I have been on this board for about a week and have decided that it is now time to pick a layout. I have researched track, locos and couplers here. The plan that I keep coming back to is in Westcott's 101 trackplans. It is the Adirondack #62. Any feedback on this layout is greatly appreciated. I would like to have some switching, yards and decent mainlines. Does it need staging (I don't have much in n scale yet)? I figure it could be added later! Jeff
Jeff, Just took a gander at the Adirondack and it looks like a pretty good choice. A good long mainline run in a fairly compact space. A couple of comments... 1. The layout has return loops on each end. Be aware that you will have to handle these electrically in some manner. Although I haven't used them, I understand that the auto-reverser modules work well so it's not as big of a deal as it used to be. 2. Keep in mind that the center access aisle cannot be scaled down to N-scale like the rest of the plan. So instead of it being a 7x7 or so, it will probably need to be closer to 8x8 and the more the better. 3. There are many opportunities for staging, depending on what you want to do. While it can be added later, it is better to build it in right from the git-go because it will be easier to lay the staging tracks before scenery and upper level track is in place. Especially true if you want to build elaborate staging under the layout. But probably the easiest and quickest staging option would be to bring a 3-4 track staging yard off the main near the "Tupper Lake Siding" area. (but on the opposite side of the main) You would just need to extend the bottom side of the layout about 6in. to accomdate the additional track. A "view block" of trees or buildings could disguise the yard a little bit. Then you could run trains out of staging (and you would be on the right side for the double-track unless you model the C&NW!!!) and then around the layout to the yard, where you could break down the train and build another for the return trip. 4. You mentioned switching, and I would add a few more industry spurs here and there which should be no problem as there is plenty of room. 5. The only other thing I would change is to add some sort of locomotive service facility to Lake George yard. It's a nice size yard but it's missing this important component for some reason. Good luck!
One more thing, if the layout is to be surrounded by walls be sure to have some kind of access hatch or something for the bottom left corner of the layout. Even scaled to N-scale, this is about a 4ft reach from the center aisle. Espcially with all the tunnels back there, it could become a nightmare REAL quick. Also, if this is the case, you might reconsider putting the staging yard down there as well since it will be hard to reach, too.
Thanks for the quick reply!! I was going to make the layout larger by about 1-2 ft. all the way around. The question is where to put the staging yards? I was going to make the area to the upper right a town of some sort. As of right now I am leaning towards Doug A.'s idea of staging at the lower right. Thanks Doug A.
Nice Plan. I scanned it to put in ,But i forgot how inconveniant it is to try to post anything in here.Cant we simplify image posting in this forum?? It's really frustrating trying to help someone out and needing to take 45 minutes to do something that should take 2 minutes.Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
I'll try to find a pic on the web. I don't have a scanner. Thanks tileguy for attempting to get it here. If anyone use can scan it in feel free! Jeff
Jeff, I keep looking at that layout too. It has good features, but my only reservations are the return loops(i just don't like them), which is just a personel preference or lack of. I keep trying to figure a way arond this without losing the long main. Perhaps I could run both(return) loops, hidden, around and connect them on the other end. If that makes sense to any one. I was thinking of using this as a hidden staging yard - 4 to 6 tracks- along with a long increase in a already long main. My other problem is my layout area is only 9' x 8 ', with a possible 3' x 5' extension off the left side off an 8' side. Is this a good layout choice for that kind of tight area? I only have a wall along one 9' side, and a fuel oil tank along this wall in the corner(which is why I have the strange extension area). the other layout(s) I like is #84/85 in the same book. Im using n scale and dcc also.
All you ned to do is open a railimages account which is free so you can upload pictures to this forum. It really only takes a couple of minutes. Here is a link to the site Rail Images Im also keen to have a look at the plan
one question: is it legal to post the layout design from a published source?? Like this book. If so, I can get it scanned and uploaded sometime this week. I just don't want it to be not be on the up and up, and no I won't scan the whole book and post it. Just track plan #62 (and maybe #84/85). I'm now thinking that #84 or #85 may be a better fit for me, as in n scale it looks like they work out to about 5 x 10, which if I stay only 5' wide I can go 12' long and still have access to 90% of all sides. Now do I go single or double main.......lol [ 05. January 2004, 21:23: Message edited by: simes456 ]
good point about the "no commercial gain", plus as a scan it wouldn't be perfect anyways. I'll get it scanned, join rail images post them for a few days, then take them down, does that seem like a good idea?
Actually sounds ok the only problem is I'm about to go away for a couple of days and as the administrator of railimages you may not get an account until Wednesday unless you can apply now.
OK Its in my album at railimages, now i need to relearn how to post it here again. first step took me 9 minutes Paul(this is beyond the scanning and resizing time and format change to jpeg.Damn dialup
//http://www.railimages.com/gallery/toddgroettum/aab GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!! Theres the image if someone wants to post it
Thanks for all the work people!!! I didn't think I would get any responses for this post?! My idea is: run a switch off of the main (by North Creek) running left. I would then tunnel in the mountain and behind the mountain make my staging area there (8 long feet of 1.5 feet wide). I would then bring it out of the mountain at Newcomb (running right) and connect to the mainline under the bridge (the bridge by Tupper Lake siding). I would definitely make the staging accessible > Any critques greatly appreciated!!!!!! Again thanks for all the help and suggestions! Jeff
