24" HCD track plan

kim frizell May 8, 2017

  1. kim frizell

    kim frizell TrainBoard Member

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    Looking for suggestions/critique of my n scale track plan on a 2' HCD. I'm using Peco code 55 flex track and small electrofrog turnouts. The curve radii are 10.5". I won't be running anything larger than 4 axle road switchers and 40' freight cars. There's a small yard at the front with an A/D (runaround) siding that continues on to a loco service track, a yard lead running up to two classification tracks, and a switcher pocket beyond. At the rear of the plan I have a turnout leading to two small industries. The curved mainline at the rear is for scenery purposes and to break up the monotony of an oval mainline. I'm limited to the 2' width because of space and a bad back. Any input will be appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Kim layout.jpg
     
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  2. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    for the space you have, nothing wrong with this. Will you be putting in a scenic divider between the two sides? That will help disguise constrained sizes.
     
  3. kim frizell

    kim frizell TrainBoard Member

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    I can't use a scenic divider since the back of the layout will be against a wall. I'll use a backdrop of some sort though. I'm trying to decide on using a slab of 2" extruded foam for the sub roadbed or Woodland Scenic's 2" risers. I'm not sure how much foam carving I want to do or how much below grade scenery I want in such a small space.
     
  4. jdetray

    jdetray TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Kim -

    I can certainly appreciate your "bad back" comment! I was similarly constrained when developing my track plan and am running short trains with 4-axle diesels and 40-foot freight cars.

    I think your track plan is fine. I might suggest you find a way to hide a portion (or portions) of the mainline so that trains "disappear" during part of the run. It could be as simple as a stand of trees in front of the curved part of the mainline with trains running behind the trees. Anything that promotes the illusion that the trains are going somewhere is helpful.

    Have fun!

    - Jeff
     
  5. mr magnolia

    mr magnolia TrainBoard Member

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    Kim
    Like you, I'm running 4axle units and 40ft boxcars in small space. As Jeff says a little illusion to hide the train for a little while is good. I've tunnelled one of my curves and it makes a big difference.
    For your rear line with the 'interest curve' I might be tempted to continue your rhs return around just a little further and then create a slight reverse curve as at lhs so as to join the two with a flowing curve of flextrack.
    You industry tracks can flow out of that as you have now.

    Donald


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  6. maxairedale

    maxairedale TrainBoard Member

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    You might add a connection to the outside world at one end or the other or both. It does not need to be very long, a car or two will work
    upload_2017-5-10_7-3-31.png

    Gary
     
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  7. kim frizell

    kim frizell TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks Donald. I'm not quite sure what you are suggesting. Do you mean to connect the two industry spurs with curved flex track or to connect the top spur to the engine repair track at the bottom of the layout?
     
  8. kim frizell

    kim frizell TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Obscuring the mainline (especially the curves at the rear right and left side) is a good idea. I'm going to block wire the layout for DC operation and will probably isolate the entire rear mainline so I can park the mainline train while I do some switching operations at the yard at the bottom. Your idea of connecting to the outside world via a short track is a good one Gary. I'll be following all of these suggestions.

    Kim
     
  9. mr magnolia

    mr magnolia TrainBoard Member

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    Kim
    I was trying to suggest replacing the whole top line wiggle and straight with a single gentle inward curve that your spurs could still take off from. You'll need to bring your top right curve around a little further to do this. Gives a little space for scenery at the far side of the track and a little more variety to the view you get of your trains passing by on the far side.

    Donald


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  10. kim frizell

    kim frizell TrainBoard Member

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    OK, I get it now, Donald. That's a great idea. I'll go back into AnyRail and experiment with your suggestion.

    Thanks,
    Kim
     
  11. kim frizell

    kim frizell TrainBoard Member

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    Something like this, Donald? 24x80 track plan.jpg
     
  12. mr magnolia

    mr magnolia TrainBoard Member

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    that's just what I meant. Up to you if you like it, but I'd think it just a little lore interesting - I'm guessing that you may spend a little time just watching the trains go by! And it gives you the chance to maybe have a little bit of country on the other side of the tracks, away from the industry?


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