Planning a layout

[71jeep]

Hi guys,,

I have seen many guys ask for help with track planning here and you guys are very good with the help you give so I thought I would ask as well.
let me start out with some details first I am an n scale modeler and a Pennsy nut.
I am going to have roughly a 10 x 25 foot space to build my layout.I was thinking I would love to build a two level layout I am up for a challenge and they are just so cool.
I was thinking I would use a mix of atlas code 55 Micro engineering and hand laid track,I have built quite a few turnouts so it is no big.
I am not looking to hold to a specific line area ect.,I just want a Pennsy feel if you know what I mean.
I have built a couple of small layouts in past but nothing like this I am very excited to build something but it is not going to happen for another 5 to 6 month but I thought I would get prepared now.
So bring it on what do you guys recommend as far books software anything that will help in my quest to build this layout.
Thanks guys

Allen....

[wm3798]

Not sure what a Pennsy "Feel" is when you're not discussing a specific locale.  Are we talking Pennsy under wire?  4 track main over stone arch bridges?  A secondary industrial track?  Street running in Baltimore or Philly?  A rural branch on the Eastern Shore?

The Pennsy was a pretty big place...  throw us a bone, here!

Lee

[71jeep]

Well ya got me Lee if truth be told I would I like to get a little bit of everything  ;D ;D ;D

I was thinking along the lines of the Elmira branch ,Shamokin branch with an interchange with catenary or heavy main probably not possible but just throwing something out there.

I guess when I said Pennsy feel that would be up to me with scenery industry's ect.

Allen...

[asciibaron]

in 10x25 in N scale you could model the line from Renovo to Olean - tons of fun with a helper district on a mostly single track main.

[71jeep]

in 10x25 in N scale you could model the line from Renovo to Olean - tons of fun with a helper district on a mostly single track main.

I did a little research based on your suggestion and this looks a very good line to model thankyou for the suggestion.

I feel stupid for asking this but ,I have been looking at track charts for different PRR lines and they look overwhelming to me. How do you take one of these charts and turn it into a layout? Is there a good book that will explain this a bit in detail or am I just over thinking this.


Thanks guys

Allen.....

[asciibaron]

look at the track chart, look at pictures of the places, then get a list of what you want to model.  then rough out a main, toss in the indutries, and then visualize the thing in your mind.  that's how i've done it in the past.  

the line is pretty straight forward - big arse grade, helpers, coal and ore.  penn pilot and maps.live.com are your friend.

[Ryan87]

How do you take one of these charts and turn it into a layout?

Take the LDEs you want, (Towns, Yards, Junctions, Industries etc.) arrange them to fit your space and then fill in the "Squiggly parts" in between....  ;D Simple as that...

As for books,Tony K's books are ideal for explaining this type of prototype based planning...

[asciibaron]

As for books,Tony K's books are ideal for explaining this type of prototype based planning...

i would go for Armstrong's "Trackplanning for Realistic Operation" before i reached for a Tony K book.

[71jeep]

Thanks guys for the suggestions these are the things I am looking for book ideas software.

I am not asking anyone to design the layout for me just point me in the right directions do's and dont's.

Thanks guys for the help

Allen....

[Bluford Craig]

I'm just now reading Model Railroader's annual "Great Model Railroads 2010" and there are two nice Pennsy layouts (both HO but still,) one based on the Panhandle Division and one in the Pittsburgh area. Worth a look.

Craig
www.bluford-shops.com

[Ryan87]

As for books,Tony K's books are ideal for explaining this type of prototype based planning...

i would go for Armstrong's "Trackplanning for Realistic Operation" before i reached for a Tony K book.

He did ask about planning from "specific" prototype track charts, Armstrong doesn't mention anything of the like....

[wm3798]

That's because Armstrong believed in designing model railroads for the sake of model railroading...  Tony prefers modeling a railroad... it's a fine line sometimes, but a line nonetheless...

Lee

[conrail98]

That's because Armstrong believed in designing model railroads for the sake of model railroading...  Tony prefers modeling a railroad... it's a fine line sometimes, but a line nonetheless...

That's why I prefer Tony's work over the Armstrong's work, although Armstrong's basics on the planning on how to have trains flow through a room is pretty and use the space is very helpful to figure out your layout footprint,

Phil

[John]

I believe that the fine line needs to be blurred. You will never be able to model a railroad. You can model elements of it, but never the railroad. If you look at any MR published that follows a prototype, there are always tons of compromises .. if nothing else, just the scene compression .. the best you can do is model the "look and feel"

[71jeep]

Now this thread is starting to get going thanks for all the answers guys this is great.

I am going to start buying up some the books from the authors you guys are suggesting.

I believe that the fine line needs to be blurred. You will never be able to model a railroad. You can model elements of it, but never the railroad. If you look at any MR published that follows a prototype, there are always tons of compromises .. if nothing else, just the scene compression .. the best you can do is model the "look and feel"

Well never say never, about the only way you could model the prototype EXACT is if you had a few million square feet of space and few billion dollars then I believe it could be done.
All in all I agree with you the average modeler is only ever going to get something similar to the prototype but never an exact copy.

And for me I feel it would take allot of the fun out building the layout if I had to be so stressed out about keeping everything exactly to the prototype.Granted I will keep it as close as I can within reason but I am by no means going to sweat the small stuff.

Thanks guys

Allen...