Yard design help and critique

[Rob11b1]

I need helping criticism on my yard design before building anybody have any opinions or recommendations? I’m new to this. Thanks.

 

[Rico]

Could you highlight the track in color for us?

 

[ctclibby]

Rob: Also, you might get out a compass and ruler and draw the plan to some scale. Better yet, get one ( or more ) of the trackplan/layout design software tools available.

HO Scale or ? Room size?

Later

 

[Rob11b1]

That’s actually drawn to scale with 2 inch spacing but there’s not enough yard leads and it’ll get too congested. I’ve decided to cut the yard down to four or five tracks that will loop all the way around coming into another 3 track yard. And lead on the far side so the yard is open endedadding extra industry and scenery. I’m also thinking about it under track fiddle yard.

 

[Rob11b1]

Rob: Also, you might get out a compass and ruler and draw the plan to some scale. Better yet, get one ( or more ) of the trackplan/layout design software tools available.

HO Scale or ? Room size?

Later

I’m extending 8 feet down the hall and 10’ x 7’ section continuing from there to the living room

 

[Rob11b1]

I agree on the software, but I have Mac and I’ve had trouble finding a decent program. Still in the search. I’m gonna try extrac cad today. Thanks for your help.

 

[ctclibby]

I agree on the software, but I have Mac and I’ve had trouble finding a decent program. Still in the search. I’m gonna try extrac cad today. Thanks for your help.

Rob:
Do you mean XtrackCad? If so, that is what I use and have been for over 10 years. It does have a learning curve; well guess that all of them do. The best part it is free. Just keep stuff simple until you get the hang of it and then go nuts!

Also, looks like you have a great start going.

Later

 

[NVSrr1500]

xtrak cad. For the software. I haven’t been able to find any tutorials on how to use it tho. I do hand draw my plans. I use a template from CCT. In order to keep to scale. It is a good alternative if you don’t want to run a cad

 

[ctclibby]

xtrak cad. For the software. I haven’t been able to find any tutorials on how to use it tho. I do hand draw my plans. I use a template from CCT. In order to keep to scale. It is a good alternative if you don’t want to run a cad

This is a good start: Tutorial

 

[Iron Horseman]

That’s actually drawn to scale with 2 inch spacing but there’s not enough yard leads and it’ll get too congested.

Agree, they're not just too congested but it won't fit. If that original is to scale that center track is showing a 4" radius curve. Even N-scale has a hard time with that size.

I’ve decided to cut the yard down to four or five tracks that will loop all the way around coming into another 3 track yard.

Good idea, that will fit better. Personally, I think many small layouts are over yarded and under industried.