9x10 L Shaped Lionel Layout

Any thoughts, feelings

 

On the o-42 version is the beginning of the climb next to the switch a potential issue?

 

I also noted the s curve on the modifed pop layout. Will a half straight in-between fix it?

I like the O-42 9x11 version better and don't think you will have an issue with beginning of the climb being on the curve.   If you can fit a half straight between the S-curve I would do it just because it looks better but you shouldn't have issues with it as the O-42 track limits the size of your locos.  

 

I would like to make the following suggestion on the bottom level of the O-42 layout (2nd photo).  There really isn't a need for a 3rd reversing loop.  The one on the upper level and the one at the top of the lower level form an independent circuit which you can use to run two trains at the same time (with the other independent circuit being around the outside of the lower level.    I would lose the reverse loop at the bottom of the lower level and turn the siding right above it into a wye with the section of track above it.   This will allow you to turn a train on the lower level without having to back into the reverse loop (which you will eliminate).   The area created by removing the reverse loop can be used for scenery or extra sidings for industries.

 

--Greg

 

 

Thanks G. I was thinking of something like that but wanted the option of reversing the train on the lower outside circut if another was running on the inside dog bone. The way I have it no doubt limits some accessories and scenery I would like. We'll just have to test all that out!

I see whatcha mean now with the wye.

Version 2.

If you can flip the wye to the other side of the bottom loop you'll get your reverse loop and be able to reverse the whole train by going to the right or continue around the left by going to the left.  Of course, you can still use the wye to reverse just the engine, so you'd get the best of both worlds, assuming it all fits.

Hi Jay,

 

Not sure if you have a few more feet available but the 1957 Lionel Super O layout was a very nice design. I've always like it. I believe it was 9x14. I think it was printed in the 1957 catalog.

Perhaps someone could chime in with the design.

 

try this OGR post a while back, scroll down

https://ogrforum.com/d...ent/2415514336965457

 

But of course! Will revise, thanks 2xDAZ!

 

Sunfish: I debated that one but I'm pushing what space I have plus I wanted to freelance this one.

 

If I had more space I make the Horseshoe Curve layout in Classic Railroads You Can Model. I actually have a plan for it thats a tad smaller that the 10x15 or so they recommend. I wonder if anyone has built it. I've dredged the net and haven't found any proof.

This seems to flow better. Got the accessories on there too now.

I like it! Wish I had the space to do more! Just a observation based on my experiences. Watch for "overhang" clearence issues on your passenger platform.....

It's looking really good, I'd steal this design if I had room for it

I like the "new" wye.

I really like this layout as well.

 

Cheers!
~MattS

I keep coming back to this layout. I've been looking at my lower level 11'x11' dual-main loop to loop design trying to incorporate a grade so I can eliminate my separate upper level and this seems to do what I want. The next step is to enter this into RR-Track using RealTrax to see how it works. It might even work as my bedroom layout in a few years. I'm going to measure that space and overlay the dimensions to see. This may even allow me to still use the room as a bedroom for overnight guests.

Dave,

I would be very interested in seeing this as RealTrax. I am just coming back into the hobby after a several year break. My previous layout was done all in RealTrax and it would be cost prohibitive to switch to something else. If you would, please let me know if you put this in RR-Track.

Cheers,
~Matt

Like the L shape especially with the addition of the "wye"

I will work on it today.  I'm still undecided about switching to ScaleTrax, mostly because I want to use FlexTrack on the straights. Someone told me ScaleTrax doesn't have anti-derail turnouts, but I believe they do. Someone else mentioned turnouts that allows one to use reversing loops unattended, so I also want to look into that too. Hopefully, I'll get the layout into RR-Tracks today and post it.  I'm going to use my 11'x11' space and see how much of that it needs in RealTrax.

Okay, here is the best I could do quickly. As you can see, RealTrax makes things a bit tighter, possibly because it includes the roadbed, and it doesn't quite fit the 9'x11' dimensions of the original. However, I intend to play with this a little more on my current space and future bedroom space.

 

All curves and turnouts are 42's and the yellow tracks identify the grade/elevation. There are a few gaps that RR-Tracks says are within the margin of adjustability (or whatever you want to call it), so it should fit as shown. It should also allow 2 trains to run unattended. From my understanding, RealTrax turnouts will auto-switch to avoid derailments, so they should auto-switch as trains enter/exit the loops. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Wife saw 9x11 plan and was displeased . Here is a new one without the S curves, all o42, 9x10. Probably need to tweak some things like the parallel tolerances and the connecting back-to-back rights but I'm pretty happy with it as a train on the lower loop can be reversed counter-clockwise by going up and clockwise using the lower reverse loop.

 

Nice changes, especially to the main section spurs. It does look like there are some real close tolerances, including being right on the edge of the benchwork. Of course, you can probably cheat on the benchwirk dimensions and she'll never know.

Thanks! Yeah, its close but I didnt take the time to set up snapping, plus from building my nephews layout it seems I run big in my digital environment. What software is that your're using? Looks good. The incline in the 9x10 is ~3.5% and of course WS incline risers are 3% & 4%. If I use them as planned I may have to come up around the back another foot. It might not matter...?

Just noticed in your drawing the incline doesn't go over the left side of the inner loop and can therfore climb at a lower grade until it crosses the other reversve loop. Nice!

Any worries about the S curves? I'm worried about my scale Reading T-1 on them...but I've read they arent a big deal. Many companies even have them in their designs.

Dave,

 

You are correct, the switches will auto-switch.  I used them quite extensively in my previous layout.

 

Thank you for doing this.  I have such a hard time building layouts even if I have a design in front of me.  Any chance you could post the track list?

 

Cheers!
~Matt

I'm curious about S's too.  I'm hoping that if they aren't very sharp and/or there's at least a half straight in between them it's not a big issue.

DD here are a few more ideas in my crazy head. I think they're out bc of the mrs wishes, but they may serve you well. The grade is similar but on the one the upper level is on one plane with the connector around back.

 

 

I'm using RR-Tracks that was included with my MTH RailKing Christmas set. It only has the RealTrax library and I'm considering upgrading if I decide to pursue ScaleTrax. Trouble is the upgrade is $70+.

 

I didn't enter the elevation as a grade, so I don't know what the grade really is. I guess I should probably do that so I know if it will actually work.

Not going over the inner loop just happened, I didn't plan it that way. Obviously, it is a better way, but it depends on space.

 

Yes, I worry about the "S" curves, but think the 42" radius will limit engine and car choices so the S's will not be too much of a problem. If I pursue this on my around the wall bedroom layput, I'm sure I can avoid them with some minor changes. I'll have to change things anyway, but my 11'x11' table layout is for testing anyway, so I guess I'll find or sooner or later.

Thanks. I have a hard time envisioning things, mostly because moves have kept me from getting past the track stage. But, I'm beginning to get a feel for it and it has made me rethink my original plan (https://ogrforum.com/d...nt/11144471769679081).

Here's the track designations and list. Bear in mind that some sections of 10" tracks could be replaced with 30" tracks, I used 10" to make the adjustments easier. Also, if you use the MTH conversion tracks, the straight sections could be completely replaced with FlexTrack to make the fit easier, but then you'd have to deal with roadbed and matching it to RealTrax colors, etc.

Thank You Sir!  I actually have a bunch of 30" RealTrax and highly recommend its use when you can. 

 

I read your other post and I might look into some other track to see if I like it better.  I happen to have all my switches as RealTrack, but could use the adapters/converters.

 

Best!
~MattS

You're welcome, anytime I can help.

Regarding my search for other track,  I wish it weren't so expensive to compare them. So far I just have 1 RealTrax turnout, a 6x8 oval with a single siding of curved/straight track. I have an LHS source for RealTrax, but not for ScaleTrax, so I can't even see what they look like much less test them. There is a local modular club that sets up once a month, but I won't be able to check them out until the end of February due to a scheduled trip. I'm researching clubs and shops in the Savannah and Cape Canaveral areas now. Maybe I can check something out while away.