Hey guys, I am going to be redoing my layout because I am not satisfied with my recent track plan. The layout dimensions are 5x10. Here is a look ;)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/ThomasFan247/DSCF4978.jpg)
Tell me what you guys think ;)
Very good! ;D
very nice, nice track plan, nice design, what kind of track are you planning to use, bachmann or atlas?
Quote from: alex wittman on February 18, 2010, 06:12:22 PM
very nice, nice track plan, nice design, what kind of track are you planning to use, bachmann or atlas?
Bachmann. I wanted to use atlas, but I can't afford all the track needed (my parents can, but they won't buy it for me :P) I have most of the Bachmann track already so I'm just gonna buy the track needed ;)
Well I usually can't offer pointers unless the layout gets started, so all I can say is good luck with the new layout. :)
Exellent
looks great! ;D
one ques. is the Round house bachmann tidmouth sheds? ???
No its not out yet.
Quote from: thomasj219 on March 04, 2010, 04:45:02 PM
No its not out yet.
well i didnt know if this was a plan or not
good work also when tidmouth sheds comes out you should uses it just as a thought though
oh yeah well probably ;)
Once I get Tidmouth Sheds that will replace the 6 stall atlas shed I have (I will also be getting 2 extra stalls ;)). I finished the layout weeks ago but forgot about posting pics. I'll hafta wait till I come home from South Carolina :\
what program did you use to make that visual?
Quote from: Anthony P2 on March 05, 2010, 04:14:59 PM
what program did you use to make that visual?
atlas rts ;)
I'm sorry for a dumb question, but I'm new here, and pretty much brand new to HO trains. I just bought a few of the Thomas sets to make a train table for my son and really like the layout shown above. Looks like it would fit nicely in the space I have. But, could I ask what specific type of switch tracks are used for the turn outs and the movement from track 1 to track 2? Also what radius are the curves?
Appreciate the help,
Chad
The curves are 22 radius on the outside line and 18 radius on the inner track. All other siding curves are 18 radius. I'm not sure what switches they are. They're the same as Bachmann's Steel Alloy switches.
Thanks Thomas Fan! I'm guessing maybee they are the standard type that come in the track packs. I guess I'll pick up a starter set or maybee two to get started.
I was also wondering if anyone here knows how the engines in the Thomas line do with inclines? I was also wanting to get one of the elevation pier sets to do an over/under track. Do these trains perform ok going up hills or is that really intended for the higher end locomotives?
Hello Chad,
I am sure your Son will enjoy the many fun layghs you will share with your Thomas Trains. Okay, well, if you wanted to, you can use Bachmann E-Z Track which is most of the time most Expensive. The Turnouts are the regular ones not the long ones. The Outer radius would be 22 in and inner 18 in.
For the Cheaper company, Atlas, you can purchase normal turnouts and 22 in and 18in raduis'. Or use atlas Flexi Track, the cheapest, cut and bend around all the curves to make them fit.I have this kind. Hope this Helps. :)
-Tanner
Here is what flexi track looks like, dont forget to put roadbed underneath with Atlas Track.
(http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/SodorAdventures/DSC01259.jpg)
(http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/SodorAdventures/DSC01252.jpg)
Quote from: DrNickRiviera995 on March 31, 2010, 09:34:11 PM
Thanks Thomas Fan! I'm guessing maybee they are the standard type that come in the track packs. I guess I'll pick up a starter set or maybee two to get started.
I was also wondering if anyone here knows how the engines in the Thomas line do with inclines? I was also wanting to get one of the elevation pier sets to do an over/under track. Do these trains perform ok going up hills or is that really intended for the higher end locomotives?
Well, Yes and no, If you purchased a Pier set, use it. Your Trains can go up it, but not easily
Thanks everyone, I think I will base it off the layout at the top of this page, I think the Tidmoth Sheds and Knapford Station should be able to fit once they are released. I'll just leave the spot where the RoundHouse is empty or just place a few extra side tracks until it's released.
I may also do a 3rd circle around the 22" radius curves to be able to run 3 trains simultaniously. I don't remember off hand what radius fits snug to the outside of the 22" Anyone here know off hand? I should be able to figure it out from my Bachman layout book if not.
I will be using the Bachman EZ Track Nickel Silver and add ballast too, seems to be the best and most reliable track system out there.
Not trying to sound rude or anything, but I don't care if you base your layout off of my plans, but I would appreciate it if you don't copy off of it. I made that for my own use, and I thought I'd show it off. But I didn't have the intention that someone would want to use my plans :-\ Just please, don't copy it. And I don't think that Knapford and Tidmouth Sheds will both fit on a 5 x 9'7" board.
Its just a design you cant copyright it and he can use it if he wants. All of the world of model railroading is copying why do you think we call it modeling. ;D
Not going to copy it, and my board will probably be a bit larger or even an "L" shape. I just liked your layout, it seems hard to find track plans online, I even bought a Bachman track planing book and found out there actualy aren't many track diagrams in it at all...let alone with multiple continuous tracks.
Now that I've thought about it I might just buy a bunch of different track/risers and just play with the layout until it looks cool.
Quote from: DrNickRiviera995 on April 03, 2010, 10:05:51 PM
Not going to copy it, and my board will probably be a bit larger or even an "L" shape. I just liked your layout, it seems hard to find track plans online, I even bought a Bachman track planing book and found out there actualy aren't many track diagrams in it at all...let alone with multiple continuous tracks.
Now that I've thought about it I might just buy a bunch of different track/risers and just play with the layout until it looks cool.
Sorry. I was in a really bad mood yesterday. I don't care if you use my plan. Like Thomasj219 said, its not copyrighted. Lol. Sorry about that.
Quote from: SodorAdventures on April 02, 2010, 08:57:41 AM
Quote from: DrNickRiviera995 on March 31, 2010, 09:34:11 PM
Thanks Thomas Fan! I'm guessing maybee they are the standard type that come in the track packs. I guess I'll pick up a starter set or maybee two to get started.
I was also wondering if anyone here knows how the engines in the Thomas line do with inclines? I was also wanting to get one of the elevation pier sets to do an over/under track. Do these trains perform ok going up hills or is that really intended for the higher end locomotives?
Well, Yes and no, If you purchased a Pier set, use it. Your Trains can go up it, but not easily
Not sure if you still have incline issues, but I'm working with that as well as an attempt at an RWS Gordon's Hill. You really need to be picky about it. I am at the steepest possible and my grade spans 8 - 9 ft. It takes up space, but when I finalize my adjustments, it will look nice.
I still can't get it right though. So picky... You have to work with it. I'm trying to get Edward, James, Percy, and Thomas to pull 2-3 coaches. Henry, Gordon, Spencer, Mavis, and Salty can pull 3 coaches. Speaking of Gordon and Henry and Spencer, they can pull just about 6 express coaches.
An incline or two really add to the layout scenically and in terms of having fun when running engines! ;D Good luck.
Quote from: SodorAdventures on April 02, 2010, 08:55:54 AM
Hello Chad,
I am sure your Son will enjoy the many fun layghs you will share with your Thomas Trains. Okay, well, if you wanted to, you can use Bachmann E-Z Track which is most of the time most Expensive. The Turnouts are the regular ones not the long ones. The Outer radius would be 22 in and inner 18 in.
For the Cheaper company, Atlas, you can purchase normal turnouts and 22 in and 18in raduis'. Or use atlas Flexi Track, the cheapest, cut and bend around all the curves to make them fit.I have this kind. Hope this Helps. :)
-Tanner
Here is what flexi track looks like, dont forget to put roadbed underneath with Atlas Track.
(http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/SodorAdventures/DSC01259.jpg)
(http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/SodorAdventures/DSC01252.jpg)
As reply to using trackbed with Atlas track, there is no need for it unless you are going above and beyond. If you are running your trains on something with a lot of noise being made, then it should be considered. If you are going for plywood, there is no need as it looks just as nice without. (It saves a heap of money as well.)
Very nice design, what program did you use to make the design?
Very nice layout design, are you planning to get Knapford station?
Quote from: PerfectPercy311 on April 07, 2010, 12:00:38 AM
Quote from: SodorAdventures on April 02, 2010, 08:57:41 AM
Quote from: DrNickRiviera995 on March 31, 2010, 09:34:11 PM
Thanks Thomas Fan! I'm guessing maybee they are the standard type that come in the track packs. I guess I'll pick up a starter set or maybee two to get started.
I was also wondering if anyone here knows how the engines in the Thomas line do with inclines? I was also wanting to get one of the elevation pier sets to do an over/under track. Do these trains perform ok going up hills or is that really intended for the higher end locomotives?
Well, Yes and no, If you purchased a Pier set, use it. Your Trains can go up it, but not easily
Not sure if you still have incline issues, but I'm working with that as well as an attempt at an RWS Gordon's Hill. You really need to be picky about it. I am at the steepest possible and my grade spans 8 - 9 ft. It takes up space, but when I finalize my adjustments, it will look nice.
I still can't get it right though. So picky... You have to work with it. I'm trying to get Edward, James, Percy, and Thomas to pull 2-3 coaches. Henry, Gordon, Spencer, Mavis, and Salty can pull 3 coaches. Speaking of Gordon and Henry and Spencer, they can pull just about 6 express coaches.
An incline or two really add to the layout scenically and in terms of having fun when running engines! ;D Good luck.
Quote from: SodorAdventures on April 02, 2010, 08:55:54 AM
Hello Chad,
I am sure your Son will enjoy the many fun layghs you will share with your Thomas Trains. Okay, well, if you wanted to, you can use Bachmann E-Z Track which is most of the time most Expensive. The Turnouts are the regular ones not the long ones. The Outer radius would be 22 in and inner 18 in.
For the Cheaper company, Atlas, you can purchase normal turnouts and 22 in and 18in raduis'. Or use atlas Flexi Track, the cheapest, cut and bend around all the curves to make them fit.I have this kind. Hope this Helps. :)
-Tanner
Here is what flexi track looks like, dont forget to put roadbed underneath with Atlas Track.
(http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/SodorAdventures/DSC01259.jpg)
(http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/SodorAdventures/DSC01252.jpg)
As reply to using trackbed with Atlas track, there is no need for it unless you are going above and beyond. If you are running your trains on something with a lot of noise being made, then it should be considered. If you are going for plywood, there is no need as it looks just as nice without. (It saves a heap of money as well.)
Yeah But it is very well recommended for layout realism
It doesn't add much realism. It only raises the track a bit. If you lay ballast correctly, you can eliminate that need of more money.
I'm going to use Bachmann EZ Track Nickel Silver. Sounds like the most reliable, I will eventualy ballast it but just want to get the track layout up and trains running a while. I'm sure that's all my little boy cares about lol. But I plan to fully landscape and set it up so I could eventualy get "real" trains (probably mainly Santa Fe stuff) and just switch out from the Thomas characters and vice versa whenever.
Layout will actualy look nothing like yours now, decided to do pretty much a U-shape. Once it's all together I'll try to post up some pics, I'll start my own topic though, didn't mean to hijack this one lol.
Quote from: PerfectPercy311 on April 21, 2010, 04:39:13 PM
It doesn't add much realism. It only raises the track a bit. If you lay ballast correctly, you can eliminate that need of more money.
To me, it adds lots of realism, and its not much of an expense either, so track bed also is sound deadening, and allows for better traction on the rails ;)
I don't understand how it can add traction when there is no contact with the actual rails. When it adds up it can get on the steeper side when you have many things to consider on a layout.
Dr. Nick (love the name): Looking forward to the layout. Good luck.
Cheers
All right, lots to update.
I've been with my friend Todd and we're planning on building a layout over the next few years. We don't know when we'll start but so far we have a track plan.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/ThomasFan247/ChristianandToddsLayout.jpg)
I have all the buildings besides Knapford and Tidmouth. The minimum curve is 18 in. Radius; Maximum curve is 24 in. Radius. Its about 17 ft. by 17 ft (16.67 ft. to be precise). I don't know where it will go but i hope it'll go somewhere ::)
Very cool, I hope your able to bring it all together! :)
Wow. That is Awsome!!! :o ;D ;D The red areas of track and the ones that follow, is that a seperate line or does it connect somehow?
well, I love the design too. but the red track going across that curve might be tricky, are you and your friend Todd going to build an Pier set going up and over them or just custom build a crossing for that? other than that it looks like a great track plan
that looks like it will be a nice layout! ;D do you plan to convert your engines to DCC. o btw before i forget HAPPY NATIONAL TRAIN DAY TO ALL!
OMG I almost forgot, crap, I got to run my trains all night to make up for the day!!!!! JK no I ran them all day during filming of the "Pilot Episode" for my series.
Seems awkward the way the 2 sets of lines connect. I also don't see where Knapford will go. As for the size, if it is 17 by 17 (about) Tidmouth and the docks are far too big if this is in HO. With a 17 by 17, you could fit from Tidmouth to Crosby easily, maybe even Wellsworth and the Docks if you don't do absolutely everything in between. Looks alright though. Good luck with it.
PerfectPercy