Tips for Better Model Train Layout Design: Creating Turnouts
MRA EditorsDescription
If you have limited space with which to plan your model train layout design, there’s no need to panic, you can still create an impressive scene that appears to cover more ground than it actually does. All it takes to make a railroad scene seem larger is to maximize your space with some creative model train layout design. There are a number of scenery and landscape techniques you can utilize to take advantage of the space you have at your disposal, from ground cover and high backdrops to visual events and mini scenes.
You can also make small adjustments to the tracks themselves to get the most out of your model train layout design. Oftentimes, these adjustments mean opting for handlain track segments over commercial products. In this lesson, we teach you some expert tips and model train layout design concepts that will come in handy for deciding how to handlay track turnouts and crossings so you can maximize scene space and maintain your viewers’ attention.
Concepts of model train layout design for handlain track
To help you figure out how to maximize your limited scene space, model train layout design expert Doug Gurin introduces a few simple concepts that you can use to handlay track turnouts and crossings. He talks about why it can be important to handlay track rather than working only with commercial turnouts and crossings, which don’t always look natural in compact areas.
To demonstrate the benefits of handlaying turnouts and crossings for your model train layout design, Doug discusses three key factors for when you might favor them over commercial tracks, including ways to improve capacity for yard, siding and spur tracks. And you’ll also learn how to create track curves that work best for your scene according to the rules of proper model train layout design. With these expert tips for handlaying turnouts and crossings, you can make vast improvements to your model train layout design and get the most out of minimal scene space.
Don't limit your track planning efforts to the use of commercial turnouts. If you're willing to hand lay turnouts and crossings, you open up a lot more options for your design. Here are some of the factors that you might consider where you'd wanna hand lay your track. When you have a track plan calling for compact, but flowing curve alignments to maximize the capacity of yard, siding, and spur tracks. When commercial turnouts do not look graceful or fit together closely. And when commercial crossings do not fit a desired curved route. Paul chose to custom build many closely spaced, curved turnouts and crossings at Woodsriver, Haverhill Junction, and Wells. To achieve graceful curve geometries in confined spaces, he curved the points and frog rails of his turnouts. Using multiple closely spaced curved turnouts, you can also create longer straight track which can add efficiency to your operation. For example, freight yard classification tracks can hold more cars than any conventional yard. Station tracks can be longer than passenger trains so they can store extra cars. Although freelance turnout alignment is not strictly prototypical, this visual deception achieves a graceful realism that cannot be matched by using commercial model railroad turnouts. Disguised curves, cosmetic broad curves, and hand laid track can increase your track options and greatly improve your layout's appearance.
This really isn't a video on creating turnouts, only on why you might want to use them.
Interesting idea. Do you hand build the frogs and points or can these be purchased? Can you discuss building frogs and points for hand built turnouts.