Posts Tagged: geometry

Model railways, like the real thing, tend to be fairly flat.  If you want ot have more complex layouts with gradients you need to plan carefully in advance, and avoid the temptation to create an unrealistic (and undriveable!) incline.

Below is a layout which fits a triple loop design into a typical shed of 12ft x 8ft. This gives a good length of run between each station and still leaves plenty of space to reach the entire layout and add some scenery. Maximum gradient is 2%.

Below is a track plan for a reasonable size approximation of the former Sheffield Victoria station layout.

I have recently returned to model railwaying after a hiatus of over a decade. Since I last modelled, things have changed considerably, with the wide availability of modelling software which allows layouts to be carefully designed in advance – ensuring the design will fit in the space, and that the required track is available.