Calling
all layout designers!!! I need your ideas. Sometime in the future I am going to be
building a HO scale layout and would like some input. Right now, it is in the concept
phase. This means I can list everything I want on the layout (and I probably will get
carried away). Granted, I will not be able to have everything I want. But, if I don't put
it on the list I am sure not to get it. If you would, take some time to look over the list
and if you come up with any ideas, e-mail
them to me. I will read and consider your ideas. If they are something I think I would
like to do, I will post them here for general consumption. By combining your ideas with
mine, maybe a nice layout will be designed. Thanks in advance!
Table Of Contents
Following is a list of my layout requirements (and desires). I will be adding to this list
as I have time.
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Benchwork
 |
Designed for disassembly - I don't plan on moving but I
guess it is always possible |
|
L-girder |
|
Probably just one level...could be multi-level |
|
If multi-level, prefer no helix |
|
Walk around control (????) |
|
|
Control Panel(s) |
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Track
|
Point-to-point with optional continuous loop. I want to give
the layout a purpose of moving goods from one location to another and to have the
operational enjoyment of doing just that. But, I would also like to have the option of
allowing it to run free. |
|
Prefer no reverse loops |
|
Main Line
 |
Minimum radius: 30" |
|
Minimum turnout: #6 |
|
Dual track such that two trains can run simultaneously |
|
Track centers at 2" (for dual tracks of course) to
allow for finger space |
|
Main Line tracks are 2' scale above yard tracks |
|
|
Branch / Yard (Anything not Main Line)
|
Minimum radius: 18" |
|
Minimum turnout: #4 |
|
Track centers at 1 3/4" (for tracks which run close and
parallel) to allow for finger space |
|
|
|
Pointes Of Interest
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Port City (One end of the point-to-point)(????)
|
Large rail yard - Basicaly, I want this to look line an old
steam era yard which has been modified over the years for diesel service.
 |
Turntable |
|
Roundhouse |
|
Both steam and diesel service facilities (????) |
|
Caboose track |
|
2-3 staging tracks |
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3-5 storage tracks |
|
Plenty of room for MOW and other scenic details |
|
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Industrial area with switching operations |
|
|
Small town (The other end of the point-to-point)
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Small rail yard |
|
Situated in mountains |
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Coal mine |
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Lumber mill |
|
|
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Scales
|
Track vs. Scenery - Equal balance |
|
Hidden vs. Visible track - Little, if any,
hidden staging yard (unless space allows) |
|
Here is a diagram of my future train room. There is one wall which has a circuit breaker
panel on it. I believe it would be best to reserve this wall for my desks, tables, wall
shelves, and such. Therefore, the door would probably go best on the left side of the
room. That leaves the other three walls for the benchwork. Unfortunately, the right side
of the room has only about seven foot of height due to heating ducts. Feel free to copy
this image and make additions or changes for suggested benchwork.
Page created: March 02, 1999
Page updated: Saturday, March 24, 1998
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