My first post!

Hello all:

My name is Sam and I am returning to the hobby after many years of absence. I have made several n scale track plans (using RailModeller) for my planned 36" x 80" hollow core layout. I have decided on using Kato track and am leaning toward modeling the northwest or southwest.

I am anxious to see what more "seasoned" members have to say about my plan(s) and will be waiting for their input as I post my ideas. I am more than open to suggestions from others that may help me make my return to the hobby an enjoyable experience.

I hope to soon post one of my favorite plans for evaluation by others that part of this community.

 

Welcome from another HCD layouter. Wish that I had found and used this forum before I got in over my head. Lots of good advice here.
Bob

 

Hi Sam, Welcome, happy to have you on board. Although I've never built a HCD layout, I'll be glad to help you in any way I can.

 

I glad you could make a "post" on this forum, rather than having to deal with a roof-supporting post directly in the wrong place in your designated traqin room.

 

I have used RailModeller to create a plan for a new 36" by 80" hollow core door layout using Kato track. It contains elements of several layouts that I have seen on line or in print. In designing it I had the following criteria in mind:

1. I wanted to have a layout with #6 switches and enough "interior" space to model a small town and some industries.
2. I also wanted to have some switching options, so that the plan would provide me with some fun in moving trains and materials from one location to another.
3. I also wanted to have a layout where I could include a tunnel (or two) and have a stream or river with some bridges over the water.
4. I am returning to the hobby after many years and I wanted to make things as simple as possible. Right now I plan on just using DC for power, but I may
consider using DC for the Kato switches and then use DCC for the other operations. The reason I am in "limbo" is I am not sure of what DCC controllers can
be used with the different DCC sound boards thatI have seen available for the various brands of N scale engines. For example can a Digitrax Zephyr be used
with a Kato engine that has an MRC sound controller installed? Once I understand the compatibility issues, then my decision will be easier to make.
5. Since I am new to this forum I am open to any advice and suggestions for improving upon my plan (I do have others), and any assistance on the
DCC question(s) posed above.

Any advice would be appreciated!!!

 

Welome aboard, Sam. I am sure you will get some help here.

 

Hey Sam, welcome to TrainBoard.

I can answer a part of your DCC question:

Everything is compatible. It doesn't matter what brand system you are using and what brand of decoders you are using, they will all work together. That's the joy of DCC. One thing I'm not certain about is: I don't think every system will operate sound decoders (you mentioned the Zephyr, might fall into that category). I could be completely wrong, and for that reason, I would head on over to the DCC forum, and pose your question there.

As for your layout, it looks like a sound plan, and for what you wish to incorporate I would say you've done a great job. If you wish for further feedback from the community, I would head on over to the Layout Design Forum, or the N Scale Forum, and post your plan there and ask for feedback. Also, there are many great modelers here who use Unitrack and would be able to give you every piece of advice you could ever need :-D

Really hope you enjoy your time spent on the Board, and again, welcome.

 

I think a slight clarification is needed (based on some recent experience). There is one (maybe more) product line that sells DCC controllers, boosters, and auto reverse units that “can be used with” each other but are not compatible (in my experience), and whose web site can be misleading! Be sure and do some research before you commit to this end of you DCC equipment.

Welcome Sam! DCC can be a lot a fun!
Bob

 

My new plan for my layout

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. I have changed my N scale Unitrack plan so that it is less symmetrical and I have expanded the size by just a bit. I have also included a spur at the bottom left to possibly connect to an expansion off of that end of the layout. There are a lot of bridges and a planned tunnel off to the left. This is jsut an initial idea of a new plan. I would welcome comments and suggested changes. Some questions I have:
1. Can I use "non -Kato" bridges in the layout? If so -- how would I place and connect the track on the non - Kato bridges? I think a trestle or two would also look pretty cool, but as a "newcomer" I would need some advice on where to place them and brands that might work in the space provided.
2. I am welcome to suggestions for scenery and other ideas that would make this plan "work"
3. I am still researching my DCC options. I have seen on the MRC website an new controller called the "Explorer", but I know very little about it because it seems to be a new release. If anyone has any information on this particular unit -- then let me know the details.

Thanks again -- this is a a lot of fun!