How To Track Plan Database Cactus Valley RR

Cactus Valley RR

By Angela Cotey | August 15, 2007

| Last updated on January 20, 2021

Download this track plan from Model Railroader

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Track plan at a glance
Name: Cactus Valley RR
Scale: HO
Size: 4 x 8 feet
Originally appeared in the December 1998 issue of Model Railroader.

12 thoughts on “Cactus Valley RR

  1. I have had a lot of fun building this layout. It is a good sized working layout for a small area. I'm not too good with the wiring etc. but will be attempting this soon. Couldn't obtain a copy of December 1998 Model Railroader, but have managed with the downloaded track diagram. This will be my first completed layout in many years!

  2. I have spent 3 hours attempting to make this work with stock parts and a track layout program. Help! I can not get this to even come close to joining up.

  3. This is my first attempt at building a layout. And as per the two previous gents am I able to get more information on how to build this layout. Thanks for any help and assistance I can get, John. berrycrop@bigpond.com

  4. I model in HO,currently planning on an N scale coffee table layout something modular that can rest on a coffee table This layout or the Maddison Central reduced by half are good canidates I am avoiding the math and substituting HO 9" for N 5" when it comes to skipping the 1/87 to 1/160 conversions, I Have also considered 18"r HO becomes 93/4"r N if not I might just look for some thing in a back issue of MR or track plan guides from Atlas and Kalmbach any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

  5. My search has come to an end! I think I can tweek this to work with a larger inner radius. This is just what I have been looking for!

  6. This is a nice plan I am considering building or using as a guide (space limitations you know).
    Regarding previous comments: to see the article you can order the back issue that contained it, or get the 75-year DVD set which will include that issue. This layout will probably not handle a 2-10-2; you can estimate the radii by using the 6" grid – the outside curve on the right might be 22'r, the outside curve on the left is probably 18"r and the two inside curves look to be 15"r – this is a compact plan!
    As far as a parts list goes, well that's part of the fun of building your own layout! The turnouts are easy: three right-hand, one left-hand. They'll need to be compact too – No. 4s or 5s. The rest can be put together with curved sectional track – a good idea for tight radii like this as the manufactured sections will hold gauge better. The rest would best be done with 3' flex track cut to fit.
    Watch the videos online about the building of the Virginian – the techniques used there will be a perfect reference for this layout as well!

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