Model Train Track Layouts

Planning Your Model Train Track Layout

One of the initial and more important phases of creating your model railroad empire is the planning of your model train track layout. If you're on a limited budget and the idea of designing your layout using software appeals to you there are a number of websites online which offer free downloads that are available and may be a suitable solution.

Model Train Track Layouts

If this is your first endeavor in planning a model train track layout you'll soon discover that this is without question an absolute art form that involves more than designing the track layouts themselves. Also, your track layout involves the creation of the scenery that surrounds your tracks, and is the very thing that will bring everything to life. There are two types of layouts which you have to choose from and they are loop to loop and continuous running. Both have multiple ways to represent variations in your track layout and will provide you with the opportunity to make it's design look unique.

Model train layout planning is quite involved and there really isn't any way that I can cover all of the information adequately that applies to this part of model railroading in one article.

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Model Train Layout Plans - The Basic Components

All rail track layouts, whether for model trains on a 4ft x 4ft table top or for full size trains at a major urban rail terminus, can be simplified down to some basic components which are then used to integrate into more complex layouts, depending on the needs of the designers.

stub end track - a straight track with buffers at each end.

circular track - simply goes round and round. This may be suitable for a model train layout for young children, but, like the stub end track, not at all challenging for the model train enthusiast in this simple form;

spur line - adding a spur to one side of a straight track provides an opportunity for switching, enabling your train to move off the main track but the return direction of your train still remains a problem;

passing loop - if a second spur, in the opposite direction, is joined to the original spur track, you have a loop which will allow trains to pass. The track goes from single track, to double track, then back to single;

balloon or paddle line - a switch from one side of a straight track circles around and rejoins the straight track on the opposite side.

turntables - small sections of track, fixed to board or metal, that can be rotated to allow a train to pass across to any number of alternative tracks. Your track layout is limited by the space available, and by your design ingenuity. One website alone has more than 1000 different layouts illustrated.

John Vanse is a model train enthusiast with a number of websites providing information about model trains.

Track Layout Ideas For Your Model Train

The major part of establishing a model railroad project is the design and implementation of the layout - the diorama with scenery, structures and appropriate scale track for operating the trains.

Some layouts can be quite small - shelf-top designs that can be accommodated in a very small space. For a small, simple layout, a table will usually be adequate but most model railroaders aim to establish larger, permanent layouts. An important aspect of any model train setup is the arrangement of the track itself. There are at least four basic layout patterns for setting out the track, and countless variations of both track configuration and subsequent station placement.

* out and back - where the train leaves the single station, travels around a pear-shaped layout and returns to the original station;

* station yard only - where a single station is surrounded by a number of short, interconnected tracks, providing great opportunities for shunting.

From these four basic patterns, there are countless variations.

* adding double track to any of the first three basic layouts to allow two or more trains to operate at the same time;

* adding branch lines, allowing an increase in the number of stations;

* adding station yards, with adequate standing tracks, to any of the configurations.

John Vanse is a model train enthusiast who has a number of websites related to ‘the greatest hobby on earth’.

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