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Questions about the Heart of Georgia track plan. Dream and design
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Active Member 94 posts Paulc Active Member 94 posts
Paulc

This is a question that may have been asked before, but a search yielded no joy. I am considering building the heart of georgia layout like a fellow member hear has so kindly documented on this site. My one thought is if anyone thinks the layout would work as a point to point, or perhaps a point to point with a return track. The point to point would allow me to stretch the layout a little farther given the space I have. I could probably run a return track behind for continuous loop so I can just sit and watch trains run if I want to, if I put it below the main track line which would allow me to construct some staging. Does this sound doable? Would it have interesting operational possibilities for one or two people? Thanks to any and all who give an opinion.

... Paul
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Dave O Prolific poster 1,145 posts
Dave O

...

You are referring to Scott Perry's HO HOG RR?

Operationally, it functions as a 'Point-to-Point" with trains running back and forth between Americus and Vidalia; so, I suppose the answer to your question would be YES.

However ...

It is a fairly small layout, so the distance between the two 'end points' is rather short.  To make it seem longer, the trains run several 'laps' between switching towns ... increasing the distance (and time).

Stretching the track plan could only improve things in my opinion; but giving up the ability to 'do laps' to simulate distance may make the short line, very short indeed.

If you could provide a simple sketch of your thoughts, it would likely generate more useful responses.  
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Ironrooster Frequent poster 723 posts
Ironrooster

Deeper tables

The point of the HOG was to show what could be done with a single sheet of plywood other than a 4x8.  Unless your space has to serve other purposes such that an 8x9 layout with 1 foot deep benchwork is necessary, I would go with deeper benchwork.  Using 2 sheets of plywood you could have 2 foot deep benchwork.  This would allow more scenic development or you could do a twice around.  With a twice around, you could make it a point to point by not completing the inner or outer oval.  This would give you a longer run, and with a cut off at the crossing you could also have continuous running.

Good luck

Paul
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Paulc Active Member 94 posts
Paulc

I am actually interested in

I am actually interested in Ricks Richlawn Railroad VII of the layout, and should have been clearer about that from the start. Either one will work of course. My space is at best two walls of a 16x9 foot room, and I would prefer narrow (12"-18") bench work. I can widen the ends, if I was going to create a loop of some sort, either to hidden staging, or to a lower staging track. I am a long time lurker, so I am familiar with some of the issues. I would really like to be able to run operations of some sort, even with small, single engine consists. Thanks again.

... Paul
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rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

That would be me - rtw3rd / Richlawn RR V2

I couldn't find your original post so I started one here:

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/16752

Feel free to contact me directly by clicking on my user's name.

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Paulc - I'll be glad to answer any questions

You can click on my user name to contact me.  Or you can contact me directly by emailing me at the address shown below.  The weird style is to discourage Spambotts from grabbing my email address.

_antibot.jpg 

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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