Thanks in advance guys.... I currently have the Gevo starter set, track is 3x4, I will also be purchasing the Kato Amtrak starter set with another 3x4 starter track. My table will be 3-1/2 X 6-1/2, I would like to enlarge both tracks and also have an electric switcher. This will be a basic layout without any mountains or hills, any ideas would be very helpful.
BTW, I like this design, but could stretch it to 77ish inches... http://www.ebay.com/itm/N-SCALE-TRA...=100010&prg=1076&rk=2&rkt=15&sd=121170457330&
The starter set track is 2' x 4.5'; why not just start with that? It will not be too big and will give you the practice to build a larger one. Also, I wouldn't buy another starter set because it will duplicate track and you can't really use two circles of track that are the same diameter. Sometime, people want to build a large layout as their first one and it becomes overwhelming. I am working on a small (24" X 39") Unitrack layout using 11" radius curves. I have never built a permanent layout, so I am going to practice with this one. I will try my hand at painting the track, ballasting and some scenery. If it doesn't turn out good, I am not out much. Just my opinion.
One of the beauties of Unitrack...even after ballast and scenery...if ya dont like it...pop the track back off...wipe the slate clean...and go at it again
Basically i'm going to install grass matt and track on foamboard, I'll work from there, but I do want my layout with 2 or 3 tracks.
I can certainly understand, I'm not much into very detailed models... Don't have the time, basically I want my table to have a grass matt, some pre made buildings, simple lighting. I love trains and want a basic nice backdrop, I have no interest in making this layout ultra realistic.
This hobby is all about YOU having fun. If what you've shown tonight is what feels right, do it! At some point in time, off in the future you decide to change course, do it. Above all, just have fun.
Thomas, I agree with Ken, if you're not satisfied with what you've done, consider it a learning experience and change it. I'm on my 7th (I think) layout since 1947. They all have been fun, especially my latest which is the best because of everything I learned along the way.
Thomas, You may not care about this, but if you plan to mount the track directly to wood (even if you have a grass mat), the trains running will be very noisy. I experienced that on a temporary 4 x 8 layout a few years ago using Unitrack. I then got a 2" thick piece of the pink foam and put that on the table. No more noise.
I've never had a sound problem with my Unitrack. It's glued straight down on 1/2 inch plywood. BUT...my layout is enclosed...sitting on kitchen bass cabinets. Its possible any track noise resonates down and inside the cabinets and therefore I dont hear it through the doors. I may have to go out and open a cabinet door or two and listen if I hear the trains running overhead...hmmmmm.
If you like the track sets, the Unitrack V6 Outside loop set fits on the outside of the starter set. The V7 Double Crossover set would then allow you switch the trains between the inner and outer loops. That appears to be a variation of the Kato design Manning Oaks.
