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Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: tpikebob on February 20, 2017, 10:04:38 AM

Title: Layout Trouble
Post by: tpikebob on February 20, 2017, 10:04:38 AM
I have 2 4x8 tables I have put them in a L shape  so my layout area is 8x12. Having trouble deciding on a layout. Would like a track around the  paraimeter with some trains inside and maybe a over under with tunnels. I am using HO silver EZtrak and some of the turns are tough?  IDEAS? also can Bach Ho flex track be combined with ez trak? This would make some corners easier?  HELP
Title: Re: Layout Trouble
Post by: jbrock27 on February 20, 2017, 11:40:17 AM
As long as the flex track is Code 100, yes.  You will need to put road bed (I recommend Midwest cork) under the flex track to match the height of the EZ track.  Be careful not to make the radius on the curves using the flex track, too tight. 

What kind of locos are you running?  This will influence the radius of the curves you should use.
Title: Re: Layout Trouble
Post by: RAM on February 20, 2017, 02:56:17 PM
Ideas, You get 100 people and you will have 100 ideas.  Do you want a model railroad layout, or a model train layout.  Myself, I like model railroad layout.  You don't have track just to have track.  I would say a limit of 5 locomotives.  I would have single track on the edge of the layout with one exception.  That would be a siding at the station to hold a short passenger train.  All your trains would be short.  Inside would be yard and service tracks.  You would be able to do most  of the switching of you customers with out getting on the main line.  The far corner would be hidden track.  That is just my thinking.
Title: Re: Layout Trouble
Post by: Len on February 20, 2017, 05:29:24 PM
Kalmbach offers a number of books on layout planning:
https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/catalog/books?filters=fad1ce900f1b40479549a4c670bb57de,07add069119048d893e98c001107a3a2 (https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/catalog/books?filters=fad1ce900f1b40479549a4c670bb57de,07add069119048d893e98c001107a3a2)

If you have enough space for an 8 x 12 layout using two sheets of plywood, I strongly suggest looking at a shelf type layout. You'll get a lot more railroad in the same space, and be able to use broader curves.

Kalmbach also has some books with nice layout suggestions for that kind of space. At least to give some ideas to use as a starting place:
https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/catalog/books?filters=fad1ce900f1b40479549a4c670bb57de,807737f4dfec4085bfe6598a801f306c (https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/catalog/books?filters=fad1ce900f1b40479549a4c670bb57de,807737f4dfec4085bfe6598a801f306c)

Len
Title: Re: Layout Trouble
Post by: Terry Toenges on February 21, 2017, 01:59:04 AM
Clicking the link below will give you some L shaped layouts to give you some ideas -
https://www.google.com/search?q=train+%22l+shaped+layout%22&lr=&newwindow=1&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiC9rykzqDSAhVn0FQKHdBJBocQ_AUICCgB&biw=1280&bih=606 (https://www.google.com/search?q=train+%22l+shaped+layout%22&lr=&newwindow=1&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiC9rykzqDSAhVn0FQKHdBJBocQ_AUICCgB&biw=1280&bih=606)