HCD Layout help/advice?

[avel]

I have a 36 x 80" door, 180' of flex and build my own turnouts. Mostly modern BNSF motive power.

 Had ideas for a simple loop to practice scenery, structures and have a little operating fun.  Plopped some Unitrack down to see how things looked, and realized 15 car unit coal trains look out of place.

 So now I will most likely use an uncut 4'x8' sheet of 2" foam on top of the door, with 1x4 rails attached to the long side of the door to support the long end overhang.

Although part of me says to just stick within the realms of the HCD and have the yard/branch on two 11.25" wide doors.

OR, or, just build 9" deep 4' long bookshelves with the layout on top and have that go all around the room, as I can't install shelving.

[packers#1]

OR, or, just build 9" deep 4' long bookshelves with the layout on top and have that go all around the room, as I can't install shelving.

This sounds like a good option, with maybe a bit deeper shelving (like 11" to one foot). That way you can have a bit more space for some scenery, as I'm guessing you want some decently long trains. You could probably also build and industrial switcher section or yard on the HCD and include it in the layout

[MVW]

Consider using HCDs of varying widths as your building blocks, or "dominos" as David Barrow termed them. I've started building what I hope will be a large layout ... one HCD at a time. I currently have just two HCDs in operation, forming a layout that's 13 feet, 4 inches x 30 inches. I've been tooling around with some 25-car trains to check out the trackwork, and they don't look out of place (in my opinion, anyway). When I start operations on this size layout, train size will probably be limited to 12-15 cars.

If you're using a 36"-wide door, you better have access to both long sides. My HCDs are 30", and that's probably too deep for access from one side only. I have mine out away from the wall during construction, so I can access both sides, but they'll eventually go against the wall.

Good luck!

Jim

[avel]

9" for less scenery work, and yes access on both sides for the 3' wide door, sudden inspiration finally happened, going to buy foam now, will post updates.   

Sticking with the doors for now.

[Dave Schneider]

You might consider starting a new thread in the Layout Engineering Reports section, with a catching title! That section is a great place for people to follow your progress and offer suggestions as things develop. Good luck.

Best wishes, Dave

[chuck geiger]

36x80 HCD LDE - Have fun....

[avel]

CHUCK - yeah i've looked at your layout for inspiration. 

DAVE - Also i will start  thread there, just dont have any name for it yet, let alone a catchy one.

  No foam today, had other errands to do. Tomorrow will be the day!


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[Ed Kapuscinski]

http://www.conrail1285.com/news.asp?storyid=60

[MVW]

Interesting link, Ed, illustrating an approach that's as valid as any other. I chose to take the opposite approach, building sections that compliment each other and that can eventually be incorporated in something larger.

The beauty of it is, we're both right. And that illustrates the most important point for someone ready to launch a new layout: Gather as much info as you can, and then decide what's best for you.

Jim

[avel]

ED I also tried to go about it that way, problem is I can't make up my mind.

Also I am known to stare at a wall, space, or flat surface longer than most people. It's a hobby in itself. My wife knows I can spend hours at it

Seriously though, your way of thinking about it sounds very appealing. I might just scenic and use flextrack on the main door, and Unitrack for the visible staging/yard on the 1' wide closet doors. I have loads of Unitrack.......don't drink and shop online, and don't let your friends either.
Actually I was on Vicoden after surgery and yeah............

[MichaelWinicki]

Hey Avel, just a consideration, but if it were me I would try to sneak in a way to do continuous running. 

[avel]

I agree, I started a thread in the Layout Reports area that shows the roundy round route. 

Also whoever thought of the Layout Engineering Reports section is a genius! The best inspiration to get started working on the railroad.