In a previous post I mentioned that I inherited some Unitrack and a 4 by 8 bench. I settled on the Kato Watchung & Hawthorne Connecting RR layout. I have enough track to do it with some additions and it seems relatively doable as a newby. I added some straight pieces and stretched it out to fit my bench. I like the outer double track but the interior seems a bit basic. Does anyone have any suggestions to spice it up a bit? Picture of the plan:
It would depend mostly by what your longest wheelbase car and engine are going to be. You could add another turnout between s62f and s186 going into a curve or two and the adding a yard ladder that winds up about where the "A" is in Approximate. That could be a starting point, perhaps you will see something else. I depends on the size of your cars and engines.
If you can buy more tracks I would think about putting a yard (say, 3-4 tracks) in the area where it says "Track" in your picture above. It will branch off the upper straights of your inner loop. That's a lot of empty space there that can be utilized. You can leave your existing spurs on the bottom for industries.
Have to agree. I am a 'ladder yard' kinda guy. That empty space at the inside top begs to have a ladder yard put in. Especially since you expanded the length of that track plan to 8 foot !!!
Wow so much to learn. I'm definitely up for more track. I've been bitten badly by this bug! So I have an Atlas GP-35 Locomotive and a Kato E9a. I'm not shooting for a specific place layout, but more of a generic one that I can run different area and era trains. I'm not familiar enough with car length to say what I will be running as of yet. I forgot to mention that I have R282 45 on my outer curve and R249 45 for my inner curve. Both locos look decent on the curves. I was also given a Big Boy but it doesn't look very good on the curves. Maybe my next layout when I know more. Thanks for the replies! Sounds like a rail yard is in order at the very least.
I don't know what radius you are using but for a 4x8 sheet of plywood, you are not even close to being too tight. I don't have any large steam logos but all my locos can handle 9-3/4" radius operationally. Some of my big Kato SD six axle locos (SD70's, E8's) look a bit funny but they work just fine. Here's a quick edit of your diagram. Sorry for the infantile drawing.
Oh! Just thought of another idea. If you have enough room, slide the entire layout either to the top or to the bottom, i.e., don't center it top/bottom. Then on the side where you have the bigger space, branch out ONE track. Add a 4PDT switch to isolate it after a loco comes off of the outer loop. Now you have a programming track. You can also use that as a "need to repair" track. This track will be closest to the operator and you can add a 4" ledge to the 4x8 and use it to hold your tools, etc. Add a perimeter around this ledge so nothing rolls off. Infantile drawing No. 2.
I like it! Good to know that yours can handle the 9 3/4s. I will incorporate the suggestions and took some shots pf my layout.
Ah...thats perfect! Had to look up programming track, but that is exactly what I would want. I plan to go DCC at some point. So that begs the question: Should I wire for DCC from the beginning? I was given a NEC unit too but haven't even researched anything about it yet. None of my locos are setup for DCC yet, and I have a couple of old ones that I use to ensure the track is powered. I really appreciate all the input!
For such a small layout, wiring for DCC is no different than wiring for DC. Run a DCC bus (16 or 14 gauge wire) underneath the plywood and then drop feeders (22-24 gauge) to it every so often. 4x8 is not big and especially with Unitrack, which has a more secure way of track connection and thus better electrical connectivity.
The great thing about Unitrack...you can change the design until you find something that ya really like. Check this one out.... 4 X 8
Now THAT is amazing! The amount of track will put a dent on your wallet but the end result will be awesome!
Also remember... With a 4x8 layout...leave walking room around ALL 4 sides ! If you have a derailment...there is nothing worse then NOT being able to reach across the layout to fix it....
You want 'unboring' ? Take that 'Nottingham Depot' track plan...take out the top 'stub end spur' and the 2 bottom 'stub end spurs' and split the plan in the middle. Push the track out 2 inches from the top and 2 inches from bottom. Put in some straight track in the middle of both ends. Put a town in the middle... B A M ...Unboring.
I like it too ! It has a switching yard at the top and a 'fiddle yard' to....eeerrrr...fiddle with at the bottom...
So couple of questions. Numbers correlate on diagram. 1. I have 9 3/4" and 11" 45 degree track. So could I safely assume I would use 12 3/8 45 degree for the 3rd line? 2. What is that track piece after the turnout? Not sure if it is curved or straight. They appear to be 15 degree track pieces. If so any idea which ones? 3. Can I safely assume those are all #6 turnouts? Some appear to be #4's but could just be the diagram. Sorry for all the questions, but you guys told me to ask!
