Still looking for some track planning help...

[sparky]

I posted this a while back on the HO forum, but not much action...  :'(

Maybe you guys here on the "other side" can help... 

http://therailwire.net/smf/index.php/topic,16205.0.html

[DKS]

I'll toss one into the pot shortly--am currently on another mission...

[sparky]

Thanks, David.  I really admire the relative ease with which you and Lee, among others, can produce such interesting and useful track plans.

[DKS]

A couple of questions...

I assume you'll be doing most of the construction?

Any specific choice of track?

Would you want any features that may keep Dad entertained while Son watches things go 'round (that Son can catch onto over time)?

[sparky]

A couple of questions...

I assume you'll be doing most of the construction?

Yes, I'll do the majority of the construction, but of course I'll keep my son involved along the way.

Any specific choice of track?

Atlas Code 83 or 100.  Manual turnouts with Caboose ground throws.  Flex track and sectional are all fine.

Would you want any features that may keep Dad entertained while Son watches things go 'round (that Son can catch onto over time)?

This will be strictly my son's layout.  A couple of small industries that could receive a car or two would be nice.  Hopefully, by the time Michael graduates from this layout, my own will be far enough along for him to operate.  I like the idea of a skyboard dividing the layout since he likes to follow the train as it runs.  This will make the layout seem much larger to him. 

[John]

MR did a nice one based on PRR a while back .. 4x8 ish I think

[DKS]

OK, then this plan is probably a bit overkill, as I included a "Dad's area" (along the top of the plan) where you can do some switching while another train is running laps; this area also hides a fair bit of the main, which may also be undesirable. Obviously you can cut back/make adjustments as you see fit to suit the owner. Or, say "no thanks" and we move on to something else.



The curved divider backdrop would not be as hard to make as it looks--foamcore can be made to curve like this fairly easily. I thought it might be fun to have an unusually-shaped divider.

[sparky]

That's really good, David.  Thanks.  I like the curve skyboard too.  I'm assuming the grade coming out of the hidden trackage would have to start under the "industrial area" to clear the crossover at the middle of the "8"?  I would assume I could get away with a fairly substantial grade considering the length of the trains that would get run on this layout.

I also pulled up a picture of the old N scale "Scenic and Relaxed" by John Armstrong.  Do you think something similar to this could be done on 4' X 8' in HO?  Much less busy, of course.  The passing siding and spurs inside the loop on the right could go, and the switching area on the bottom could be simplified.  For some reason, I really like the twice around, large loops.  I'm just not sure if it could be made to work in HO... ???

[DKS]

Regarding the first plan, I would make the grades for the figure eight as easy as possible by making a consistent upgrade from each side of the lowest point. This would mean the "switching district" along the top would probably be just slightly higher than the mainline's highest point to clear the upper right part of curve, and drop down from the end of the runaround to meet the main at the depot.

I'll toss the John Armstrong twice-around idea in the food processor to see what comes out.

[DKS]

OK, here's a quickie based loosely on the Armstrong plan. I have no idea if it would acutally work, since I'm not using any templates, and I'm also not used to HO. Be that as it may...

[Alcuin]

Have you considered the "HO Railroad that Grows?"

[sparky]

Thanks, Alcuin.  I have seen that plan, but it's a little too busy for what I want.  The design also won't accept a center skyboard easily.

David-  I like both of your designs.  I'm leaning toward something like the second one, because I think the skyboard would work really well.  Also, that design might make the roundy-rounds a little more visually interesting.  Thanks again!

[DKS]

David-  I like both of your designs.  I'm leaning toward something like the second one, because I think the skyboard would work really well.  Also, that design might make the roundy-rounds a little more visually interesting.  Thanks again!

My pleasure.

Keep us posted on your progress.

[cv_acr]

Alcuin: I built a version of that when I was in high school, without the upper level part of the route. I put an enginehouse in the middle of the reverse loop.

I have the original book at home, in a small collection of old model railroad books that used to be my grandfather's.

[asciibaron]

OK, here's a quickie based loosely on the Armstrong plan. I have no idea if it would acutally work, since I'm not using any templates, and I'm also not used to HO. Be that as it may...

reminds me of this N scale plan...



which was one Dave Vollmer did if memory serves correct.