Designing track plans can be a pleasurable hobby unto itself. Plans can be roughly hand sketched anywhere, or accurately drawn using computer aided drafting tools, such as SCARM. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, initially focus on designing the single aspect of the plan that gives the layout its purpose. As this feature gets fleshed out, you can then start incorporating any additional supporting elements into the plan.
Recent surveys indicate that the most popular layout design is a disguised oval [EXAMPLE] track plan filling an unused bedroom. The next most popular design is a L-shaped shelf [EXAMPLE] track plan in a shared space. Staging [EXAMPLE] is becoming universal (note that 3rail train durability means that individual staged cars can be dynamically "fiddled" during the operating session, rather than having to be pre-configured in a static consist). Thanks to walk-around control, track plans where you see the entire layout at once are now passe, so continuous run island layouts are usually split with a tall scenic divider [EXAMPLE] (or rarely a dividing waterway [EXAMPLE]) to form two scenically disconnected pseudo shelf layouts.
Traction railways [EXPLANATION] are similar to conventional railroads, with the exceptions that power is generated externally and distributed through overhead wire or a live third rail (eliminating a need for either HEP or engine refueling); and that traction companies usually operate in a manner more akin to Bus companies. Trackwork differences will be most apparent in that stations are normally constructed in a more Bus-terminal-like style; and that tracks are commonly laid in existing public streets (often forcing tight curvature and exotic junctions). Traction railways that primarily uses trolley poles rather than pantographs will also tend to rely more on balloon tracks.
It is best if your first layouts be small and inexpensive. It is far too easy to fall into "analysis-paralysis" [EXPLANATION] when designing something big. A small layout using pre-fabricated structures will allow you to get up and running quickly. Magazines and videos will certainly provide some clarity, but only thru constructing and running a layout will you gain a true understanding of what elements you like, or don't like, in the hobby.
Choosing the track for your layout is a critical decision, as each manufacturer has offered their own, mostly incompatible, track and turnouts. Modelers should consider building their own track and switches, as this greatly reduces the cost, and provides the ultimate flexibility in fitting a track plan to a space. However, most modelers are probably suitably served by choosing one of the newer commercial sectional track systems listed below:
~ For Permanent Indoor [EXAMPLE] benchwork layouts, the "Atlas 21st Century Track" [EXPLANATION] provides the best combination of looks and sectional track-piece selections. Using adapters [EXPLANATION], you can mix it with other track systems for scenic effects [EXPLANATION]; such as using the slightly wider tie spaced "MTH ScaleTrax" [EXPLANATION] for industry spurs, and the "K-Line SuperStreets" [EXPLANATION] for track running through pavement.
~ For Temporary Indoor [EXAMPLE] floor layouts, the "Lionel FasTrack", although expensive and incompatible with 20th century accessories, is quick to rearrange into different track plans.
~ For Permanent Outdoor [EXAMPLE] garden layouts, the economical "GarGraves" flexible track in combination with the fully compatible "Ross" turnouts, provides a durable solution that looks and works great.
~ For Temporary Outdoor [EXAMPLE] modular layouts, the traditional style "Menards" tubular track offers the ability to mate properly with postwar Lionel toy train accessories. It is simple to power (just attach a Lock-On), and easy to add detection features (just insert an insulating pin).
Track plan designers should always strive to incorporate the widest radius curves that can be accommodated. Experienced modelers consider O-31 to be the absolute minimum curvature that should be allowed on a layout, and curves this sharp should be limited to tracks intended only for cars fifty scale feet and under. The recommended minimum crossover curvature is O-42, and this is also the preferred minimum curvature for longer cars (such as passenger equipment). Although longer equipment may not look pretty doing it, thanks to their truck mounted couplers, all semi-O-scale 3rail equipment can slowly negotiate an O-54 curve (O-36 with traction). Spiral easements are recommended to be used whenever possible with any curves tighter than O-54 (such as an O-42 curve eased with an O-54 entrance/exit segment).
Paralleling curved tracks should always be spaced far enough apart that two wobbling standard 40' box cars can pass without sideswiping. However, although it is preferred that all paralleling curves on your layout be far enough apart that all rollingstock can pass without sideswiping, such tracks can be designated in your rule book as a restricted clearance area where long cars or locomotives may not occupy the track if the paralleling track is in use.
When choosing turnouts it is important to consider rollingstock clearance. This means both clearance from rollingstock sideswiping as the car negotiates the turnouts curved leg (longer cars and tighter curvature require more swing clearance), affecting both track side structures and traffic on paralleling tracks; and the clearance point between the two diverging tracks, affecting the useable length of a spur. A good prototype practice to imitate is to clearly mark the clearance point on diverging tracks.
When track changes grade, try to keep the grade as shallow as possible, and try to keep the radius of any curves on the grade as wide as possible (wider curves produce less friction). Keep gravity in mind as locomotive wheels will slip (and pulling power requirements greatly increase) as grade increases. Also, because our model rollingstock is not equipped with working hand brakes, cars will not stay put on grades. Finally, always remember that the start and end of a grade form a coupler-affecting Vertical Curve, which will require easement.
Track passing under objects (including overhead wires) must never have less than wobbling standard height car clearance through the entire passage. Change of grade, especially for long cars, will momentarily cause cars to exhibit higher than normal height, which must be accounted for. Remember too that different 3rail track types have differing heights, which will affect the clearance measurement. Clearance for taller cars (Hi-Cube box cars, Domed passenger cars, locomotives with pantographs, etc.) is recommended, but areas that are too low for this equipment can be designated in your rule book as a restricted clearance area. Some toy rollingstock have unique clearance requirements, which should be a consideration during track planning even if you aren't expecting to have these cars on the layout.
Freelancing provides many advantages over exactly modeling a specific prototype. Freelancers can rewrite history [EXAMPLE], as often such things as a change in political whim, a slight shift in the market, or a delay in a merger, would have had a big impact on the railroads. Why not steam locomotives in the 1960s, electric Interurbans in the 1990s, or billboard cars today?
Freelancers are not forced to only use exact prototype replica rollingstock, and can if they choose include in their inventory rollingstock that was only used on one prototype railroad. They could even include semi-toy rollingstock (such as obscure and military cars). The same is true with buildings and industries. Why not smelt metal in California, grow grapes in Nebraska, manufacture cars in Arkansas, or raise cattle in Florida?
Road Names, real or fantasy, are relatively unimportant when freelancing, as they have little effect on operating (avoid the temptation to give cute names to railroads, towns, or businesses though, as they will go stale very quickly). However to prevent too much visual jarring, try to make the signage [EXAMPLE], scenery, and industries give the appearance of residing within a similar time period and region of the country.
Most importantly, freelancing is all about FUN. Track Plans (along with any support structures) can be designed exactly the way YOU want, adding or leaving out features entirely upon the basis of personal interest.
When designing or modifying a layout, always keep the unmodifiable Human Scale [EXPLANATION] in the forefront of your mind. This is an especial caveat when either scaling up [EXPLANATION] a track plan from a smaller scale, or scaling down a precisely duplicated section of prototype railroad (you need to have sufficient room for a human hand to uncouple cars). Freelanced (or even total fantasy [EXAMPLE]) railroads will therefore usually offers a superior modeling alternative; but when designing such a layout it is still good practice to incorporate (or at least infer) real railroad design aspects whenever possible.
Regardless of layout square footage, a "simple" layout is defined as 15 turnouts or less. Because O-scale turnouts are expensive, and our focus is budget friendly layouts, all of the custom layouts on this website were designed to demonstrate what could be accomplished using only a minimum number of turnouts. Keeping infrastructure lean is prototypical, as every extra complexity and foot of track, as well as every owned structure, adds expense from both maintenance and taxation. One simplifying tip we can take from real railroads is to use the same spur (sometimes utilizing both sides) to service multiple businesses [EXAMPLE].
Accidents happen, and you won't live forever. From the earliest design stages think Safety (isle width, fire extinguishing, emergency lighting, etc.), think Replacement (disaster insurance, theft insurance, etc.), and think Legacy (documenting the layouts constituents, bequeathing the layout after you are gone, etc.).
All content appearing on this webpage is FREE for personal use, being either expressly created or previously posted as anonymously accessible public on the Internet.
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