l want to build a layout from 101 more track plans, track plan #4 Mohawk & Hudson was what l hand in mind. l like to build it on 2 sheets of 2" blue form broad with small wood frame under it. l like to keep it under 3'x6'-1/2" Any one have any ideas on maybe a change in the track plan? l like 2 main lines for 2 trains operation. l was going to stick with 4 axle engines, 44 toners, 40'-50' cars.
l'm sorry N-scale, atlas code 55 track with #5 turnouts. l'm not able to download the track plan from the book.
I don't have a copy of 101 More Track Plans...yet. Can you scan the trackplan from the book (unless there would be some kind of copywrite infringement...) or scan a clean sketch of the plan?... some basic dimensions and data of course.
Here a link to Mohawk & Hudson (hope it works) http://www.kalmbach.com/en/Books/Au.../media/Files/PDF/101 More Track Plans_05.ashx
I think the plan as-is would be great. If it was me, I would just add the extra foot of width to the mainline (11" R v 9.75") and enjoy the extra inch or two of scenery here and there. I might also add a couple of the inches to Canalport to all for a third yard track, perhaps bringing the yard lead along the edge behind the station too...maybe also being able to show some of the industry by NY32. I'd also use some of the space to add a passing siding to the upper loop. Instead of a freeway, I'd show that as a standard hwy...maybe 4-lane if you want to show a lot of vehicle traffic.
l think maybe l could get a loop of track on the outside of it all for a 2nd main? The other problem l see is the switchs at each loop? ls there something l could use say like a spring switch?
Don't use a spring switch. You need to handle polarity for the reverse loops. There are ways you can do it with the same toggle that throws the turnout. But having the switch properly lined for your train is part of the operations of a railroad- UNLESS you are modeling a trolley or interurban.
You can do automated routing with tortoise machines & some circuitry to control the turnouts. Here's a place to start reading. There'll have to be some kind of detection (IR, pulse, etc.) There are turnouts you can get specifically for it. You can also hook up all your turnouts to a computer to control. I'm a manual hand-throw kinda guy, so I'll let those with more know-how chime in. Since you are reducing the dimensions by a foot, and adding only 6" to the width, I'd caution against adding more track: this plan is already a bit crowded as-is, with some rails right up against the side. Try mocking up the layout using your dimensions on a program like AnyRail of XtrakCAD, or start plopping down track on a board. You'll soon see that those thin lines on the drawing can be a little "optimistic" when it comes to actually track & scenery. Should be a fun layout to build & run, in the end!
But the original plan is HO, and this layout will be N. With this extent of modification (which isn't much; the two passing tracks take up most of the loop already), it's a very generic plan. Double-track oval, yard and roundhouse inside, spurs in the corners. With a 3' wide table, keeping the outer tracks 2" from the edge, the outer loop can be 16" radius, the inner 14.5"-14.75". Or wait... Do you mean you want a double/triple-track combination?
Triplex, I think you might be looking at the wrong layout? This one is an n-scale, 2.5ft x 7ft. To the o.p... Did you mean 3ft x 6ft 1/2in or 3ft x 6.5ft? When I first glanced at it I thought you meant the latter. You still should be able to make the layout work in either, but I think if you are wanting to double-track the entire thing....well you might want to look at other plans. Are you planning to use DCC? Using autoreversers for the return loops will make life much easier, and not having to block everything will be a lifesaver. There are circuits that will autoreverse AND throw the turnout if you want it automated. Good luck! I like the plan, would have a nice "regional railroad" feel to it. Maybe use the 44t for switching the yard (or for switching the town industries on the upper loop?) and then have a 4-axle or two as road power. The "interchange tracks" in the top left will add interest as well. I would be inclined to make on of those tracks an industry though, and possibly add a team track somewhere just to have a few more "spots" in Canalport.
