Looks really interesting Dave.

Will follow along to see how you do with the track.

That should keep a couple people busy operating.

Mike

As someone who can't stand the looks of sectional track in general and Kato's in particular I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

I really like Iaian's design, maybe because it's more finished in detail. IMHO I would make the top run-around shorter. The group I'm with just completed an O-Scale switching layout and we added a second run-around that's almost not practical to use.

How do you super detail an N scale loco? Microscope.

Iain Rice is the master of curves. This plan is a gem. He uses curves to accentuate the natural curving shape of the river, both with internal and external track-work, and with the front of the bench-work. He sets the industries up at angles to further enhance this. He manages to cleverly disguise the roundy, roundy shape of the layout by using these leading lines to take your attention away from it. Depending on your goals - I would investigate this further, because your plan has undone some of this design work. Not meaning to sound harsh - but now is the time to make changes.

Cheers, Mark.

Lots of interesting curved lines that do not follow or parallel edges in the first plan.

The second plan seems more rigid.

Maybe following the flow of a curved river instead might break it up? Maybe set the river at an angle, instead of straight down the middle?

its gotta be tough trying for those curves with unitrack. is it even possible?

Ian Rice uses curved turnouts in several key spots to accommodate curves and longer tracks in the HO Chesapeake Harbor Belt. Without knowing the radii,

I can't say if it can be built in HO without some hand-laying. Dave has paid his dues as a Code 40 track layer, but is working within Kato's N-scale

sectional track limitations here. I don't see any simple ways to shift it closer to the original without at least flextrack of some kind.

"How do you super detail an N scale loco?"

The short answer Frank is VERY carefully! They do make things like hood lift rings, grab irons, windshield wipers, sun shades etc. The problem is trying to handle the loco after you have done all that and not have those things start breaking off.Don't ask me how I know that.......................

Thanks to all for viewing and commenting on my first post. Have to confess the interest surprised me.

Some thoughts based on the comments.

Regarding the track plan, I've always loved looking at Iaian Rice's work. I think his coloring and surrounding a basic plan with buildings and scenery in his drawings are attractive. Sometimes the size of the buildings and lengths of track are a bit deceiving without an anchor of a to scale train or person. That said, how he presents an atmosphere is what I admire most.

Using Kato track, I'm limited in my ability to provide curving rails and, because I'm planning to operate a switching layout using magnetic uncouplers, I require straight sections to operate hands free. I get enjoyment from throwing switches, running the trains and coupling/uncoupling without touching the layout. I'll have more in future writings as I've learned JMRI, have tied the layout to my computer and plan to add signals.

I know that my track tends to follow the edges and my reasoning is that I'm trying to maximize the end curves and provide a lot of room in the middle to divide the top and bottom halves of the layout. I agree with David that it does provide a rigid look and hope to diminish this appearance with angled streets and with my modified track plan below.

The modification removes the end-to-end river and replaces it with a harbor and town area. This was for two reasons. As I mentioned in my first post, I didn't feel that the river openings in Iaian's plan were wide enough. If you look at the picture, it would be difficult to see how the freighter could make it through the bridge and turn around to exit. In a confined area the move would require tugs and I don't see the water area being wide enough (guess it's the former Navy in me.) The second reason for the mod was that I've had a lot of scratchbuilt structures that I really like but have never had room for on my previous layouts. My town of Nassawadox (main street below) is built to scale and the buildings are exactly as they appeared when I first discovered the town. I wanted to display them. If you've read any of my previous threads, these buildings may look familiar. It's also satisfying to have 90pct of the major structures completed at the start of the build.

Where I stand now. I'm happy with the operational capability of the revised plan and have moved some cars around to see how things work. I realize I'll have to use scenery and other tricks to, "detract from the track." I've added a picture of a turnout that I've painted. I'll be adding longer ties around the throw bar and switch machines/indicators. I'll also be filing down the Kato plastic switch throws on the side of switch and then hiding those with scenery. The ties of the track will be painted and weathered.

I have installed a lot of electronics that I'll describe on my next post and have also received all the parts to build a crossing gate/light/ringer system. The JMRI interface works and I can control the switches from my computer and also run the loco if I want. The electronics have intimidated me in the past but I'm having fun with this aspect of the hobby.

The key goals of this layout are to create a flawlessly working model with advanced electronics, interesting operations and creation of an atmosphere. I have a long way to go, but it's exciting to think of the opportunities.

The top runaround probably won't be used as a runaround, it's more of an alternative route for interest. and a lead to the industry. By the way Frank, in response to how you super detail an N scale engine....... you tell everyone you did without doing anything and because it's so small they'll never realize it. (Actually Mike's answer is more accurate.) the last pic is the Scale Trains N scale GEVO on Kato track.

Thanks again to all for your comments

Dave

Dave,

I like that block of businesses.

The Iain Rice plans are always very interesting and motivating. From what I’ve read they are about 95% doable; no plan is perfect. I think you’ve made good modifications and a very fine job utilizing your track of choice.

Enjoying watching your progress.

Mike

Dave. You're off to a good start. Looking forward to following your progress. Using sectional track instead of flex may have some limitations, but so far it's looking good.

:up:

And the Ian Rice plans are always a good starting point.

My motto is "No good deed or good track plan goes unpunished". My own, for the North Coast Railroad in HOn3 has had to have several "wing it" changes as a drawing never seems to quite work out as planned. I can appreciate the need for straight sections for uncoupling. I would also agree that the original river is undersized for a full size freighter. The fishing village concept will allow both smaller boats and smaller industries elements. I considered the Mystic Seaport as inspiration.

Bayford Oyster Co. is not far from Nassawadox. Are you considering it for one of your industries on the water?

Hi Dave.

It will be interesting to see this one come together.

I'm keen to see the shape of your new harbour. Maybe you could mock it up with some coloured paper? You could also mock up the angled roads in this way. Its a quick easy method of seeing how things might work and is very easy to make changes. I usually start with a sketched plan on paper, then do coloured paper on the layout table, then move into 3-D mock-ups, and then start on the actual building. I live with different ideas for a day or two, making tweaks - and photograph as a reference. I can then try something completely different without loosing previous ideas. I've just moved into the colour paper stage on the extension of my layout at the moment. It lets you see strong lines, the shapes of the roads and water, and the spaces in-between.

We all have to make sacrifices. I would imagine that Iain Rice's sacrifice was to have the river narrower than he would have liked in order to obtain the desired curves in the trackwork. Your goals are somewhat different and I do understand.

Looking forward to your progress,

Cheers, Mark.