In a few threads about this track plan, I've seen it said that it "sucks." While I see that it isn't very complicated or all that interesting, I need to stop searching (in vain) for suggestions on how to improve it. I want the layout to be about 4' X8' with some flexibility for expansion. The track plan is for a 3 X6 layout. I have the WS Scenic Ridge layout kit and enough turnouts to provide some flexibility ), Would anyone like to wade in with suggestions or recommendations, please? Thank you in advance Bill
Before commenting too much, could you fill in a little on the era you're looking for? As far as opinions on the product go, my take is that it is designed as an aid to easing construction of a first layout. With that in mind, it provides a good number of useful products in one package to get a lot of basic layout construction done. There's nothing inherently bad about that, especially if it eases some fears related to getting that first layout a-building. I have a feeling some of the negatives come from those with more experience in working scenery, and therefore more comfort with the techniques and less patience with the limitations of the boxed set.
Thanks, Eagle ! I am modeling in the steam/Diesel evolution era. Scenery is not my fear, I like to think that it's my forte. The kit will let me transition to the scale (from HO) very nicely, however I like to have dramatic mountain scenes with lots of rock faces and occasional bodies of water. I also insist on a few industries here and there (e.g. logging, mining and/or a sawmill operation. I am also adding the WS Town and Factory kit which apparently includes 13 DPM structures. What I want from the track plan is lots of running room with 'things' that the RR is expected to do/ support. Does that answer your questions?
Transition era does, as my thought looking at your track plan is that it isn't going to do well with a lot of the longer equipment in use today. With four axle diesels and smaller steam (ie, avoiding Big Boys and similar sized) it should be fine. The passing siding at bottom should allow some operational possibilities, but I'd suggest thinking about any shippers/receivers you plan to have on the layout and whether you want a spur/siding to serve them.
So, perhaps this Buzzards Cove plan would make more sense? It looks to me to have greater possibilities although it lacks "track, in one sense...
In a lot of ways it seems like it. The first would be more geared towards railfanning/running, while the second gives more opportunities to operate.
given the stated 4x8ft layout size. minimum radius curves of 15" or greater will allow longer locomotives, rolling stock, and trains. but keep in mind a maximum reach distance of about 30" so with 4x8ft you will need access to at least 3 sides. one way of modifying a given plan is to use software for such (i.e. Anyrail) which has a free trial edition by redrawing curves, adding sidings and industrial spurs, and perhaps a yard and locomotive service facility you can take the SR a long way from its simple beginnings. best regards Gary
My first (and so far only) layout is the Scenic Ridge. I love it. I followed the directions and learned a lot, and I adjusted the scenery and building arrangement to suit my wants and needs. My ONLY complaint is the insane 4% grade at the one end. If you can adjust that somehow early on and make your grade more gentle, you'll save yourself a lot of future loco nightmares concerning pulling/climbing power.
Thanks for this, Scott, I'll focus on reducing the grade for sure, this then should allow me to go more ' vertical' in that area, I'm hoping
Scenic Ridge is a folded dogbone with an at-grade crossing. Any other folded dogbone layout could thus be considered an "improvement" or "mod" or "hack" of the scenic ridge. I'm presently working on a track plan that is also a folded dog. Here's what you can do: (i) Passing sidings. If you have two passing sidings roughly similar distance from each other, you can run two trains at the same time with meets. (ii) Industrial spurs. The "buzzards cove" layout posted earlier is just an oval, with some interesting crossing-work for the industry leads. You can do the same using a folded dog as a basis. (iii) Branch lines. Basically take a long industrial lead and run it to the edge of the board. Provides visual interest and room for future expansion. The "Nantahala and Smokey Mountain Gorge" from 101 track plans is a decent example of folded dog + branch + two passing loops + a spur or two.
If you are going to run two trains, you'd want to add another passing siding. If you like switching industries, don't spread them and their spurs out over the layout (as in the Buzzards Cove version). Better to cram as many as you can into one area, and have short, tight radius track and switches for the spurs. Real estate is valuable on a small layout. Alternatively make a large single industry that has many buildings and spurs. In either case, the industrial area can straddle the main and not be confined to just one side. There is no yard here for car storage and sorting. A yard can be two or three short stub-end tracks.
