Dream and design
operations
I've been trying to do some searching to start my new layout off on the right foor. The benchwork is complete. It's an l shaped layout that is 4x4 until it turns and then it is another 15x2.5. What I'm going for is a layout that I can hold operating sessions. It's an ho scale steam era layout that I want to serve coal mines, produce and milk shipping, as well as some sort of small steel industry. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
LOADED QUESTION!
I'm limited for space. One thing I want is to be able to run the train, not point to point. I'd like to have some switching. I know this much it will be the northern states, I have GN, and Mont Rail. The layout will be N scale, and will be freelanced...
How do I get the most with less. I can be 2ft wide and up to 6 ft long.. So what can I do to get the most bang for the bucks,
Jerry - NR5A
help planning my Coos bay line
this is out to all model railroaders who enjoy to make track plans. i have officaly hit a writers block. i have looked online i have looked in books. but i dont have a good track plan. or idea. and i dont want to pay out the butt for a planning service.
i have inclosed a rough drawing of the room with accurate dimentions . the plan calls for a 15 x15x30x4. ho scale layout
"Background" Helix
I just saw something that started the old gray matter sparking. I just saw this post on the MR forums, and I've been looking at other layouts that are themselve a giant helix, just all visiable.
The poster's techinque makes me wonder if anyone has put a helix on the back side of the layout. Say for an around the room, like his, where you may not want to waste the space for a more compact helix.
Does every layout need a yard?
On another thread, I recommended Andy Sperandeo's Kalmbach book The Model Railroader's Guide to Freight Yards as one of my top three books for newcomers interested in layout design and operations. Someone emailed to ask if I believed that every layout should have a yard, since I had recommended the book.
Uploading photos and stuff
Has uploading of photos and diagrams been activated yet?
The reason I ask is that it was turned off the last time I checked and I do want to upload something that I need to show everyone before I ca finalize my car float/ferry section of my underconstruction layout.
Irv
Track Plan Thoughts
Hello all! I've spent many hundreds of hours going through designing what I thought would be the perfect track plan for the area that I have. I've solicited opinions and help from a few people. Now I have a plan that I really like, but I just want to make sure that there aren't any glaring deficiencies...
Inspiration in Exotic Prototypes
Occasionally I stumble across a prototype that because of it's exotic nature just screams to be modeled. Well it seems exotic to me – I'm sure the locals don't find it to be so! And I might be the only one who hears it scream. Ought to be careful to whom I admit hearing those voices.
OK, need some track plan help
And I realize it's going to be hard to get any with only vague ideas. I think part of the problem is I am reluctant to build anything because I know it will not be around long and I WILL be tearing it down. At the same time, sittign at the bench buildign models for that day in the future when I can build a decent layout isn't going to cut it either - I like to run trains.
Geologic tool, and weather
National Weather Service has recently changed their forecast web page interactive map to provide contour lines.
If you are over the map on the right, and zoom using the mouse wheel, the map will zoom in enough to show 3D relief and contour lines similar to USGS topo maps. I've been using it to study local topography to determine possible rail routes.
And, if you click on a location, you get a forecast (and history) for that spot.
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