Testing the track plan

Testing the track plan with a 1:1 scale drawing

Before committing to layout construction, testing the track plan is an important step. So, I printed the plan in full 1:1 scale and laid it on the floor to make sure the cars and locomotive fit properly.

I designed the plan using AnyRail software and printed it across several A4 sheets, which I then taped together.

Here are a couple of photos from the test, showing a few covered hoppers and a BC&W GP9. This is the west part of the layout, where the Maple Hollow Farmers Co-op is located, with its grain elevator, feed mill, and fertilizer facilities.

I wanted to visually check if the proportions looked right and whether the runaround lead was long enough to handle at least three three-bay covered hoppers.

It turned out that only two covered hoppers and one locomotive fit on the runaround lead, but I can easily move the turnout a few centimeters to make room for a third car.

The printed 1:1 track plan will also be useful during construction, since I can lay the paper directly on the benchwork and check if anything needs adjustment.