New build

[AndyH]

Hi all
Following on from my recent post, this is what I've built and layed out.
Any advice on the operational layout and how to decorate it/set the scene most welcome. I'm thinking hills/embankment at the back and would like bridges and tunnels
It's loosely based on Neville's green on free track plans (not sure if real.place or not) it's 8*7 Inc well.
I've used most of what I have bar a few straights and curves I will eventually extend the left side (opposite the door) double line central station and goods yard to right and branch line or goods yard to.left.

Thanks Andy

[Walkingthedog]

I think you have reached the stage for you to make up your mind what sort if scenery you would like and where. Once you have made that decision come back and ask for advice how to achieve this.

Only you know what you want.

[AndyH]

Following on from my disastrous attempt at trying to install point motors, I'm tempted to start again with something simple like a double loop with crossover or passing line and sidlings rather than trying to use all the points I have.
I had to guess part numbers /track pieces as the plan I followed, I couldn't work out how to find the parts and I don't really have that much track either.

Could anyone recommend a track design to fit an 8*7 board with the centre well, with the following track please? All DC

7*R604 (4 straights in a row) nickel
21*R01 (double straights) steel
2*R01 as above but nickel
30*R500 (single straight) 20 nickel 10 steel
4*620 straight decouplers
1*636 twin track car crossing/junction box
8*610 short straight
18*R607 (longest curve I have) 6*steel 12*nickel
11*R05 (medium curve) all steel
10*R606 (short curve) nickel
7*6073 (short right hand point nickel however some broken and insolated ie dead power
4*6072 (short left point) as above all nickel but some possibly broken and isolated or dead power
4*612 slightly longer left point steel
1*613 slightly longer right hand point

I have several point motors and switches I'm also trying to use. I would like to be able to run at least 2 trains, the more the merrier and entertaining for a 6 yr old and myself

Any help thoughts and advise most welcome

Thanks Andy

[yelrow]

andy, the most enjoyment, of this hobby, is building your own track . If someone else designs it for you, its no longer your layout. The way, many of us go about it, is to lay a couple of pieces of track, then a couple more, and so on, testing, as we go. You can of course, download designs from the many on the internet, but that to my mind is a cop out. By testing as you go, you then know your track , is flat, install one point, then test with a loco, then move on. I have read so many posts where guys build a layout, then try a loco, find nothing works, and wonder why. I think , perhaps you were a tad ambitious, with your first design. Build a loop, test it. If ok, then build a loop inside, test it. Then join together with two points, test them. You get the idea. If you want something to look at, go on Pin interest, on line, where you will see loads of ideas. If you are going to start again, look at a lift out section. You will live to regret it, in the future, if you dont. Much easier to put in now.

[Walkingthedog]

I agree with John (yelrow). Get some track down and a train running. It is impossible for us to design a layout from a list of track unless you are stuck in front of a computer. Don’t worry about point motors to start with, just get the layout to work. Hold the occasional pieces of track down with track pins.

[yelrow]

Andy , it might be the photo, but your board, seems to be dropping at on end. Have you a piece of 2x1, across the bottom to support it. Is it level, with a spirit level. By using our method, you will spot any defective track, as you go, and be able to discard it. I have a lot of old track, in my layout, but all tested , rail by rail,

[AndyH]

Andy , it might be the photo, but your board, seems to be dropping at on end. Have you a piece of 2x1, across the bottom to support it. Is it level..

Yes it's just about level as I can get it. One of the boards is slightly warped.

Again ideally once got track how I want it and working I want raise it up a bit and bridges etc

Mod. Edit: Quote reformatted to show correctly.

[Steve M]

“One of the boards is slightly warped.”

You’ll have nothing but trouble. The quality and standard of your baseboard and track will determine how successful the layout will be. I believe you are building problems into the project - stop, take a good look at what you are doing and reconsider the approach.

It may take longer but it’s worth it in the end.

[AndyH]

“One of the boards is slightly warped.”

It may take longer but it’s worth it in the end.

It's not so.much the time it's more the expense. To get 2 sheets of ply be £60. Same with the track which is mostly old steel half broken and I simply don't have the budget to buy all new peco track, locos and controller. May add a starter set on Christmas list maybe but a single oval would get tired rather quickly.

[Steve M]

Andy, just trying to help you avoid unnecessary cost.
Model railways forums are full of threads where the builder has ‘economised’ and ended up with poor running and worse.
They invariably either rip it up and start again or give up completely. I’m not saying this method won’t work, just want you to be aware of where it may lead you.
I speak from personal experience.