I'm planning a layout to built after spring to fit an 11' x 12' bed room, it is the around the wall style, with 3 DECKS (yes three) using a 4 long grades that is hid in tunnels. It is based on CSX's M&K Subdivision in present imes, Can you all give me tips and tricks to have a SMOOTH operational, Layout? Thanks in advance! ------------------ Appalachian & Atlantic Model Railroad "QUALITY at WORK with SAFTEY in MIND"
Take your time designing the layout. Make out your plans and then show the plans to other N-scale modellers. Get some feed back on what you are planning. Other modellers will see things that you have missed. About those long grades, they will take up a lot of room. Make sure that if these grades are in tunnels, you can get to them with little or no trouble. Have you thought about a HELIX? Pain in the tail to plan and build, but they can really help out when done right ------------------ Let's Go Run Trains MARK
I would suggest a combination of around three walls consistant grade, with a helix at each end just to get up to the next level, and the helixes disguised as hills. This would require minimal (possibly just 2) loops on the helixes. If you put your grades (mainlines) near the backdrop, and left your 3 levels flat, you can transition into the mainline grades as rolling hills. As for hiding grades... its something to avoid if you can. Access for track cleaning, accidental uncouplings, and possible derailments tend to make hidden trackage less fun. The real challenge is in blending your grades into the scenery without leaving the "Spaghetti Bowl" look to your layout. Whatever way you go, it sounds like a fun project! ------------------ Robert Ray The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
Hey, pray, how big would the helix that you suggested need to be in the amount of space? Thanks fore the tips!!! also, I have never built a helix, how do I go about, building one? ------------------ Appalachian & Atlantic Model Railroad "QUALITY at WORK with SAFTEY in MIND"
Thanks for the tips guys,,, any more?? ------------------ Appalachian & Atlantic Model Railroad "QUALITY at WORK with SAFTEY in MIND"
Make the foundation of the various levels as strong as you can to reduce vibration and the knocks that often happen. The sturdier it is the better. It will make track laying easier and operating more reliable. ------------------ Robin Maberly and Tayside
WT&C, sometimes where you have long grades, they can be hidden. Think about making the entrance to a tunnel, then a few inches up the grade, make the mountains like a fence on the viewer's side of the track. Leave the top of the tunnel open. Make this 'fence to look like foothills but just high enough to block the view of a passing train. You will get a feel of depth also. This will allow you to reach in over the top, see the derailed cars, and get them out. An occasional canyon will give a view of the passing train so you will know early on if part has broken loose. Remember, the second level, does not have to be as wide as a shelf all the way around. It can be narrower in places, wider only where you need it. It can look like the rails climb up the side of a real canyon wall. That's prototype also. Have fun ------------------ Watash
I would make the helix like a spiral starting with a 30" loop on the lower loop and spiraling in to no more than 24" on the upper loop of both helixes, WT&C. That would end up looking like the grade was winding up the side of a mountain and you would have to cross over the lower loop(s) with a nice bridge. ------------------ Robert Ray The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
ok, what kind of "L" brackets will hold up with the least amout of ability of shaking.?? I thinking like 11 inch metal l brackes that would be fasted to the underside of the top level and a piece of wood coming up from the backside. Thanks!!! ------------------ Appalachian & Atlantic Model Railroad "QUALITY at WORK with SAFTEY in MIND"
also, wht is the most recomededcoupler for swittching and regular trin operations, micro-trains or the standard rapido type.?? ------------------ Appalachian & Atlantic Model Railroad "QUALITY at WORK with SAFTEY in MIND"
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by wt&c: also, wht is the most recomededcoupler for swittching and regular trin operations, micro-trains or the standard rapido type.?? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> No contest... it has to be the Micro-Trains coupler! (Although Atlas has just brought to market their "compatible version". Chessie ------------------ Harold Hodnett Fan of NS, CSX, and their predecessors! Coming soon: The North Carolina Railfan Web Site http://www.trainweb.org/ncrail/
