Latest Track Plan

So the OMR&W has had many starts but never reached completion because I have never been satisfied with the track plan. My latest track plan is shown below and I think this is one that I can build upon and be happy with.

The Latest Plan

Close Up View of Switches and Passing Siding

Building these things always involve compromises so there are pros and cons to this but there are some interesting aspects to it. Here are the pros:

• I like the point to point and shelf layout style. The two loops on the end are the points and the loops make it possible for continuous running.
• The loops provide space for interesting scenery like towns, mountains, or whatever.
• The table is 8 feet long and 30 inches wide which can allow for long trains.
• The main line can be expanded easily at the ends.
• The passing siding and the switches have the potential to provide interesting operating possibilities.
• The narrowest part of the layout is 19 inches which is doable for a shelf layout. I would prefer a narrower shelf. The end loops are 24 inches at the widest.

Here are the cons:

• Uses Bachmann EZTrack so the the layout ends up looking symmetrical and is somewhat limiting.
• EZTrack is not designed for block control and works best with DCC setups.
• There are ways to modify the track to use block control but it is difficult and trains did not run well when I tried this on an earlier set up.
• The switches are power routing so that means power is off on the branch that is not used.
• This setup is not good for two train operation, however the power routing feature on the switches can make it possible to run two trains one at a time. The switches can be rewired but this takes some work.
• The EZTrack is prone to lose connections so it is a good idea to solder all the connections between the track or your train with sputter and quit at various points.
• The switches are not very precise and derailments are a problem. Some other modelers have said the the points need to be filed down to get better performance.
• EZTrack is expensive.

The Takeaways

• EZTrack is expensive and should not be a first choice. KATO is is a much better and mor reliable product. For most people laying down your own roadbed with Atlas or PECO track would be best.
• If a person can afford it, DCC would be a worthwhile investment, particularly for a person that wants to spend a lot of time with their model railroad.
• For two train operation on this layout, it might be best to have two separate tracks dedicated to each train.
• Using a different brand that has flex track available would allow more creativity and make for more realistic scenes on the layout.
• My preferences are:
  • Stay away from EZTrack (I bought a bunch of it before I knew better).
  • KATO is nice and reliable if you want to use track with built in roadbed,
  • If you want to lay your own track and roadbed Atlas and PECO are the way to go. I think PECO may be of higher quality but the difference is small. You will have the highest degree of creativity with both of these brands.
  • I tried Woodland Scenics foam roadbed on my door slab layout and I thought it worked as well as cork and should be quieter.

I tried making a layout with Atlas track on a door slab. The layout has block control and all of the connections are soldered. Takes patience and time but the final product is good and reliable. The switches are trustworthy and I got them second hand and cheap from train shows. It is not too creative it is a basic loop, but it could be extended and made into a lengthy shelf layout no wider than 12 inches. Two loops on the end to make a dog bone would be about 24 inches in diameter but would allow continuous running.

Built On A Dorr Slab