Designing first layout, lots of questions!

[otiscnj]

You might check into various plans that involve cutting a 4x8 sheet of plywood in different ways with curves/diagonals, and rejoining the sections so you can get more than 22" radius curves on them. If you're going to use sectional track, and modern equipment, I'd give serious consideration to using 24" radius curves.

Bowls of spaghetti are good to eat, but can cause headaches as model railroads.

[rdemattio91]

Thanks guys,
That shelf layout looks very cool, but I would have to build legs for the shelf because I do not want to be screwing into the walls and messing them up. I also have been thinking and I wanna try and keep this layout some-what mobile because I doubt I will be here very long.

[TheGloriousTachikoma]

Thanks guys,
That shelf layout looks very cool, but I would have to build legs for the shelf because I do not want to be screwing into the walls and messing them up. I also have been thinking and I wanna try and keep this layout some-what mobile because I doubt I will be here very long.

Well, you'd only be drilling a couple holes per each shelf bracket. Some spckle and a little touch up paint after everything is taken down and all is well. Iain Rice's book on shelf layouts also details how he engineers everything to be portable and break-up into sections for such circumstances as you are in.

[joed2323]

I would second using the heart of georgia! You can find the plan and exactly how to build this layout on google.com or any other search engine.http://hogrr.blogspot.com/

I built a freestanding layout because i didnt want to fasten to my wall either. I just basically built my sections 2x whatever length you can squeeze. All i did was i butted it up against the wall. I have built a 5x10 peninsula along with my 2x18 sections.

I would honestly look into the (hog) layout. I used the same principle for my benches as they used in the (hog) layout.

[railfan]

Most everyone agrees something like this is best. Just kidding......not everyone agrees.

[Selector]

Good God, Railfan, look at all that wasted space beside that industry at lower left!!

[railfan]

I think that was zoned for a community park!

[rdemattio91]

Haha, thats a funny picture. I am probably going to make some type of layout based on the HOG, but I may try to get 2 main lines.

[rdemattio91]

I'm really drawn between modifying the HOG to have 2 main lines so I can run 2 trains at the same time. What do you guys think?

[joed2323]

Remember this is your layout not ours, do what you think will interest you more. There is nothing wrong with having 2 mainlines. I think the (hog) is a great starting point, it can easily be altered to your likings.

Keep us updated with your progress please