This is my first pass at a layout. It was mainly a fun learning experience that was not meant to be permanent. All the wiring is on the table top and the track is not fixed in place. My wife and I want to set up a Christmas layout so it’s all coming off the table this week. I took pictures of this setup so I can remember how to set it back up. I would love to hear anyone’s feedback on the track plan and any potential operational issues.
Dimensions: 6’ x 16’ dogbone with a center cutout for a control panel. 34” tall. Mianne benchwork.
Surface: Indoor Outdoor Turf. Donated by my brother.
Power: KW, Z1000, CW80 for lights.
Accessories Used: Magnet Crane, Icing Station, Milk Car, Sawmill, Barrel Loader
Constraints: 027 profile track. All curves 054 or 042. except the trolley line has 027 curves. All 042 switches - Lionel (ugh) and K-Line (great)
Motive Power: Restricted to smaller locomotives. NW2, GP9, RS3, A5, semi-scale Hudson. 4-6-0 Camelback. RailKing N&W J class. Largest is an MTH Premier F3 ABA
I didn’t do a formal track plan just free-handed. My original intent was concentric 054 and 043 loops with lots of spurs for accessories. The number of spurs became limited when I was able to create one reversing path and then decided to add an end to end trolley line. Then I saw I could connect the loops with my last working Lionel 042 switch so I removed a spur that I was using to drop off barrels.
I am pretty happy with this plan. Connecting the loops gives a longer continuous run although it’s one way only. The plan provides the feeling of the trains going places and doing things but also allows for continuous running. I haven’t had problems with derailments. The turf keeps the track in place and the noise down.
Future Issues/Considerations: The 042 switches have big footprints. Adding more accessories will require a major redesign. I have a couple of unused K-Line switches that I would like to utilize.
The constant voltage posts on KW don’t provide enough power to run some of the accessories. Variable power from the track is required. Need to address that. No insulated blocks at this point. Will be utilized in a future iteration.
I can reach all of the layout surface but accessories that require the occasional hand of god must be placed close to the table edge.
Would like to add an upper level in the future including bridges and tunnels. Probably no elevation changes. Too much stress on traction tires and couplers.
Any feedback or suggestions for improvement would be greatly appreciated.
Mark
