Seems like small layouts tend to be a haven for traction, makes sense, smaller layouts benefit from smaller radius curves and shorter motive power. From what I've seen tho there doesn't seem to be much in the way of S gauge traction. Pity, because this weeks layout plan is an S gauge American Flyer design. I never designed one in S and quickly found out that the track selection I had to use was not as large as what I was used to in O but I persevered and came up with the following design using AF track:
It's a 4 1/2' x 7' layout that uses stock pieces of track so no cutting of track is involved...
But the plywood does need to be cut as follows...
And re-arranged to make the 4.5x7 table...
The track required for this is:
17 - 20" curves
14 - 10" straights
3 - LH switches
2 - RH switches
1 - Bumper
Like I've said I've never set up AF before and I wish I had the space and resources to actually set up each of these I design. I've always been a "hands on ' designer and I get a much better feel for a design if I can actually see it and fidget with it as I go. Many times I'll find out what looks good on paper just doesn't seem right when I start laying track and will start moving things around in a "What if I..." modus operandi, heck I've done that to set ups that looked just fine just to spitball an idea.
I've recently came into possesion of 5 packs of Life-Likes old style mountain paper and even tho I know the display layouts built by Lionel and American Flyer didn't use it they are just calling out to be used on a display type of layout.
Next on my hunt are the old Skyline building kits, I'm looking to go old school on a door layout!
Jerry
