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Author Topic: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style  (Read 7029 times)

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tom mann

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Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« on: January 20, 2016, 07:32:28 PM »
+1
I've been wanting to get some Unitrack-based track plan ideas documented for over a year now, ever since seeing DKS' Trenton Transportation layout at the 2014 CR BBQ.  For planning, I'm using the Express (free) version of Railmodeller (http://www.railmodeller.com/). I'll attach the *.layout files needed to view and modify the plans.  Feel free to download and share.

Why Unitrack?

The intention is to create some scraggly little urban/industrial designs where the track would be buried in asphalt, weeds, and dirt/cinders/ballast.  Rail spacing won't be noticeable, and a higher rail height works better with Silflor tufts placed between the rails. Unitrack is bullet-proof and seem to stay cleaner longer (I'll check snopes.com).

Also, Unitrack is pretty much the only track system that allows you to piece something together and test it out before committing.
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tom mann

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2016, 07:35:22 PM »
+2
First up is a (almost) replica of DKS' Trenton Transportation layout.  The track plan is super cool, but the <8" radius means 40 foot cars and something Bachmann 70-ton ish.

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chicken45

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2016, 08:12:15 PM »
0
Cool!
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Josh Surkosky

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Dave V

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2016, 08:22:11 PM »
+1
Love it!

I didn't used to be a fan of micro-layouts because they often come off looking cartoonish, but after seeing what @David K. Smith and @Chris333 could do with them, I'm a convert!  Not sure I can claim my Colorado Midland is a true "micro-layout," but I'm hoping to attain similar realism in a small space.

As for Unitrack, you'll get no guff from me.  I've come to like it, and in fact, over the years I've become less--rather than more--offended by its appearance.  Any expanded Juniata Division may incorporate Unitrack not only in hidden spots but quite possibly in visible spots.  It's fun, it's foolproof, and reliable as all get out, and can be made to look no worse than standard code 80 flex and turnouts (assuming you get creative with spiral easements by way of different radii).

Are you planning on actually building one of these?  'Cause that would be awesome!

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Lemosteam

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2016, 08:23:11 PM »
+1
As tight as that thing is, could a diamond be put in there somewhere to feign an interchange? I just think it would look cool one short train waiting for another to pass by before proceeding.
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Kisatchie

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2016, 08:31:14 PM »
0
Quote from: tom mann on January 20, 2016, 07:35:22 PM
First up is a (almost) replica of DKS' Trenton Transportation layout.  The track plan is super cool, but the <8" radius means 40 foot cars and something Bachmann 70-ton ish.

(Attachment Link)


Hmm... what!? where's
the division point yard...?

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chicken45

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2016, 08:34:32 PM »
0
Will you also bring it to the RBQ so we can photograph John's B8a on it in the back of your trunk?

EDIT: I meant your car trunk...nothing sexual.
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Josh Surkosky

Here's a Clerihew about Ed. K.

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Alternate version:
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He asks excitedly "Did you say Ménage à Trois?"
No, I said "Ed's Law."

Chris333

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2016, 08:35:29 PM »
0
I have a folder in my Picasa of David's  layout. (At work right now) Also have some of his Hoboken layout saved on my computer.
« Last Edit: January 21, 2016, 04:17:44 AM by Chris333 »
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Ed Kapuscinski

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2016, 08:46:40 PM »
0
Go for it! I'm looking forward to this.

However, just so you know, and don't get any crazy ideas.

Unitrack will not stop a bullet.
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Dave V

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #9 on: January 20, 2016, 09:14:46 PM »
+1
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tom mann

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #10 on: January 20, 2016, 09:22:39 PM »
0
So one thing I've been wanted to do is take DKS' Trenton concept and "enlarge" it to use 9 3/4" minimum curves.  EDIT: note that I also got rid of the run-around track that DKS had. This is what you get:

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It fits nicely in a 24" x 40" foot print.  Amazing how much bigger it becomes, but I think you could run some nice looking equipment and 50' body mounted coupler cars and therefore I think it's worth it.  I also like how those two tracks become close together and "yardish".

You'll have to run trains really quickly to jump that gap at the bottom (a la what 70s/80s Tyco would want you to do!)*.

*or cut a piece of 124mm track. 
« Last Edit: January 20, 2016, 09:42:47 PM by tom mann »
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tom mann

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #11 on: January 20, 2016, 09:25:31 PM »
+1
Quote from: Lemosteam on January 20, 2016, 08:23:11 PM
As tight as that thing is, could a diamond be put in there somewhere to feign an interchange? I just think it would look cool one short train waiting for another to pass by before proceeding.

I don't see how, given cookie cutter Unitrack parts. One thing I'm looking at is to elevate that track in the inside left, so that it can eventually rise above itself.
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Dave V

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #12 on: January 20, 2016, 10:29:54 PM »
0
You can cut Unitrack to fit.  That'd be the one place I would consider soldering.

Mike @fifer did a tutorial:

http://www.fiferhobby.com/html/how_to_make_your_own_lengths_o.html
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chicken45

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #13 on: January 20, 2016, 10:37:20 PM »
0
Thanks to @Dr Hotballs, I'm sure Tom will get it going.
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Josh Surkosky

Here's a Clerihew about Ed. K.

Ed Kapucinski
Every night, he plants a new tree.
But mention his law
and you've pulled your last straw!

Alternate version:
Ed Kapucinski
Every night, he plants a new tree.
He asks excitedly "Did you say Ménage à Trois?"
No, I said "Ed's Law."

towl1996

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Re: Small little Trackplans, DKS Style
« Reply #14 on: January 20, 2016, 10:46:40 PM »
0
Quote from: Dr Hotballs on January 20, 2016, 09:14:46 PM


Uhhh....., LOL. Was not expecting that. Everything looks OSHA approved, safety first!
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