Hello Everyone, Ive just become a new member of the 009 society and Im looking to start on a new layout. The area I have is 11ft x 3ft. At this stage, Ive no idea what the layout of the track will be. If possible I would like it not to be completely at one level, but to have bridges, possible river, maybe 2 small stations.
I would like if possible, to be digital with a max of 5 locomotives. The track narrow gauge with slow active points.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. I was an electrical engineer before I retired last year, so I know my way round electrical circuits
Welcome aboard Alan to the wonderful world of miniature. You will find answers to questions here. There is a lot of knowledge just at your finger tips.(//)
That's a good bit of space you have. It would make a great point to point layout. Just as a opener, a small industry at one end with some switching, but it all depends on what you like.
Robin.
Perhaps to get some ideas about a general track plan it is a good idea to look at some real narrow-gauge railways, or even some narrow-gauge layouts that you like.
I guess the first question is do you want a continuous circuit or an end-to-end layout that will require uncoupling and running round the loco etc?
The first is the easy way as the trains can just stay together all the time going round and round, but this can get a bit boring to operate after a while. The second is far more difficult to achieve successfully but provided it all works as it should ultimately it can be more satisfying to operate.
The next question is do you want to fit in as much track as you can in the space you have or do you want a more relistic looking layout where there is a lot more scenery and less track with the line running through a landscape. The first is quite common on 009 layouts, the the second looks way better.
The best way to make a layout that does not look like it is on a flat world is not to start with a flat baseboard at all but to build the track bed only on a framework to support it. This way you can plan rivers, valleys ditches etc to be under the track level while keeping the actual track flat.
However, this is a quite difficult way to build a model railway and you need the whole plan before you start, so for a first 009 layout this may not be such a good idea, but if you are used to building layouts this way it is fine.
Narrow gauge railways where one track goes over another on the same line are unusual. There were a few examples on goods only industrial lines, but only one on a passenger carrying line on the UK mainland and that is on the FR deviation. (There was another for the Foxdale branch on the Isle of Mann.)
However, 009 layouts where tracks go over another are quite common, even if they are not very relistic. I have a 'rabbit warren' type layout where the track crosses over itself many times on many levels. But building something like this successfully is also very difficult, so again I would not recommend it for a first 009 layout.
wow, thanks for the fast replies, what a great forum this is. I live in Southport and many years ago was a member of the local model train group, I even went to see Dr Jim Fords layout in his basement many years ago - and yes, sadly I know he has recently passed away, a sad loss indeed.
I have such a lot of questions to ask about my new layout, Im sure they have all been asked before and replied too, so I intend not to rush into this and read all the past posts.
End to end seems the way to go, as I don't think 3ft wide baseboard will be wide enough for a loop.
If there is anyone in Southport with a 009 gauge layout, I would be most interested to view it. There is a model train show in Southport a week tomorrow, I will be there asking lots of questions.
You are just down the road from Stan's Merseyside group. If you fo a search you'll find when the next meeting is but I expect Stan will be along in a minute!
Something that might be worth considering is making a small oval test track using 009 Setrack or at least Setrack curves to get the measure of the locos and stock and set a datum regarding minimum radius. Add a short siding or so and it should help seeing what coupling, uncoupling and shunting is like in 009. It could be of use in fine-tuning DCC performance too.
It would be a pity to undertake major planning and construction work and find that things like track clearances, coupling on curves and so on make operating the layout frustrating.
If the test track baseboard is operated on a solid flat surface then it need not have a substantial frame and bracing and should be easier to store.
Quote from: GraemeD on November 05, 2021, 17:50
Something that might be worth considering is making a small oval test track using 009 Setrack or at least Setrack curves to get the measure of the locos and stock and set a datum regarding minimum radius. Add a short siding or so and it should help seeing what coupling, uncoupling and shunting is like in 009. It could be of use in fine-tuning DCC performance too.
It would be a pity to undertake major planning and construction work and find that things like track clearances, coupling on curves and so on make operating the layout frustrating.
If the test track baseboard is operated on a solid flat surface then it need not have a substantial frame and bracing and should be easier to store.
Then practice some scenery :) - makes a little hard to store though
11ft by 3ft? Hmmm... By co-incidence that's the size of Ostrovia!
(https://i.imgur.com/AtPQfM2.jpg)
The size you have to work with means you don't have to make a choice between and end-to-end and a continuous circuit - you could have the best of both worlds. End-to-end is more interesting to operate but a continuous circuit is also useful, for running in locos and occasionally just sitting back and watching the trains without having to do anything.
I'd heartily endorse your plan for a 3D layout, even if it's just incorporating a couple of gentle gradients to add visual interest. (Also good to avoid tracks parallel to the front of the board.)
Have a look at some of the layouts here (specific layout forum threads and in the gallery on the website) and see what appeals to you.
Have fun and enjoy - that's what it's all about!
David.
Welcome Alan. I see lots of good advice already, particularly about joining a group, using the Society second hand sales and creating a small test piece to try out techniques first. You will find a list of recognised area groups on the Soceity website: https://009society.com/news/area-groups/?v=79cba1185463 (https://009society.com/news/area-groups/?v=79cba1185463)
You also ask about slow action point motors. Traditionally the answer was to use Tortoise point motors, but these days you may like to consider products from DCC Supplies ('Cobalt') or an even newer kid on the block, the MP-1 from a Czech company called MTB. The Tortoise motors are still very recommendable, though, provided the large size isn't a problem.
Julian
I guess "not to be completely at one level" could be taken in a couple of ways - the track is level and the surrounding terrain varies more than typically seen on a flat baseboard or the track being at different levels. With track at different levels there are options for track to cross over itself or to have completely independent lines that could in themselves be level.
Track crossing over itself suggests track curving back on itself irrespective of whether it is a continuous run or not. One exception would switchbacks and a notable example is Gumstump and Snowshoe.
(https://www.carendt.com/wp-content/uploads/Yungkurth.gif)
https://www.carendt.com/small-layout-scrapbook/page-38a-june-2005-special-edition/ (https://www.carendt.com/small-layout-scrapbook/page-38a-june-2005-special-edition/)
One consideration is the type of loco and rolling stock. I think it easier to 'get away' (if that is the right way of putting it) with tighter curves and steeper gradients with smaller, perhaps industrial stock. If long bogie stock is of interest then it probably makes sense to to design with gentle curves to show them off to good effect and avoid excessive overhang. Conversely, if a steep twisty layout is desirable then stock could be chosen to suit it.
Hello Alan,
If you are going along to the Southport Show next Saturday 13th November come and introduce yourself.
We are there with a couple of layouts, so say hello and you can play trains on our Tan Y Allt 009 layout.
We have a couple of group members who live in Southport.
The next meeting of the Merseyside &SWest Lancs Group is Saturday 27th November starting at 12.30pm
Corpus Christie Church Hall, Alfred Street, Rainford, Merseyside WA11 8BY
layouts, show you how stands, displays and the sales tables.
Our resident experts on baseboard construction, wiring, tracklaying etc will be there to help you.
If you wish to contact me prior to the show, you can contact me on johnwilliams509@btinternet.com
Stan.
Thanks for all the replies and the good advice. The Southport Model railway show is only a 10 mins walk from my home, so I hope to see you then Stan, I will also attend the Rainford group later in the month, I think the old St Helens to Ormskirk railway line use to run close by to where you have your meetings at the church hall in Rainford.
Thanks Alan,
See you next Saturday.
If you have any 009 stock and would like to run it, bring it along.
Stan.
quote author=Julian Evison ... but these days you may like to consider products from DCC Supplies ('Cobalt')... Julian [/quote]
It just so happens that 009 Sales has half a dozen Cobalt point motors in stock at a bargain price of £10 each at the moment!
The Sales Team.
Hi Alan, try this for layout ideas https://www.carendt.com/
Unfortunately the guy behind it is no longer with us, but it is being maintained although occasionally disappears for a few days. There is a lot there, mainly standard gauge, but still plenty of ideas and examples
Digital is pretty good for new stock that is designed for it but can be a bit of pain to retrofit to older locos due to the sizes of the decoders. (Try Zimo for really small ones). It does add cost but I prefer the feel of it when driving a loco.
If you are up for a bit of technical wizardry check out https://dcc-ex.com/#, I put my controller together using an Arduino and power board, controlled from a laptop for well under £20. You can add displays and wireless upgrades quite cheaply but its not for the faint hearted.
You might like MERG too, https://www.merg.org.uk/its paid membership but does a wonderful range of electronics kits at very good prices for all sorts of model railway related issues. Its a bit like a sledgehammer to the head when you first look, but start with the beginners guides, work through and it soon becomes clear that there is an absolute feast of options there.