New to trains - need some advice

[tmctiger]

Hi all,

this is my first post on Eurobricks and in the train section.

I am currently planing a small train layout as you can see in the attachment. As I am new to this I have following questions:

1. What do you think in general about my layout. Du you have any suggestions for improvements?

2. Did anyone of you have links or instructions on how to build a track bed?

3. Did anyone of you have links or instructions on how to build a mountain?

Edit: Oh there is another question for instructions: How to build a track end buffer?

Edit2: These trains should run on this track:

- 7720 with 7814, 7821, 174

- 7810 with 7815, 7818

- 10194

- 10219

- 3677

- 7939

- 7939

Thanks in advance for your help!

Removed original Layout due to upload limits :(

BR,

tmctiger

Edited November 18, 2011 by tmctiger

[Andy Glascott]

Hi tmctiger,

I've got a couple of large-ish mountains on my layout with trains running through and on them, the images are here and the video of the construction process is

. They aren't instructions as such but may help.

Watching the video you can see that I built a sturdy frame first, in most places the frame that the trackbed sits on is 4 plates high with a three plate (1 brick) trackbed sitting on top. Where curved track is used the trackbed is 2 plates and a layer of tiles as the third layer with the end of a bend, all either 4 or 8 curves, stuck to the studs of the third layer where straights join the curve. The pillars are about 14 bricks high, make sure you check clearances for your trains as you go!

Once the frame is in place you can build the side of the hills/mountains in green/grey etc. Make sure you have some points on the pillars of the frame you can anchor the "greenery" to to keep the structure secure.

For more detailed trackbeds do a simple search on Brickshelf for the term "ballast" and you'll soon see lots of options.

Hope this helps,

Andy

[cimddwc]

And you can also have a look at the Article, Topic, and MOC Index at the top of the Train Tech forum where you can find quite a few resourses.

In your layout, several track sections and sidings are quite short, so that the trains (like the Emerald Night you included) stopping at the station block another track and no other train can pass – I think that will get annoying pretty soon when running the trains, so you might want to remove the two straight track pieces on the bottom left and left of the center in favor of the station.

[patje]

hello tmctiger

here you find 2 montains that i build for my layout

from 0 to 100%

MONTAIN 1

MONTAIN 2

Edited October 30, 2011 by patje

[Duq]

For track end buffers have a look in this topic.

I think your layout is trying to do too many things at once. The tracks in the station and the freight yard are so short that a parked train block other tracks. My advice would be: think 'less is more'...

[tmctiger]

Hi *,

many thanks for your help and suggestions. The issue with the short tracks was also on my mind. You are right - I have to rethink several sections of the layout.

A short explanation why the layout was as it is in the first place: my goal was to fit all my trains and city stuff on the layout. The problem here is that my space is limited as given in the picture. But with you suggestions I identified some workarounds to solve the problems with the short track sections.

I'll update you soon on my progress.

Thanks,

tmctiger

[tmctiger]

Hi all,

I took your considerations to my layout and started too redesign the whole thing. I finally came up with the following layout I would like to share with you. I would like too hear you comments on this one?

2 remarks:

1. The train station isn't placed as it is shown on the layout. I did a rebuild on that so that it fits better in the track. It now covers all three track lanes. (Photos will follow)

2. I am aware that the fire and police stations generate some problems with the trains. In the final layout I'll move them some studs in the direction to the street so that the trains can pass without any trouble.