Fastrack layout ideas for 6'x16' table

After reading Rich Melvin's suggestions for switching leads, I came up with two rough designs for my Fastrack 6' x 16' layout. May I ask which of these two designs you like best, or, can you suggest improvements to one or the other. Thank you for your assistance.

Bill

Just a couple of comments from my experiences with my 6x12 Fastrack layout...  

• Being able to move between loops will add a great deal to your options.
• Likewise being able to reverse direction from either direction of travel adds a lot to your operations.
• I deeply regret not planning an O72 mainline.

I'll write more later but no O72 mainline on the layout means my PM1225 is running on a 7x11 floor oval.  Better than nothing but not fun.  Since I will need to severely redo my benchwork anyway to accommodate O72, I am also looking into what I'd have to do for O84 and O96.

Bill,

Quick implementation of your rough plan:

As Eric suggested, having the switches to move trains between the inner and outer loop adds alot to operation.

Also as Eric suggested, if you can afford the space, having the outer loop at 072 or 084 would allow you to operate the larger scale locomotives.

If you are indeed limited to a 6 foot width, this is a nice plan. You might want to consider some access hatches in the middle to make reaching the middle more manageable.

-bruce

Eric and Bruce,

Thank you for the suggestions, and especially for the layout diagram, Bruce. That is pretty much what I had in mind and I think I will loop the switching lead around as you designed. Connecting the mainline loops will require four more switches, so I will have to save that step for later. 

Hatches aren't necessary because the benchwork legs are equipped with heavy-duty caster wheels. The entire train table rolls away from the back wall easily for 360-degree access.

I wanted a switch yard so I can operate the Lionel PRR Legacy NW-2 Switcher that I ordered from the new catalog!

I don't have plans to buy a big steam locomotive as I like to stick with Erie/E-L, B & O, and PRR around 1959-1960. I grew up in a house situated alongside the Erie NYC-Chicago mainline in Tallmadge, Ohio and watched high speed passenger and freight trains fly past our dinette picture window. There were SO MANY trains running on those tracks back in the 50s and early 60s! I only wish I possessed the foresight to take pictures of the many styles of locomotives that were a routine part of daily life back then. Memories will have to suffice.

Bill

You're welcome Bill.

For your initial layout, you can use filler pieces (green) as place holders, and replace them with 060 switches at a later time:

The PRR Legacy NW-2 Switcher should be able to handle the 036 curves on the switching lead.

If you plan on running all Legacy Scale locomotives, the Mikados and K4 Pacifics should negotiate the 048 & 060 turns just fine. The scale Berkshires will be relegated to running on the outer 060 loop as they have a 54" radius minimum.

I can email a layout manifest to you if it would be helpful.

Look forward to some pictures once it's up & running.

-bruce

Hi Bruce,

The track manifest would be great. That will help me figure out what short spacer pieces I need to make everything fit correctly. All my locomotives are diesels, but if I decide to buy a steam engine, I will look at the Mikados and K4 Pacifics

I am going to proceed with construction just as you have the layout designed. I already have the switches and almost all of the track. Will need to add a few pieces here and there.

You've been extremely helpful. Thank you!

Bill Turner

I like Bruce's plan, it has everything you could want in a railroad for that size.

Here's a progress photo of my 6' x 16' train table. Also shown are the legs with wheels and a shot of my four Lionel TMCC diesels waiting to barrel down the new mainlines!  Bill

Bill, thanks for posting the pictures. Great idea with the movable layout! The track manifest is on its way to you, along with a diagram of where each piece goes.

Looking forward to seeing your progress

-bruce

Here's a mock-up I did with a 60" outer loop and a 48" inner loop.

Peter

Peter,

That is a great layout design ready for lots of action, but unfortunately it has many more switches than I plan to buy.   I am in the process of constructing the layout Bruce designed above but without the four crossover switches connecting the mainline loops. Will add them at a later date.

Bruce,

Thank you for the detailed design and track manifest. I really appreciate your assistance.

Best regards,

Bill

The layout by PRR Bruce Brakeman is exactly what I want to build. Two lines connected by switches and access to sidings.

I am late on this post, I discoveered it while looking for layouts 6' X 16'

I am new to O gauge, just purchased Lionel Lagacy Pa K4 Tuscan Red.

I desire is to operate two locomotives running oposite directions. I plan on using Fast track

I want outer line 072 curves inner line 054 curves. Question, I will go with 7' wide table is that enough room using 072? Can Fast Track be cut when smaller pieses is needed?

I also like the photo of casters that allows table to be moved away from wall.

Bob  7' table should be good as fastrack is 72 inches center rail to center rail. Lionel would prefer you buy the smaller pieces, but check out this thread that demonstrates how to cut your own smaller pieces:

https://ogrforum.com/d...ent/2415514336613457

Ron

Thank you for your response and help. I will check the web site for cutting track.

Check out the Fastrack Table before cutting.  Chances are, you will not need to cut track.  http://www.rrtrack.com/html/li...ack_track_table.html

Actually the scale berks will do O48 curves and switches just fine.  My inner wye is O48 and switches are the same and I have no issues at all.

Hi Peter,

Do you have a list of track needed for this layout?  I really like your design.  Thanks.