Track Plans for Model Railroads

Just getting started huh? Don't try to do too much too soon. There are a few simple designs you can use as a beginning point that works well and that you could then extend as you move along. Choosing one of them gives you a good starting point from which to expand your model train empire. So which kernel to choose? Here are some tips:

Start by choosing the location your model train will reside in:

Remember that the more area you have the more options you give yourself for expanding your empire. You simply can't run your toy train empire out of a shoe box or closet. Locomotives need space to avoid derailments. So make the location as huge as possible, so long as it doesn't create lots of problems in your house.

What are the basic area requirements by gauge?

Let's review the minimum requirements real quickly. Some experienced toy trainers could be able to discover a couple of ways around these but they will also inform you that they are barely worth the effort if this is all you have to work with. Its 2' x 4' for N gauge trains. If you have HO toys like one of the many beginner kits made by Bachmann, then you'll need a 4' x 8' space. 8' x 16' for Lionel's O scale. This is also about what you'll need for those German garden locomotives, but those you should really put in your backyard instead of keeping them cramped up indoors. Also, remember these are minimum requirements not suggestion requirements. If you want more than a simple oval then the price is more real estate. You should really think of them as a starting point and not a goal.

What are the best track designs for these limited locations?

The three fundamental setups are oval, figure 8, and concentric circles. The first and most simple of all is the oval shape. The track simply goes around the edge of the area leaving the inside for a toy city or for a pretend lake perhaps. Think Matterhorn at Disneyland with the Disneyland Monorail snaking around it. The version I experienced was fairly successful for what it was attempting to do. The figure 8 designs a different kind of effect. This makes for a more interesting layout but cuts into the internal space giving only four tiny spaces for you to work with in terms of accessories. But if you're mainly into watching the trains go round this is a great track. Finally, there is the concentric circles set up where you have two concentric circles for your train to go around. This works especially well if you make it into a train yard with a round house at the center.

What else do I have for you?

Two words: train tables. With these tables you can configure your display space to any shape you can imagine. Since we often change our minds as we expand our tracks, these tables are a God send. Wife bothering you about what an eye sore your track has become? Just move it. It's no giant deal with domino tables. You can let your track summer in the cool dim basement and winter in the warmth of the attic.

Just remember the usual clich; a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Most problems that you imagine never really materialize, while the problems you're not even thinking of can really cripple a train project. Part of the fun of model training is solving these problems, in fact. So why are you still here? Get going!