I am starting a small layout that will serve 2 purposes. One, a T Trak modular setup for going to shows, and second, it will be small enough to be set up at home for a layout. It will consist of running from West to East as follows: An endcap, three 12" modules of 29" depth, another endcap and then a final 12" module. I am going to start with building the two endcaps and what will be the Western-most straight module, so I can get some trains running to keep me enthused. The West endcap will be the first built and detailed, followed by the straight module. The South edge of the layout will be the access side for home running, with all modules being set up to be viewed from either direction. The sections will have a vertical separation, with the yard being at 0" and the "upper" section climbing to 2" at the end nearest the East Endcap. I would appreciate some input on some ideas from folks on some different things: 1. A #6 turnout will be placed on the inner mainline to access the inner branchline and a #6 crossover will be placed between the two mains. Which would be the better locations for these on the 3 central modules? 2. On the posted track plan, would I be better off for future switching using the printed South section [closest to running edge of layout] or switching that section to a Timesaver plan? Here is the basic plan, which will sit in between the T Trak mainlines:
Deacon, I'm a little confused... If I understand correctly, your layout will not be a complete loop of modules. When you say 12" long by 29" deep, are you saying 12" in the direction (length) of tracks, or 29"? 29" is about the "length" of an end cap; do you intend to have back-to-back straight modules implemented as one piece? Will your modules, set up at home, not implement a complete loop? 3 straight modules in front, and only one in back? As far as the scene shown vs a timesaver, IMHO, if you want scenery, choose the scene shown. Timesavers do not often lend to decent industrial scenery. They are meant as an operating puzzle, not a scenic element. I still don't understand how the scene you showed fits into the modules, it shows only one "end cap" and a few straight modules. A second end cap could close the open end and allow continuous running. A basic diagram of your proposed modules and track plan, laid out together, would help... "A picture is worth a thousand words." Confused in Texas...
Sorry, for not making it more clear. The center straight modules are the ones that will be 12" width and will reach as one piece across the table, instead of having two separate 12" wide by 14" deep modules placed back to back. So, there will be a complete 2 line mainline loop using two endcaps on either end,with the three central modules. I hope that makes it a little more clear. I will try to draw something up later [wish me luck].
Well, the planning continues [paper being cheaper than lumber!], and I decided that I would have a few primary goals to aim for. 1. A mainline that would allow me to just watch a train run. 2. A turntable, as I love them and run a lot of steam. 3. View blocks to give the impression of a longer run area. 4. Simplicity in the wiring. To this end I decided to stick with Unitrack instead of laying flextrack. I also will try to set up the proper blocks so I can upgrade to DCC later [possible, but a LONG way down the road]. So, it will be setup on a folding table, with a framework under it based on Sumner's build ideas. 1x3s with an extruded foam top, that will be the build idea. I will still use the basic track plan above as the central portion, expanding the loop radius to 11". The turntable will go to the upper right quadrant. this will be on a 30" by 6' build area. The outer loop will be a 13" minimum radius, allowing a nicer look to my passenger trains [still planning on limiting passenger cars to the 60'65' lengths.
That's what I did as well, choosing Unitrack. Unitrack's power directing turnouts will save you some wiring. I ended up with 16 blocks, 6 of which are in an engine terminal. With a turntable, you'll probably not have to add blocks for an engine terminal.
Nice thing about DCC is the wiring is simpler. You don't need blocks unless you want to turn power off to sections of tracks or want to have more than one power block and this is only if you are running a lot of locos or decoders and need more power (boosters) for the layout. You don't need them to run trains. Run as many as you want, any direction you want all at the same time on the same block of power. Sumner
Other reasons for dividing a layout into multiple DCC power blocks (that likely don't apply to the OP, but are still useful in specific applications): For auto reversing sections/loops. These will need either an auto-reverse controller (like a circuit breaker, but just reverses the output polarity in response to excess circuit draw), or an auto-reversing booster (e.g. SPROG SBOOST, the 2nd booster of a Pi SPROG 3 Plus, or maybe even the B track output of DCC++EX if they implement my proposal). For multiple short-circuit-protected power districts. Say you have a 10 amp booster for your large N scale layout. While it's ampacity would allow you to wire up the entire layout directly to the booster, a 10 amp booster is enough to fry (literally) many things that might cause a short (like an N scale loco run against a switch thrown the other way, etc.) So you use smaller circuit breakers to feed separate, smaller power districts, so a short in any of those districts trips the DCC bus at a much safer current level, while you still have 10 amps for all the trains on the whole layout.
As planned, there are no reversing sections, except for the turntable. Also, I have a bunch of power control switches from my former layout many years ago. I know I am taunting Murphy saying this but, hopefully by keeping the KISS principle in the forefront, I can avoid as many problems as possible.
Be venturesome, such as replicating plans I've seen here with reverse loops nested within reverse loops connected by double crossovers.
