Track plan help

[mariner4222]

Hi All, Regarding the 4th edition track plan book I'm after a copy of the plan for the 8 x 4  layout that was featured on the front cover.

Nige

[westernwill]

Try this site but note the restrictions placed by Hornby.

http://www.freetrackplans.com/Hornby-Plans.php

[2e0dtoeric]

No disrespect to Hornby, but be wary of track-plan books. Some of the plans have been around since Noah was an infant, and use radius 1 bends! Current loco models will struggle with radius 3, and stand no chance on a 1 or 2, except for 040 or 060 shunters.

Use plan books as a guide, and inspiration, but don't faithfully follow them, or you will be struggling. That applies especially to old plans with gradients. Older loco's had magnadhesion and steel rails, so they gripped better, and would go uphill. On nickel-silver rail, a 1 in 50 is STEEP, and if it's on a bend, really steep!

[The son of Triangman]

I agree with what has been said keep the gradients as shallow as possible, modern locos aren't as strong on average as the older locos and can struggle on steep gradients.  2nd radius should be your minimum curve radius as 1st is really only suitable for UK made locos, most Railroad range locos and short wheelbase locos.

[ModelerXYZ]

If you really want to plan a track, that is what Trackmaster is for. I have an 8ft x 4'5'' track, which I planned on Trackmaster. Small radius curves are for small trains.

[Ashcat]

 

I read with some trepidation you mention about locos on bends I’m just starting to build a new layout designed with Trackmaster but width restrictions mean I can only use 3rd and 2nd radius bends I was hoping to run it with SR 4-4-0 Class T9 'Greyhound' R3108 and the new BR 4-4-2T Adams Radial 415 Class - Early BR R3333 will these be ok on 2nd radius? If not its back to the drawing board or knock through into the next room!

 

[choralc]

I'd hazard a guess that that they would be okay.

[Fishmanoz]

Ashcat, don't be bashful, or in fact do be bashful and go for the next room approach. Everyone here knows that even if you don't stsrt that way, your ever-expanding modelling aspirations will mean you need to in the end. 

[The son of Triangman]

First radius is a no no with todays super detail locos on the whole, 2nd radius is usually generally ok, some even need 3rd radius as a minimum.

[DallasOZ]

Just my experience I have 1, 2 & 3 radius curves on my layout. My loco's are Bachmann 20/3, 37, 57 & 66 plus Hornby A1 & A4. They all run well and have no problems with the tight curves.

[Stephen in Kerry]

I am very new to all this, but I have received the latest Hornby catalogue in the last hour.

I notice that every loco info has a statement about 'curved track'.

I assume that if it says Hornby 2nd radius / +438mm (for example) but this is the tightest radius that a specific loco will run on?

If so, then maybe the catalogue is useful for us beginner's in selecting trains for tracks.