Hello Trainboard! So I had a thread going regarding entering the N-Scale hobby and am at phase two of the plan, finalizing a track plan for the layout. Being an engineer by trade, I can hark enough on the importance of a plan and I'd like to get this right since this layout will probably last a few years and I don't want to initially overspend on Unitrack if I don't have to. DKS was gracious enough to help with the design, clearly based off Dave Vollmer's Juniata Division. I've searched high and low and far and wide and could not find anything that suited what I was looking for more appropriately. I am downsizing because I'd like to run longer passenger trains, have mainline running (something I couldn't do on my HO 4x7 layout), and still have some side switching operation if needed. Here is the plan: A few notes: 1) Unitrack. I used Atlas sectional on my HO layout, but fear the connections, switches, gauge issues, etc. for my first dive into N scale. I'll start with Unitrack. I'm a model railfan and not a rivet counter. (Working for GE Transportation... I have to be enough of a rivet counter at work fixing those locomotives!) 2) I might sub out the red sections of Unitrack for flextrack in order to create a bridge of some type. Haven't decided and will go with looks but definitely want a water feature. 3) Locale is fictional ATSF/Rio Grande joint trackage in the Rockies. The unnamed town at the bottom will have a decent sized passenger station for reasons stated above. Rest of the town, undecided and haven't figured out what industries I'd like to round out the layout. 4) Tunnel to help disguise the roundabout nature of the HCD. 5) Power will be Atlas Commander DCC to start (using what I have) and eventually acquiring the NCE or Digitraxx system. Once you go DCC you can't go back. 6) I just ordered the KATO V6 track set and a F7 Warbonnet and 8-car super chief set to start off the layout. Eager to toy with it next week and I'll procure the door and get this puppy rollin'. I would love advice on the layout--operationally--scenically--whatever you've got. I know I've seen some great layouts around here at Trainboard and look forward to contributing my modeling skill (or lack thereof ) in the near future.
Awesome HCD track plan! Kato has some nice bridges that would slip right into the red sections. A town will make a great scenic block along with a roadway overpass on the left side heading out of town. Also, see my thread on How I Tweak a Kato Unitrack #4 switch at: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine...-Kato-Unitrack-4-switch&highlight=How+I+Tweak for getting #4 turnouts to run as smooth as a #6. Jerry
