I’m finally going to start on my outdoor layout and was wondering if any one has any suggestions on how to get started. I have a fairly large area to work with, about 80’ by 50’ (or maybe 60’). I plan to use a raised track system (ladder type) no more than 36" at the highest point, then it will be less to offset the slope of the yard.
I thought I would start with some Layout Planning Software. Does any one have any advice on which one to get? I don’t mind paying for software, as long as it’s easy to use and accurate for what I need to construct the layout. I have an IBM Lenovo laptop with Windows 10.
I’ll be using all Aristocraft stainless steel track with curve diameters of 15’, 12.5’, 11.5’, and a ton of 10’. I plan some switches (mostly the 10’ diameter wide ss switches but I also have one pair of #6 ss switches, and possibly a WYE switch or two. Also, any one have an opinion on the Aristocraft ss connectors versus ss split jaw clamps? I have a bunch of each, probably not enough of either one to do everything one way or another, but should I use the splits jaws on certain areas versus the others?
I appreciate the excellent advice! I hope to meet some of you at the ECLSTS this year. Thank you!
Bill Buescher