I have finally decide on a plan for my first attempt at building a layout. I am going to go with a slightly modified version of Atlas's Atlantic Longhaul Lines. I was thinking that for now, to keep costs down, that I will just lay the outermost track and skip the passing tracks and the spurs. I will probally put down cork for all of the additional track at the same time, and just add track when I get a chance. What I am really wondering is how important is a reversing track to you? I was seriously thinking about skipping that part for now and just having a continuous run around. I don't know how important swithching and whatnot will become for me- I'll be to in to just having something running and building the scenery. If anyone has built this layout and has any tips or pics, I'd love to see them.
Welcome to Trainboard, Guppyman You'll find a lot of friends here. For others on the forum, the Atlantic Long Haul Lines plan can be seen at this URL: http://www.atlasrr.com/products/fanlayout/nlayout/n16.html Having built a couple of dozen layouts over the past 40 years or so, including several from the Atlas trackplan books, here are a few thoughts..... First of all, remember that it is your layout and the only person you have to please is yourself.... Second, don't feel constrained by the track plan in the book -- feel free to build all of it, part of it, build it as shown, modify it, but most of all have fun with it.... Third, reversing loops are OK since they provide some differences in operation, instead of the locomotive just chasing its own caboose around the loop..... Reverse loops do provide somewhat of a wiring/operating challenge, but these issues are covered in the Atlas books and other books on model RR wiring. N Joy Don Brown Tucson AZ USA
Hey Guppyman, I also chose the Atlantic Longhaul lines as my first layout 20 years ago. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I found the reversing loop useful for varying the operation traffic by sending out trains in both directions (i.e. East/West or North/South depending on your perspective). I also used it as my staging track. BTW I am currently planning out a variation of that same track plan that will include various traits that I've discovered over the years. Good luck with your layout and enjoy it. Remember if you don't like something just scrap it and start over
Hey guppyman. Good choice. I always liked that plan. When I was a youngster (geez Im only 35 now ) I built the Scenicked and Relaxed as a first attempt at a real model RR, not just the token oval track. But I always liked the Atlantic Longhaul. Also, have you looked at Kato's trackplans? Some neat ones there. www.katousa.com It's your RR. Go for it. As long as your happy, build it how YOU want it
Welcome to both guppyman and justincase, nice to see you here and hope you make trainboard your home. Guppyman I do not model this are but feel free to visit my site as it has tips on building a layout. as for operating i'm sure in time you will find just running a train a little tedious and you will find reversing loops and industry far more challenging. When I first built my layout it was more important to have a continuous loop. I am now more interested in switching etc. good luck with your layout. ------------------ Regards Paul #1-Moderator & Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Colonel: When I first built my layout it was more important to have a continuous loop. I am now more interested in switching etc. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> This is why I figured I'd go ahead and lay cork down for additional track. I figure I will (eventually) get bored going around in circles. Plus- I want to build a rather large refinery at some point- I'm just not sure if it will be on this layout, or on a future extension. I have always had dreams of a room size (or larger)layout. It's just going to take some work on my wife first. For now- just a 4x8 corner of a room. I have plenty of time, I'm only 28. Only problem is my own impatience. Thanks for the thoughts and encouragement. I'm cleaning up the space for my table this weekend.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by guppyman: This is why I figured I'd go ahead and lay cork down for additional track. I figure I will (eventually) get bored going around in circles. Plus- I want to build a rather large refinery at some point- I'm just not sure if it will be on this layout, or on a future extension. I have always had dreams of a room size (or larger)layout. It's just going to take some work on my wife first. For now- just a 4x8 corner of a room. I have plenty of time, I'm only 28. Only problem is my own impatience. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Funny you should say that. I originally built my layout along the back wall of my games room with extending the layout in mind. I have now finished the back section an I'm starting to extend down the next wall. The point is my wife was adamant I finished the first section before going any further this encouraged me too scenic this section. My wifes point was not too build a huge layout with just the benchwork and track work. One thing you have is time on your side, I have spent 4 years getting the layout to where it is and will be probably take as long doing the next stage but thats the fun of it. My views on modelling have changed as my modelling experience has grown. I'm looking more into operations than just running trains. So you are correct in planning ahead for better operations. If you can maybe you could post a picture of your layout design either here or in "the Inspection Pit" for others to give you ideas? I have found this place so helpful by posting ideas and letting my friends here give me advice. ------------------ Regards Paul #1-Moderator & Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
Guppyman and Justincase, a warm welcome to trainboard, and especially to the N scale forum Any help or information you need is always available here. But you already knew that N Scalers are all friendly folks Keep us informed of progress ------------------ Alan Curtis. Moderator. Member #12 The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
I designed my first layout by religiously following a specific layout and that lasted about one week, there were always modification that needed to be done to meet my ideas of what I wanted. It's your layout and you're putting out the cash, if any one jumps on you, expect a check from them. As far as reversing track, I've always wnated one, but never got around to doing it. Maybe the next addition will include that. Some good advice was given to me in the beginning, have one good continuous run started right away, so you can watch and play while working on the rest of your layout. Then go from there.
Welcome to TrainBoard Guppyman and Justincase you are wondering, (pun), Colonel has good advice. Moose has a good source for Kato's plans too. May I add something also, just to think about? Maybe lay in a turnout now, then you can experiment later with adding track to go here, there, etc. without messing up being able to run while you are dreaming up the next move? You can throw the switch by hand for now. You will learn a lot on your first turnout! After that they get easy. Come jump in the Pit with us and we can share thoughts with every scale, plan, body and era, even real RR's. ------------------ Watash #982
