Blobby Posted June 19, 2015 Author Share Posted June 19, 2015 Track for layout on the way from Modellbahn Union! Link to comment
Claude_Dreyfus Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 I have used Japan Model Railways a few times before...they are very good. I'm afaid I am a little late to the party here, but the majority of my collection is from Hobbysearch. I have also used Plaza Japan a fair but and have stuff on order from Loco1Hobby. If you like Kato stuff, TrainTrax are very good...and are UK based. Link to comment
Blobby Posted June 19, 2015 Author Share Posted June 19, 2015 have already used traintrax, very impressed with the service - my bits from Modelbahn were apparently delayed by German postal strike Link to comment
Blobby Posted June 23, 2015 Author Share Posted June 23, 2015 (edited) http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hakatastation-now Edited June 23, 2015 by Blobby Link to comment
Blobby Posted June 23, 2015 Author Share Posted June 23, 2015 (edited) Tomix track arrived today, must say I like the lower profile of this track compared to Kato Edited June 23, 2015 by Blobby Link to comment
Blobby Posted September 17, 2015 Author Share Posted September 17, 2015 (edited) OK still pondering small layout. I'm still trying for the impossible small, layout where I can watch the trains go round but also with somw operating potential Been very inspired by these two (I love the station on this one) So I've been having a ply around with a dogbone as in first video but keeping to the idea that kvp kindly did for me This is what I've come up with so far I really like the idea of a viaduct and viaduct station but having watched JAM2013 auto electric railway video I'm not so sure as I was As ever comments and suggestions very welcome Edited September 17, 2015 by Blobby Link to comment
Blobby Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 (edited) Hi I've been using SCARM to play around with Tomix finetrack track plans and have noticed a problem. If I construct an oval using 280 radius curves and put a curved 280/317 point in then it doesn't join correctly (see image). Is this a problem with SCARM not rendering the point correctly or is this actually a problem with the Tomix curved point itself? (I think the latter unlikey but just checking!) Thanx Edited October 11, 2015 by Blobby Link to comment
JR 500系 Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Curved points? I have encountered this problem too in my layout plan. I've got something like 4-5 points where they don't join nicely... I do hope those are minimal millimetres and that the actual tracks should be able to join just fine... Link to comment
railsquid Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 I wonder if that's a "bug" in SCARM, I had a similar issue. Assumed it was something to do with the points having a different geometry. Must go and compare the ones I have with curves of the same radii. Link to comment
Blobby Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 I guess there's only one way to find out for sure! Link to comment
railsquid Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 I wonder if that's a "bug" in SCARM, I had a similar issue. Assumed it was something to do with the points having a different geometry. Must go and compare the ones I have with curves of the same radii. A 280 curve laid over the 280 part of the point seems to match; I don't have any free 317 curves apart from some viaduct ones on the layout; they seem to match the 317 part of the point pretty well too. The definitive test would be to create a quarter-circle of each, draw the outline then replace one of the curves with the point, but I can't be bothered right now. But it does look to me like the point should work as a drop-in replacement for either curve. Link to comment
Blobby Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 Thanx railsquid that's helpful - on the layout I'm playing with the 317 seems ok - it was the 280 that wouldn't join Link to comment
kvp Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 Here is the library data: # Curved Arrow RailsTCurvedArrowRail2|N-CPR317/280-45|1248|2|266.673|45|296.907|45|16.525|0|10.365TCurvedArrowRail2|N-CPL317/280-45|1249|2|266.673|45|296.907|45|16.525|1|10.365TCurvedArrowRail2|N-CPR317/280-45|1278|2|266.673|45|296.907|45|16.525|0|10.365TCurvedArrowRail2|N-CPL317/280-45|1279|2|266.673|45|296.907|45|16.525|1|10.365 My problem is that if you put down a 280 on the outer and a 317 on the inner curve, they won't meet. This means this turnout has a strange geometry as on this picture (http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/matuya/tomix/girder317280-15_l.jpg) they are matching the 280 and 317 geometries on the outside, but still meet. Pure 280 and 317 turnouts could not do this, only with separate inner and outer curved points. Can anyone who understands this explain it for us? 1 Link to comment
gerryo Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 On any curved turnouts that I have used, and I have used quite a few especially on Z scale, the larger of the two radii had to be on the outside of the turnout. Otherwise there would not be sufficient space for the smaller radius track. Your drawing shows both radii starting from the same place. This would not be possible if you were wanting to have the new track at the proper spacing from your Oval On looking at your layout drawing, I wonder why you are putting in a curved turnout. Why not use a number 4 turnout and then a curved 317 immediately after. Would that not get you to the same place? gerry Link to comment
kvp Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 The reason for curved turnouts on layouts is usually longer platform lengths. But the problem remains, as the Tomix turnouts seem to work as a crossing and as two standard curves. I can't really imagine how did they do it and the scarm version is clearly faulty. Link to comment
Blobby Posted October 13, 2015 Author Share Posted October 13, 2015 (edited) Hi KVP Exactly right! - I've been playing around with the plan you produced for me and trying to make one of the station tracks a loop and keep it as long as possible. I know the ramp up to the upper station is quite steep but the idea is to have that bit covered over. The inner loop I'm hoping to make a bit of a 'meandering' tram track. Edited October 13, 2015 by Blobby Link to comment
gerryo Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 I agree with KVP in that the scarm version is obviously at fault. gerry Link to comment
Blobby Posted December 13, 2015 Author Share Posted December 13, 2015 Still playing around with layout designs - I've been looking at one of the Kato plans Its still pretty much what I'm after but with a touch more operational interest, I would probably substitute the high level station for a viaduct station. I'm trying at the moment to redraw it for Tomix track as I have a fair bit of Tomix track already and I prefer the lower profile of it. Anybody any suggestions or comments about this layout? I notice it has a reversing loop which I have never used before, what would I need to do electrically particularly if I decide to go down the DCC route All comments very welcome! 1 Link to comment
kvp Posted December 13, 2015 Share Posted December 13, 2015 It's a nice layout for trains with no more than 4 cars. Personally i would flip the front station around from right to left, so trains coming from the hill could go in without reversing by going around once the loop. There is no through station, so if you don't want to reverse in the tunnel this is the only way to go from a to b. (the tunnel is used as a scenic barrier to represent the rest of the network) If you want to use the reversing loop with dcc, then you only have to put the feed points to the right side double track and the tomix turnout at the bottom of the ramp will take care of the polarity of the hill section. For analog operation with tomix turnouts, i would also put the feed points to the right. The left hand loop entry turnout will take care of the polarity of the upper part and i would also isolate the crossover (disable the power routing between the parallel tracks) and bypass it in the through direction, so the outer loop controller could remain independent from the inner tracks. You will need 9 point control levers and 2 controllers or a dcc central. Link to comment
Mudkip Orange Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 Personally i would flip the front station around from right to left, so trains coming from the hill could go in without reversing by going around once the loop. I think the idea is a descending train immediately takes a left into the reverse loop, circuits through, uses the double crossover to switch to the oval, then makes an additional circuit before going into the lower station. Link to comment
kvp Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 Oh, i see it now. It makes the short track connecting the loop turnout with the crossover not really needed in service. Fortunately with tomix turnouts, the loop doesn't need loop controller circuits, so it can be left as is with no extra costs. Link to comment
Blobby Posted December 14, 2015 Author Share Posted December 14, 2015 Thanks for comments Link to comment
katoftw Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 A while back I actually thought of doing that layout. The bottom lower section would be urban/cityscape, and the upper section (made a little larger) would be rural/onsen town area. 1 Link to comment
inobu Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 (edited) Blobby, That's a really good layout selection as it appears to cover most aspects of a layout. I am in the process of doing some layouts and this looks like a good option. The only thing I see is adding a hidden yard under the mountain. This will allow you to switch 3 different trains coming out of the tunnel to the left. This could simulate different trains passing through the town. That's a good selection Here is some information I gathered if it can help you or anyone else. http://www.katomodels.com/unitrackplan/plan/plan03-6.pdf the layout drawing This is the build list for this layout. I have broken down the items into 5 parts. The first 3 are grouped more so as track items but divided by major cost groups. If you have a track box you might have the bulk of the track stashed away. along with the electrical tracking. that can save you almost half of the projected cost. The next 2 pats are the structures. They cover the other half of the cost. But you might be able to cut that in half. There are two types of structures. Rail and Urban. You can get away with dividing that into to stages. That is what I'm planning to do. The first half of the structures financing will go the the rail portion. I'm going to leave the Urban building for later but make it look like it land being developed. It is easier to do it that way then to leave it undone. I think cutting out square lot patched with dead grass and square dirt with construction scenes where the building is suppose to go is the temporary answer. A funds become available I'll add the buildings. that way the layout will always look finished. In any case this can give you a cost factor to the project. I think the paper buildings can be used to. TRACK Item Qty TotalKato N 20863-1 Switching Siding Track Set Variation 4 2 $147.98Kato N 20866-1 Unitrack Double Crossover Track Set Variation 7 1 $59.99Kato N 20000 9-3/4" Straight Unitrack (4) 3 $20.97Kato N 20010 7-5/16" Straight Unitrack (4) 1 $6.29Kato N 20020 4-7/8" Straight Unitrack (4) 1 $5.59Kato N 20030 Unitrack 2-1/2" Straight (2) 2 $5.38Kato N 20040 2-7/16" Straight Unitrack (4) 1 $4.89Kato N 20041 2-7/16" Straight Feeder Unitrack 4 $13.96Kato N 20100 Unitrack 9-3/4" Radius Curve 45 Degree (4) 1 $6.29Kato N 20110 Unitrack 11"-45-Degree Radius Curved Track (4) 1 $6.99Kato N 20120 12-3/8" Radius Curve 45 Degree Unitrack (4) 2 $13.98Kato N 20130 13-3/4" Radius Curve 30 Degree Unitrack (4) 1 $6.29Kato N 20091 Straight Track Assortment Unitrack (10) 1 $10.99Kato N 20400 Unitrack 9-3/4" Straight Viaduct (2) 1 $7.69Kato N 20420 Unitrack 4-7/8" Straight Viaduct (2) 1 $6.19Kato N 20510 Unitrack 45 Degree 11" Radius Viaduct 3 $23.07Kato N 20530 Unitrack 45 Degree 13-3/4" Radius Viaduct(2) 1 $8.09Kato N 20531 Unitrack 30 Degree 13-3/4" Radius Viaduct (2) 1 $6.99 Kato N 20046 2-7/16" Straight Bumper A Unitrack (2) 1 $5.59Kato N 20047 2-7/16" Straight Bumper B Unitrack (2) 1 $5.59Kato N 20048 Unitrack 2" Straight Bumper C (2) 3 $17.37 track total........................................................................................................ $ 362.91 TRACK ELECTRICAL Kato N 20203 #6 Right Electric Turnout Unitrack 2 $37.98Kato N 20220 #4 Left Electric Turnout Unitrack 2 $51.98Kato N 20221 #4 Right Electric Turnout Unitrack 3 $77.97 Kato HO/N 24840 Unitrack Turnout Control Switch 7 $48.93 ......................................................................................................................$216.86 TRACK MISC Kato N 23015 Unitrack 1/2" to 2" Incline Pier Set 1 $9.19Kato N 23017 Unitrack 2" Single Track Pier, Concrete Column (5) 2 $11.18Kato N 20432 Unitrack 9-3/4" Truss Bridge, Gray 1 $9.79..................................................................................................................................$30.16 MISC Kato HO/N 24815 Unitrack Unijoiners (20) 1 $4.89 ........................................................................................................................................$4.89 RAIL STRUCTURESKato N 23-100 Island Platform A 2 $15.98 Kato N 23105 Island Platform End No 4 1 $8.59 Kato N 23-130 N Scale - RURAL STATION PLATFORM KIT 1 $72.59Kato N 23-200 Overhead Station Set (Some Assembly Required) 1 $14.39 Kato N 23210 Station Entrance 1 $6.69 Kato N 23-220 Rural Station Set (Ideal addition to 23-130) 1 $62.95Kato N 23-234 N Scale Rural Overhead Walkway Kit 1 $25.99Kato N 23-300 Long Engine House Kit 1 $15.99 Kato 23-226 Yard Buildings Kit - Requires assembly 1 $30.00Kato 23-226 Yard Buildings Kit - Requires assembly 1 $30.00 Kato 23-315 Station & Signal Tower set - Requires assembly 1 $14.50..........................................................................................................................................$296.67 URBAN STRUCTURES 23-233 Wood Station Buildings Set 8 assorted wooden Japanese style $58.5023-310 Industrial Building $34.00 23-406 Mama's Seafood Restaurant $33.7523-457 Express Company $40.0023-405A 7410 N. Claremont $30.0023-433B Metro 6 Floor Department Store, $35.0023-438B Boutique and Office Building $60.50 ..............................................................................................................................................$291.75 total $1196.24 The centenary are not listed. Inobu Notes: Structure 23-224 is an Older wooden walkway. The modern version is 23-234 Edited December 15, 2015 by inobu 2 Link to comment
Blobby Posted December 14, 2015 Author Share Posted December 14, 2015 A while back I actually thought of doing that layout. The bottom lower section would be urban/cityscape, and the upper section (made a little larger) would be rural/onsen town area. Sounds good - was there a reason why you didn't go ahead? I'd be interested to know what you finally settled on Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now