Ideas for revamping my HCD layout?

[Kentuckian]

What about the new foam layout from the Mainline Train Company that is handled by Internettrains.com?  The "canyon pass" layout?  Not much switching, but looks like a lot of running possibilities.

[VonRyan]

I'm looking more for a continuous running loop with switching on one or both side of the layout. Plus the foam layouts from MTC do cost $$$, and would probably be cheaper to go to the dollar store and buy 1/4" foamboard from there and just pirate the images for the track plan... Not that i'd do that, since i have some 2" thick pink foam leftover from my now defunct layout.

-Cody F.

[muktown128]

David & Phil,

I like both of your HCD plans.  Interesting possibilities with each.  If I hadn't already started my own HCD layout, I would consider one of these,  I'll keep this in mind if I build another HCD.

Scott

[VonRyan]

So far, some possibilities, but nothing that's enough to really spark anything. Perhaps some of the planning gurus might spare some time to formulate some ideas? 

-Cody F.

[DKS]

So far, some possibilities, but nothing that's enough to really spark anything. Perhaps some of the planning gurus might spare some time to formulate some ideas?

Coming up with ideas in a partial vacuum can be challenging. So, what is it you are seeing and/or not seeing in what's been presented so far? It can help guide the idea-making process.

[Dave Schneider]

Cody,

Another suggestion is to search "Hollow Core Door Layout Plans" online and take a look at what you find. There are many examples available. Pick some and present them to the group with questions or ideas about changes. I believe that  Atlas Right Track software is still free and available. Take some time to explore your ideas either via software or pencil and paper. In my experience on The Railwire, I have seen many people have successful interactions with the track planning gurus once they start sketching out their ideas. It is probably not realistic to expect a flood of track plans from the group...in fact, it rarely happens out of the blue.  Just my 2 cents.

Best wishes, Dave

[conrail98]

David & Phil,

I like both of your HCD plans.  Interesting possibilities with each.  If I hadn't already started my own HCD layout, I would consider one of these,  I'll keep this in mind if I build another HCD.

Scott

Thanks Scott. I was actually thinking of doing something like my plan for the MRH contest of a $500 layout and have actually thought about it for an "operational demo" with some other things I'm working on,

Phil

[VonRyan]

Coming up with ideas in a partial vacuum can be challenging. So, what is it you are seeing and/or not seeing in what's been presented so far? It can help guide the idea-making process.

Ah, now i see what your getting at. As to my thoughts/visions, a coal mines i'm thinking of is one that has two short tracks that can handle up to three 33' two bay hoppers. On the same side, perhaps a small logging operation could be included (There are some interesting cast brass HOn2-1/2 disconnect log cars that are based on a Japanese prototype that are quite enticing).
On the more industrial side, i think some more industries could be added, as to what, i'm a bit open. The town itself can just be backdrop flats against the skyboard.
Plus if perhaps some other plans could be come up with, that be enticing as well. The overall specs are in my initial post.

If there are anymore details that may be needed, don't hesitate to ask.

-Cody F.

[Bsklarski]

I mean no disrepect but do you really want tracks that short? 100 feet? if you decide to change eras, you would maybe fit 2 cars only on each track.

[S Class]

As another idea this is one I was working on based on Melbourne's Maribyrnong river line, but you can shove hills and whatnot where you want.
track is Peco C55, the door is 820mm * 2400 (32.2" * 94.4") which is an Australian standard HCD.

Because I use the free version of Anyrail I ran past my 50 piece limit but you get the idea what I was aiming for.


Saltwater River days paint by MetricModels, on Flickr

[VonRyan]

Come to think of it, another possible layout idea that i'd be interested is a generic port district in an urban area circa 1920s-1940s. Mostly with track inlayed into the cobblestone streets and lots of possibilites for some wharf buildings and other verious brick and wood structures (especially laser cut wood structures).
Of course the operating line of choice would be PRR/CNJ. That way my reefers and other rolling stock get lots of switching (no continuous running here...)

This now gives two overall possibilities for track plans.
(not to mention an excuse to look into having custom buildings laser cut)
plus a use for this: http://monstermodelworks.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=15

Hopefully this gives everyone another idea for types of track plans.

Thanks again All!
-Cody F.

[DKS]

Here's something to chew on. It offers the options of being based on different industries, and modeled in different eras or locales, depending on the structures/rolling stock used.



It's an out-and-back design that ought to deliver on operation challenges, given that it has multiple industries, and a small yard to boot.

[bill pearce]

Check into TCS decoders. I believe they make a drop in decoder that replaces the lightboard in the older Kato F units.

[Scottl]

I really like David's latest suggestion (I seem to like all of them...) and I see great potential in it.  The port scene would look fantastic.  My first thought is to eliminate the reversing section.  Aside from the minor wiring/DCC solution to that, it would require a clever solution to hide the hole in the backdrop.

[GP38-2freak]

Also like the latest suggestion, a lot of operation potential plus the amazing possibilities to expand when you want...nice to see what could be done on a simple HCD...