Critique my layout plan

[miniman]

I really fancy building a (very small) N-gauge layout. BR blue/white era.

I made a little out and back plan with a loop, some tunnels and a bit of an elevation. Any thoughts welcomed.

Also if anyone can explain how one would wire such a thing for DCC to allow a complete out and back through the loop and back to the start point that would be great!

[alorotom]

Would it not be better with 2 continuous loops rather than just the 1?

[Rich1973]

Have you thought about how you are going to operate it? Are there any platforms anywhere? Will you be using locos or units? If loco you will need a run round. I agree that at least one loop will give you more versatility.

[miniman]

alorotom said:

Would it not be better with 2 continuous loops rather than just the 1?

You mean join it up in the bottom left corner?

[miniman]

Rich1973 said:

Have you thought about how you are going to operate it? Are there any platforms anywhere? Will you be using locos or units? If loco you will need a run round. I agree that at least one loop will give you more versatility.

Platforms at each of the dead ends. Likely DMUs but agree on the runaround.

[bullitinhead]

alorotom said:

Would it not be better with 2 continuous loops rather than just the 1?

Where's the one?,there's no loops there at all, you need at least one


Bullit

[dr_gn]

I went the opposite way and had 3 loops. Not as space efficient (plus it’s for oo gauge), which is possibly one reason it’s not built yet:



I designed it so that all my old rolling stock could fit in the sidings, and that the longest train of coaches could run on the longest straight without any part being on a curve (at least briefly).

Must admit I just like to see trains running round a board rather than any particular attempt at realistic track configurations, which is why I went for the most loops I could fit in.

[KateV8]

What are you intending to use the two sidings to the right of centre for? If they're for freight then there's a problem whereby the loco would be trapped by it's own train at the block end (buffers). Sidings need a headshunt (or shunt neck, same thing) to prevent this happening. If it's for two more platforms then it would only work with push-pull trains such as multiple units.

[miniman]

KateV8 said:

What are you intending to use the two sidings to the right of centre for? If they're for freight then there's a problem whereby the loco would be trapped by it's own train at the block end (buffers). Sidings need a headshunt (or shunt neck, same thing) to prevent this happening. If it's for two more platforms then it would only work with push-pull trains such as multiple units.

Yeah platform for short multiple units.

[miniman]

A version with a loop which I quite like as you can run from the lowest platform right through two loops and back again, and continue round if you want to.

[Collectingbrass]

miniman said:

I really fancy building a (very small) N-gauge layout. BR blue/white era.

I made a little out and back plan with a loop, some tunnels and a bit of an elevation. Any thoughts welcomed.

Also if anyone can explain how one would wire such a thing for DCC to allow a complete out and back through the loop and back to the start point that would be great!

Might be better posting on the model railway forums eg https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/ but there are plenty others. In addition to what other people have said I'd add

- it looks like you've created a reverse loop which could be quite complicated electrically. I only really understand DC so this might be worth a read https://dccwiki.com/Reverse_Sections
- check your inclines, the gradients could be quite steep

[miniman]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Thanks, that’s a great site.

[Yertis]

dr_gn said:

I went the opposite way and had 3 loops. Not as space efficient (plus it’s for oo gauge), which is possibly one reason it’s not built yet:



I designed it so that all my old rolling stock could fit in the sidings, and that the longest train of coaches could run on the longest straight without any part being on a curve (at least briefly).

Must admit I just like to see trains running round a board rather than any particular attempt at realistic track configurations, which is why I went for the most loops I could fit in.

My childhood layout was almost identical to that, without the luxury of a turntable. I'd suggest moving your sidings and engine shed etc through 180 degrees, so they accessed off that passing loop. Then you can enjoy three trains running around simultaneously, while conducting movements in the yard, shunting etc.

I confess that I find watching trains running round and round inexplicably relaxing.

[miniman]

Yertis said:

I confess that I find watching trains running round and round inexplicably relaxing.

Well in that case... (skip to about 1:15)

[Yertis]

That's what's great about N-gauge, you can run correct-length trains through a landscape in a way impossible in OO (unless you have a huge space and a lot of time/someone to build it for you).

[miniman]

Yertis said:

That's what's great about N-gauge, you can run correct-length trains through a landscape in a way impossible in OO (unless you have a huge space and a lot of time/someone to build it for you).

About 10 years ago I started building an OO route in the garden to allow exactly that - never finished it though. I wanted a full 2+7 HST rake.

[Yertis]

I'd planned something similar, even to the extent of having the lawn surrounded by timber balks (ie sleepers) on which to lay the track. My wife and daughters declared the plan to be "madness" which has been a big disincentive. I've got a ton of of Tri-ang Hornby from the '60s and early '70s (I think >40 locomotives) which are just valueless relics really.

With re the HSTs, you can of course do an authentic 2+4 GWR set now.

[mcdjl]

I'm currently converting my box room into an office and have permission (which is just as well as she hasn't moved in yet) to add a train loop above the door. I've been playing with some of the track planners but never seem to get them to join up properly. Any tips? I want a single loop with sidings on 1/2 walls for a room 3.5x1.8m! I might end up getting my old track out and doing out the old school way.

[Alex@POD]

miniman said:

Well in that case... (skip to about 1:15)

That's a lot of trains. I've always had a little interest in model trains, but I don't think I'd be satisfied with the kind of layout most hobbyists build, it would need to be something big enough to simulate real situations. Though thousands of cars waiting to be shunted in a yard, and several trains over 100 cars long running together may be taking it too far the other way!

[RacingPete]

Alex@POD said:

That's a lot of trains. I've always had a little interest in model trains, but I don't think I'd be satisfied with the kind of layout most hobbyists build, it would need to be something big enough to simulate real situations. Though thousands of cars waiting to be shunted in a yard, and several trains over 100 cars long running together may be taking it too far the other way!

You want this then...