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#Post#: 2434--------------------------------------------------
Newbie Layout Help?
By: salshoes Date: June 18, 2020, 3:25 pm
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Hi all - glad to find this forum.
Other than running a loop around the Christmas tree over the
past few years, I am pretty new to model railroading. Growing
up, my dad had a pretty decent setup in our basement, but that
lasted until I was about 8, and I’ve now inherited some of his
small collection.
I’m looking for some help in coming up with a layout. I’ve
built an 8'x10' table with a 2’x2’ hole in the center so I can
either operate stuff in the setup or just to reach things. I am
thinking of trying to run three trains in this setup: 1) the NYC
Empire State Express, 2) a 2056 engine and tender with 4
Pennsylvania passenger cars (and a caboose if I can find one),
and finally 3) a cargo train with 3 boxcars and a Sunoco oil
car, pulled by an engine I don’t yet have (I’d like a
modern-looking diesel, like an A-B unit).
In terms of yard activity and scenery, I don’t have a whole lot
(BUT, my son is going to also put his lego train together and
will build some scenery if needed). I do have the Lionel no.
456 Coal Ramp Set with hopper car, two trestle sets, a trestle
bridge, some lights, a mountain tunnel and a little watchman
house (activiated by the train passing, with the man coming
out).
The trains are all on the older side, so I guess I have whatever
track radius is more “original” to Lionel (maybe that is O27?)
I can easily buy more track, but am not looking to spend a bunch
of money – perhaps some basic scenery materials, additional
lumber to do some elevation, and a third engine.
My big question is really just if an 8x10 layout can handle
those three trains without being too crowded?
It seems there are a lot of resources for layouts here and on
other sites to peruse, but with that list of trains and
materials, are there any obvious things I should or should not
do? Are there “standard” or basic layouts for three trains on a
table this size?
Thanks so much for your help!
#Post#: 2435--------------------------------------------------
Re: Newbie Layout Help?
By: TrainLarry Date: June 18, 2020, 4:14 pm
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Welcome to the forum!
The size of your table should easily handle three trains on
separate loops. With your trestle set, one loop can be elevated.
There are no 'basic' layouts for three trains that I am aware of
- every layout is custom designed to the room and requirements
at hand.
I had two trains running on a 5'x8' layout with one loop
elevated. A third train was parked on a passing siding that I
could switch in.
The two loops were figure eights with the sides connected so
that a train could run in a loop, or be reversed using the
crossover.
The upper and lower levels were connected with a track on a
graduated trestle set, so that a train can go from the top loop
to the bottom loop, or the reverse.
Sketch out a plan, then lay out your tracks on the board without
connecting them to see if you like it. Continue until you find
something you like. That is what I did.
Larry
#Post#: 2436--------------------------------------------------
Re: Newbie Layout Help?
By: djacobsen Date: June 19, 2020, 6:12 am
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salshoes
Hello & Welcome to the Forum!
Train Larry gave you good advice, the only thing l can add is to
check out the SCARM Track Planning Software provided by Forum
Member "Mixy".
(HTM) http://www.lioneltrainforum.com/train-layout/new-free-lionel-track-planning-software/
Happy Rails!
dave
#Post#: 2846--------------------------------------------------
Re: Newbie Layout Help?
By: kars2026at10 Date: September 18, 2021, 3:26 pm
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I run 3 trains and an elevated trolley on a 5X10 layout. It's
what ever you want to do.
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