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Post by christoff on Jul 19, 2015 11:42:08 GMT -5
Ok so that a good plan for Dave but someone like myself I'm bored with these simple layouts and I already own rokuhan track and lots of it like 8 switches 4 for each direction and 195,220,245,270 r curves tons of straights uncoupler tracks track bumpers all the cables and switches to run the the switch tracks I set them up regularly and practice switching and running multiple units I also have over a 100 cars and 10 engines with number 11 on the way ( up e8 yes stoked for that one) so sadly a 2x4 for layout is not big enough for me to run all my trains my 2 sd75i's are double heading on the largest loop I can make in 2x4 feet and there maxed out at 28 cars with a short gap between the front and back of the train I know they can take so much more just need a proper layout to test it on I'm just so lost on where to begin on a real layout and Dave I noticed a major difference in running multiple power feed points to the main loop deffinetly improves the running characteristics of all locomotives both azl and mtl and marklin
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Post by dave on Jul 19, 2015 11:55:40 GMT -5
Christoff,
I am going to limit my first Z-scale layout to 30" x 60". That will get my feet wet with Z scale and also allow me to take the layout to train shows in the area. I like shorter trains (12 cars max) so this size will be OK for me. I have been an N-scaler for many years and wanted to try Z-scale. If everything goes well and I am comfortable with Z-scale, I will probably build a larger, L-shaped layout down the road.
For you, you have to decide how big of an area you have and go from there. If you could an L-shaped layout that is 8' on one side and 6 ' on side and 28" deep, you could run long trains.
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Post by smr on Jul 19, 2015 13:47:27 GMT -5
Something like this?
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Post by smr on Jul 19, 2015 13:50:55 GMT -5
or long trains in a beautiful landscape?
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Post by smr on Jul 19, 2015 14:00:03 GMT -5
or do you prefer a complete "story" such as the DRGW in the Rockies?
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Post by smr on Jul 19, 2015 14:24:34 GMT -5
this one is smaller but is dealing with a specific topic, too;
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Post by dave on Jul 19, 2015 15:37:42 GMT -5
I was thinking more of something like this.
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on Jul 19, 2015 17:46:46 GMT -5
Model Railroader has a track plan book by John Armstrong. He is among the best in the industry. Just downsize / modify any of his H0 layouts to Z. Sincerely, Hans (AZL)
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Post by christoff on Jul 19, 2015 17:47:42 GMT -5
Dave I like you suggestion of the L shaped layout I just measured and have 5.5 x 10.5 feet of space to work with I'll put that into any rail tonight and see what I can come up with should be easier to design around an L vs a rectangle
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Post by domi on Jul 23, 2015 3:16:47 GMT -5
About layout planning, I have two faiths: -flextrack allows everything, from the tightest to the broadest, -"101 Trackplans For Modelrailroaders" (Kalmbach editing) is an inextinguishable source for interresting layouts, if you don't already have an accurate idea of what you want. Otherwise, I would recommand only to keep in mind that in the prototype a railroad is built in order to carry loads, either freight or self-loading 2-legged goods, from a position A and a position B. That's why ovals or "spaghetti bowl" style layouts show few appeal for me. But that's only my opinion. Dom
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Post by dazed on Jul 29, 2015 13:16:28 GMT -5
I was thinking more of something like this. Hi Dave, that's actually *my* layout. LOL Not sure if you've progressed any further, but now that my vacation is done and my son has gone back to his mom I'll have time to revisit. Give me a day or two and I'll try to draw something up. Anything you did/didn't like about it? You already mentioned "too much track" and I can't really argue with that but it follows a specific prototype and there's not much I could really leave out and still come up with a good representation of what I'm trying to convey. But in your case I can definitely address that.
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Post by dave on Aug 3, 2015 19:56:24 GMT -5
Daze,
I have ordered a loop of track with 245mm curves, my Z-Track Snail controller and have a big sheet of 2" pink foam. I look forward to following your build on Trainboard.
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Post by dave on Dec 30, 2015 22:27:35 GMT -5
I wanted to revive this thread; I am ready to start my 30 x 60 layout. I need some input as to the base of the layout; what does eveyone here use for small layouts? I thought about 2" thick pink foam, a lightweight frame of 1" x 2" with a thin plywood top, etc. I know that plywood tends to resonate when trains run. I mainly want something that is lightweight but sturdy and something that will stay level and straight. As always, I appreciate any input.
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Post by dazed on Dec 30, 2015 22:38:57 GMT -5
On mine, I'm using a sandwich of 1", 3/4", and two pieces of 1/2" foam. (the second 1/2" is strictly for grade separation purposes and doesn't really contribute much to strength.) Mine is a little smaller than yours though....24"x54".
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Post by dave on Dec 30, 2015 23:11:17 GMT -5
dazed, are you using the pink foam? If so, are you painting it and if so, what type and/or brand of paint are you using?
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