Mock Up

Having access to AutoCAD has aided greatly in planning this railroad. Its detailed ability to measure and place real-world dimensions has allowed me to plan, draw out and calculate exactly how to bring the vision for the track design into the real world. So, naturally, now that the table is up and sitting, I figured I would try my hand at actually bringing the design into the real world and mock up what it was that I had designed on the computer. As you can see, it seems to have worked out quite well.

The inclines that you're seeing there is actually a very cool and highly recommended product by Woodland Scenics (the defacto name in model railroading scenery) which are foam incline sets -- in this case 3% grade inclines. I chose 3% (Woodland Scenics also makes 2% and 4% grade kits) because it allows me to achieve the height that I need for the overpass in the layout without me having to worry about overtaxing the engine(s) that I have. Many people recommend 2-3% inclines for HO railways.

The track that came with the starter set that Danielle got me was quite useful in this mockup stage. Although because of the plastic base the track is welded on will exclude its use in the final layout, its use is hugely beneficial for seeing how the final track will interact with the incline sets and overpass. Unfortunately because of the unusually long wheel-base of the particular engine in the starter set I have, I am "stuck" with a minimum of 18" radius curves, so handily, the plastic track is also the correct radius for the final layout as well.