Model
Railroad Planning:
Introduction:
Planning your model railroad is an
important step to the success of your completed layout.
How much room do you have, what scale will you operate
and how much do you want to spend are just some of the
questions that should be answered before you start your
layout.
Scale:
It is pointless building a G scale layout
in a small space, considering that this scale was
designed for garden operations. If you only have a
small space, I would suggest that you do not go any
larger than either N or HO scales. I have
dedicated a page to model railroad
scale where you can
obtain more information.
Size:
Your room size availability will be one
of the major deciding factors in how big your model
railroad layout will be. If you only want a small,
potable layout, you may only want a 4' x 3' layout.
This can be fitted with rolling casters so that when not
in use, it can be rolled under a bed so it is out of the
way. Permanent layouts can be built to any size,
providing you have the time, space and money to support
the project.
As an example, a basic figure 8 track
plan using set track can be constructed quite easily in
N scale on a 4' x 3' (1200mm x 900mm) table top in under
a day.
Track Planning Tools:
I have in the past, planned a layout on
paper to scale size, then constructed a layout base
board to the dimensions of my drawing. This has been
made easier using a track planning template.
Please note that various manufacturers supply templates
that reference their own track codes / part numbers, so
you will need to obtain a track template for your
preferred brand and code of track. That said, if
you just want to play around and design a layout on
paper, any track template will do.
When I working on a base board and I am
drawing in my track work, a tool that I like to use is
my home made radium tool. This is essentially a
straight edge (as long as it needs to be). I use a
straight length of plastic stripping. I have a
hole in one end for a pin, and a hole at each inch point
for the lead of a pencil. With this tool, you can
work out any radii that you require, from 9 inches
through to 30 and 40 inches if required. This tool
can be used over and over again.
This picture is an example of a
commercially available radius tool in Z scale from Itty
Bitty Lines.
Software for Planning:
For more advanced layouts, you can obtain
some free track planning software from our
Links page.
I have used the Atlas Model Railroad Co Right Track free
download successfully on a number of occasions to plan a
model railroad layout. You can find their software
here.
You can also search the internet for
commercial software for paid download, this includes
Cad-Rail, Track Planning.com, and there are several good
publications available on the subject. You might
even be able to find some resources in your local
library, model railroad club and magazines such as Model
Railroader Magazine. If you are a subscriber to
the Model Railroader Magazine, you can access their
member only website and obtain track plans in various
scales and sizes. Obtain a subscription
here.
You can also download some track plans
including parts lists from various suppliers, including:
Atlas Model Railroad Co at
http://www.atlasrr.com/default.htm
Kato USA (N Scale) at
http://www.katousa.com/track-plans/n-plans.html
Kato USA (HO Scale) at
http://www.katousa.com/track-plans/ho-plans.html
Conclusion:
The information
provided here is for reference only and I have not
discussed every single type of planning software or
planning tool on the market, nor do I endorse any
particular brand of product, however, in my opinion, I
do have my favourites obtained after years of trial and
error in model railroading and building various model
railroad layouts.
We will be updating this
page with additional detail, please check back often.
