May 26th, 2010 
dwalton Track Layout Ideas for your Model Train
Author: John Vanse
For the model train enthusiast, purchasing the rolling stock is only the start of what will become an extensive, and possibly life changing project - maybe very costly, certainly very time consuming, but thoroughly enjoyable.
The major part establishing a model railroad project is the design and implementation of the layout – the diorama with scenery, structures and appropriate scale track for operating the trains.
The size of the layout you can design, build and operate depends on the amount of room in which you have to set it up. Some layouts can be quite small - shelf-top designs that can be accommodated in a very small space. Others can fill part of a room, or even a whole room or basement.
For a small, simple layout, a table will usually be adequate but most model railroaders aim to establish larger, permanent layouts. These will usually require construction of suitable benches, often fixed to the walls of the room to provide a high degree of stability.
An important aspect of any model train setup is the arrangement of the track itself. There are at least four basic layout patterns for setting out the track, and countless variations of both track configuration and subsequent station placement.
Four of the more common basic patterns are:
* point to point - this is merely a straight line of track with a station at each end, with trains going from the station at one end to the other station;
* continuous loop – in its simplest form this is either a circle or an oval and the trains move around it continuously, but it could be modified into a ‘dogbone’ shape by pulling two opposite sides of the circle or oval together, giving a double track appearance in the middle with a smaller circular shape at either end;
* out and back – where the train leaves the single station, travels around a pear-shaped layout and returns to the original station;
* station yard only – where a single station is surrounded by a number of short, interconnected tracks, providing great opportunities for shunting.
From these four basic patterns, there are countless variations. Some possibilities are:
* combining two or more of the four basic patterns, for example adding an ‘out and back’ at one or both ends of a ‘point to point’ layout;
* adding double track to any of the first three basic layouts to allow two or more trains to operate at the same time;
* adding branch lines, allowing an increase in the number of stations;
* arranging a continuous loop as a figure-of-eight, even elevating one track over the other rather than having the crossing at the same level;
* using multiple levels, allowing the use of more track, and thus more activity, in small areas;
* adding station yards, with adequate standing tracks, to any of the configurations.
The number of possible variations you incorporate into your track layout will only be limited by the space you have available, your time [and your patience] and, of course, the size of your wallet.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/track-layout-ideas-for-your-model-train-229089.html
About the Author
John Vanse is a model train enthusiast who has a number of websites related to ‘the greatest hobby on earth’.
You can find more information about these at The Model Train Guide
 |
Revell Big Boy Locomotive List Price: $24.99  |
|
1-87 Scale. This kit by Revell Germany Measures 18.2 inches long when complete features 87 pieces. The American Big Boys are some of the longest and largest steam locomotives ever built anywhere in the world... |
 |
Proto 2000 Heritage Series Steam USRA Heavy 2-10-2 Powered; Standard DC - Erie #4224 - Southern Valve Gear List Price: $399.99 |
 |
Large HO, RR, N Scale Hot Wheels Trains Display Case Wall Cabinet-(HW05B-OA) List Price: $139.95 |
|
Beautifully constructed display case HO, N, and Z scale trains and hot wheels. Such and elegant way to showcase your collection. 6 wooden shelves with 38" long each for trains and cars. Felt matted background to create an elegant display... |
 |
Life-Like Trains HO Scale Rail Master Electric Train Set List Price: $79.99 |
|
This HO-gauge train set includes a bright-yellow Union Pacific diesel locomotive, two freight cars, a caboose, and a 45-by-36-inch oval track that's more than enough to get the train up to top speed... |
 |
MRC Throttlepack AC 1301 List Price: $97.99 |
|
== Key Features == / / * Special sine-wave output circuitry provides plenty of controlled power / * Separate, UL Listed power supply keeps the THROTTLEPACK AC footprint small / * Whistle/horn & bell buttons included / * Special "Booster" button for added power when needed / * Precise, slow-speed throttle control for realistic performance / * Direction button / / == Overview == / / The THROTTLEPACK AC features advanced sine-wave circuitry so onboard locomotive sounds will function no matter what the brand... |
 |
MRC Prodigy Express List Price: $149.99 |
|
MRC's Prodigy Express breaks fresh ground in DCC. If you're a modeler running solo, chances are you won't need the multitude of features Prodigy Advance has to offer. That's why we created Prodigy Express... |
 |
PIKO G Scale Rio Grande Water Tower Kit List Price: $151.99 |
|
MANUFACTURED IN GERMANY BY PIKO. |
Posted in 
Tags: 
