planning on having different portions of the layout at different elevations ranging from 0 to 2 inches above the first layer of foam. I am now starting to have second thoughts as this is my first layout in 20 years. Should I keep it simple and have all of the track at the same elevation? Or is making the height transitions easier than I think.

Thanks,
Mike

 

If it's been a long time since you laid track or did any soldering, I'd start with a simple oval on the level. Once you've got everything running smoothly, then go for the complications, including multiple levels.

I've got a bunch of HCD plans on my trackplanning page, if you're curious. http://www.cke1st.com/m_train2.htm

Mike F.

 

Mike,
height transitions are not difficult especially if you use sometning like Woodland Scenics Risers.
On an HCD, I would not plan on too much of an elevation as you need to keep the rise at 2% or less.

Good luck

 

This is the plan I will be using for my layout. I tried to keep the grade under 3%, so I may need to adjust the elevations.



BTW Mike F. your site was very helpful.

Thanks,
Mike

 

It's aesy to assume that using grades in a layout is easy, but if you don't do it right... he he he

Looking at that plan there seems no reason to use grades. I'd keep it simple and get some trains running.

 

I am planning to use a divider to separate the two, probably a combination of wooded hills and tunnels on the rural side, building and warehouse fronts on the yard side. I am still figuring that out.

 

"HDC"?? Acronym with no definition.

 

HCD (not HDC) is Hollow Core Door.

 

Either way, not a common acronym except for maybe a carpentry forum.

 

I'm with traingeekboy on this one. Why use grades on this layout, especially on the sidings? If you simply want to avoid the look of a flat table, make the terrain undulate. Since you're building on a foam base, you can easily make the landscape go above and below the track level. Making your track as level as possible is the same thing the 1:1 scale railroads do.

 

It's an oft-used acronym on N scale forums.

 

Indeed! There is even an HCD Group here on TrainBoard: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/group.php?groupid=33