I know I have seen several of the designs people have made that are members here at trainboard. Some people are just good at this. Maybe one day I will be, but just can't seem to find the time : ) Anyway I was originally going to do the Atlas Unhinged and Horizontal. After setting it up and laying just the track to play with I noticed several things. It was too much switching in such a small space, both blocks and turnouts, most of my engines would not make the curves without derailing, and I wanted to run long trains. For newbies out there like me, take note and lay the track out and do some simple wiring to play with it before you get in too deep. It may not be what you want. I am glad I found out early, before scenery and roadbed : ) Anyway, after making room in the spare bedroom/computer room, I now have an L-shape that is 30"x72" on the left side and 30"x78" connected to it to form an L-shape layout. Anyone want to take a stab at design the plan for me? Some people love to do this. I know the basics I want: 1) 2 side by side loops around the whole plan. 2) A bridge where the front L's meet. 3) No grade at all or very minimum. 4) Very few switches, till I get the hang of this : ) 5) A refinery 6) A farm 7) Small town or city. Everyone crack out the 3rd PlanIt, Atlas righttrack, and other programs (one I saw was with MacPaint), and have a go at it. They could also be uploaded to the Layout Depot I guess! Please help! in2golfz and in2trains : )
Hi in2golfz, L-shape that is 30"x72" on the left side and 30"x78" connected to it to form an L-shape layout. with double track? would first like to know what scale you are modelling in please. Paul [ 22 August 2001: Message edited by: Paul Templar ]</p>
Okay friend, I did this in 1/2 hour, but it is to scale. Each sq. = 1' Hope it's what you want. cheers Paul
Paul's solution to your requirements is a good one. For a longer lap, you could modify Paul's design slightly to and over/under on the hidden track. This would provide two laps around the table for one lap around the track. This butts up against your requirement for minimal grades but could be worth the slight compromise. I have successfully used Woodland Scenics styrofoam risers to get this effect on my layout. Minimal hassle and they are 2 tracks and cork roadbed wide. Good luck. See: Wriga, Phloorgee, Flabberapp at www.layoutdepot.com
Paul, Is the red building the refinery. I like it alot. Right now I have the double track close to each edge for test running and having fun. Is that a bad idea? Sorry for the simple questions I am a newbie pretty much! Thanks a bunch! Any others? Daryl J. (the other Daryl : ) [ 22 August 2001: Message edited by: in2golfz ] [ 22 August 2001: Message edited by: in2golfz ]</p>
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by in2golfz: [QB]Right now I have the double track close to each edge for test running and having fun. Is that a bad idea? [QB]<hr></blockquote> Only if you have a derailment but a word of caution - frequently when track is very close to the edge elboes and sleaves cause more derailments than the track itself. I little bit of clear perspex where the curves get close to the edge will solve most issues. Now from an asthetic point of view it is better to leave room for a bit of scenery in the foreground whenever possible
