I am in the planning phase of a new layout and wanted to spend an adequate amount of time 'seeing what is out there' least I reinvent the wheel. My meager collection of track plan books had nothing to offer. With this in mind, I went to a hobby shop and looked over their offerings. The shock was that most of these books were 'recycled' issues that have been out for years! I have an Atlas track plan book that was first published in 1969 and has been republished several times (usually - although not always with updated pictures).
A cursory search of the Internet yielded little of value and the MR track plan database was heavily weighted on the room-sized layout. I am familiar with Carl Arendt's website ('love it); but wasn't able to find anything there either. Any suggestions (beyond hiring someone to design a layout for me)? I was attracted to the Whatsup Dock Co. offering in the March 2009 Model Railroader - although that plan would require extensive modification (which is OK; unless there is something better out there).
I should mention that I am looking at an 'L-shaped' layout that measures 6'x 8'x 24". My major interest is in switching; so continuous running is not required nor desired.
Thanks,
Ray
Have you tried the Atlas track plan designer Freeware download? It can help you with designing a track plan, although some aspects of it are non-intuitive.
Good Afternoon Paul - Actually I use AnyRail which is far superior to most of the other average modeler track planning programs (it has libraries for most brands of track). I was hoping I could find an existing track plan - and either use it or modify it to my needs. Between patients, I did the 'Google thing' and viewed over 300 websites (out of a possible 31,000 + available). Honestly, I think I have given up on an Internet search engine for this purpose (time invested vs payout).
I am still enamored with the Whatsup Dock Co. - although it will have to be heavily modified (which means it isn't the same plan). My thought was that maybe someone out there in 'Bachmann Land' had some better suggestions. I do appreciate your response.
Ray
try looking here
http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/ (http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/)
Have you checked your local library?
CNE,
Model Railroader books has a How-To Guide called Shelf Layouts for model railroads, written by Iain Rice, a well known track plan designer for layouts large and small. I have at least three books by him and find his methods and plans very, very helpful
The ISBN # is 978-0-89024-690-0 and the book sells for $19.95. It is published by Kalmback books. www.KalmbachBooks.com
Bob
Try here also
http://www.carendt.com/ (http://www.carendt.com/)
You could go on the Model Railroader web site, do search on the magazine index, then someone (like myself) who has complete or nearly complete collections of Model Railroader could lookup and copy any relevent articles or plans for you.
I have MR complete from about 1957 and Craftsman off and on but well represented in the same period.
Or, using the wealth of info out there, design your own.
I am a trained draftsman, both in traditional drafting and CADD. I have yet to see any advantage to any kind of CADD program for designing model train layouts.
Sheldon
Ray,
Current issue: Classic Toy Trains - Sept. 2009
PLAN A POINT-TO-POINT LAYOUT
This wall-hugging L-shaped O gauge* layout is designed for maximum switching action.
by John Penca
(*I call it 3-rail-O)
Not HO, but it may give you some good ideas, and it should shrink well.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Excellent suggestions...keep 'em coming!
Pdlethbridge: I am a frequent 'visitor' to the Shunting Puzzle website and derived my current layout from the Peliz Bay design (unfortunately, I am in the process of dismantling this effort). I am also a disciple of Carl Arendt and very frequently visit his excellent site for information, enjoyment and inspiration.
Sheldon: I have already thoroughly checked the MR website - to no avail with the exception of the present front runner...the Whatsup Dock Co. This design, which features handlaid track/turnouts, would have to be extensively redesigned. I agree that a CADD program, no matter how sophisticated, can not 'do all the legwork' for one. AnyRail is a free program (although I elected to pay the fee and release the entire package) that is fairly intuitive. The AnyRail effort demonstrated that the Whatsup Dock Co.: 1) doesn't work as pictured in MR [...because I later found out that non standard turnouts were used, and 2) would not fit in the space the author used [again, because of the custom nature of the trackwork]. I do use AnyRail to modify existing plans to give me a better idea of what either works or is possible.
Joe, I will have to get myself to a good magazine retailer and check out the latest issue of CTT. You have captured my interest when you said; "...layout is designed for maximum switching action." Generally I simply reduce the plan by 50% to arrive at measurements approximating HO (although I read on another post from this forum that the figure is closer to 30%). Either way, I will check it out as I am a firm believer of doing my homework BEFORE heating up the credit card.
Not to forget RAM's excellent suggestion of trying your local library: I live in a small, rural town in Alabama. Our local library leaves a lot to be desired (I had better stop after that comment). Some time ago I offered to donate a large, bound, collection of Model Railroader, Classic Toy Trains, and Garden Railways to the library...I was told; "We don't have room for those in our collection." I ended up donating the materials to a library in Florida - who jumped at the chance to get such a valuable reference source. Sad really.
Thanks everyone,
Ray
Ray,
I was not refering to plans published on the web site. I don't think all the plans that have appeared in MR in 50-60 years are on available on the web site.
The Index of Magazines allows for the searching of all past MR issues and a large number of other publications as well. BUT, then you must have or find the magazine in question.
Sheldon
Oh, OK Sheldon...I see what you are talking about. The current database on MR's website only goes back to something like 2003. Your idea is a good one.
Ray
Have you seen the Lance Mindheim shelf layout East Rail? You may find some inspiration here.
http://www.lancemindheim.com/
Geoff.
Thanks for the suggested website Goeff. That featured layout is too large for the space I have been given (it can't be any larger than an 'L' measuring 4'x 12'). The second leg of the Miami layout was 9' which would cross the doorway. That, in itself, wouldn't be a problem if the room were dedicated to 'trains only' - unfortunately that isn't the case.
I sincerely appreciate your time in helping me research a viable (for me) layout plan.
Regards,
Ray
Hi Ray
What you really need to do is check out the Ian Rice (spelling) publication
just put out by Kalmbach.
Ian Rice is the past master of the small layout and very well known in the UK model circles for just that.
Also have a look at some of the UK publications you will not find the basement Empires so beloved by the US publications they may provide some inspiration for you.
regards John
Ray,
Have not seen Iain Rice's latest book on Shelf Layouts. Suggest that you also look at his previous "Small,Smart and Practical Track Plans", especially the piece on "Industrial Switching Lines". All plans are round the wall type with some having individual "scenes"which could be lifted.
Eric UK
John - Why didn't I think of checking out modeling books from Europe? Most of the micro layouts on Carl Arendt's website come from 'across the pond". Excellent suggestion.
Eric - I will definitely check out Iain Rice's book on shelf layouts. Usually I go to our [only] semi-local hobby shop and look through the rather extensive selection of layout books offered. Almost 100% of the time 'shelf layout' equates to a 'shelf' that extends around (and sometimes through) a whole room! Frankly, I don't have space for that sort of thing and probably wouldn't want it if I did. Your idea of 'lifting' a small section of a much larger plan has merit...I'll have to think about that one.
Thanks all,
Ray
Ray,
The S,S and P book I mentioned has a layout that may interest you if you have 12ft. length.
It has two scenic sections and a 'table' to carry cassettes measuring 9'3" oal. The centre section and table are fixed while there are 3 alternative themed end sections. One has various industries, one is single heavy engineering company and last is a harbour terminal with warehouse,pier and carfloat.
You could lengthen the 7' long scenic sections slightly and replace cassette table with a longer 3 or 4 track staging/fiddle yard.
Eric UK
Eric, you whet my interest in the Iain Rice book Small, Smart and Practical Track Plans. A quick search for the item in Amazon left me speechless. This book sells used for prices beginning at $48.81USD and new beginning at $89.88USD!! While I do think a useful resource is priceless...this is over the top.
Please don't misunderstand me: I appreciate your suggestion and effort - only this type of expenditure (especially when I can't review it in person) is way, way out of my budget.
On another topic: I plan to look closely at cassettes and possibly a sector plate to work one difficult part of the lower yard - ala Carl Arendt. If I were a lot more talented than I am, I would consider incorporating a traverser in the plan...that would be neat!
Ray
Ray, the Iain Rice book was only $19.95 when still in print from Kalmbach, I'm sure if you search around a little you will find a copy for that price or less, as opposed to the theives on Amazon.
I agree, those prices are outrageous.
Sheldon
Ray, in fact a quick search of the web found it a www.modeltrains.com for the orginal price, which is only $18.95 not $19.95.
Sheldon
Sheldon - I followed your advice and checked out the CMT website...yep, they had the Rice book for $18.95 - which I ordered. After singing a couple of verses of "Oh Canada", I commenced to wonder how those other booksellers can charge over $40 for a $20 book?
Thanks,
Ray
Ray,
At the risk of being politicaly incorrect I will just say this, the socialists have yet to completely outlaw the free economy. So the price of ANYTHING is only determined by how badly you want it and how badly the other guy wants to be rid of it.
Those Amazon clowns are people who know what books are out of print from the publishers, they aquire good used or "new old stock" from distressed businesses and othe sources, then they put it on Amazon and hope to make the big markup.
They of cource have to pay Amazon, and leads to even higher prices.
Regular chains of distribution in our hobby, shops or mailorder, will hang on to old stock of anything, for a while at least, and are generally happy to just get the regular price. So with some searching, almost anything can be found, especailly now with many shops, large or small, listing their inventories on the web to broaden their market exposure.
Sheldon
Hi ray
If you can get a look at it and are using small stock.
The Peco loco lift may be of some use to you as small cassette type things
It will mean you can drive in and pick up locos and stock without knocking off those fiddly bits that break.
don't forget to slide the ends in to stop the stock falling out :)
regards John
this site has a number of plans if you dig around enough,,not difficult to find.
here is a 2x12 from the site
http://www.thortrains.net/4holayg.html
main site,,Lots of plans,,
http://www.thortrains.net/index.html
some even have 3-D views like these
http://www.thortrains.net/marx/kdlayhoa.html
The Peco Loco Lift is only 12"long and is only really useful when used as intended--adding to or removing locos from track. Saves me much squinting and fiddling. :D
Ray,
Glad that you found a copy: you have a couple of hours interesting reading to come, especially the 16 page 'preamble' before you get to a plan. You may not agree with some of it ,but it will get you thinking---possibly out of the box in some ways.
Eric UK
Well, there goes another idea...the Peco Loco-Lift. I had planned to use John's idea and use the Lift as an easy cassette (which will be a major component of my future layout). Eric, thanks for the heads up as it will be too short. Someone over on the MR forum sent me the plans for simple cassettes using aluminum channel. Now all I have to add to the 'to do' list is find aluminum channel.
Jbsmith - I had already discovered that website and am amazed at the amount of material contained within. Thanks for the suggestion.
I took some bulletin board paper and made a 1:1 track plan for the Port Kelsey Ry that was featured in MR some years ago. Using Peco Code 75 templates, I got everything to fit AND still had room for a good number of structures. The dimensions of the layout would be an 'L' measuring 6'x 10' x 2' wide. This allows me to 'fiddle' on one end of the layout (from cassettes) as well as the end of the long side (leaving me 2' from the end of the layout to the room wall
At this point, nothing is cast in stone...so any suggestions are appreciated.
Regards,
Ray