11x11 layout plans

https://www.railmodeller.com/home-railmodeller.html

Found it, Thank you, I will look into it. I would still like to see some ideas from the forum for help though, since I am not good at planning and getting it to drawing.

Can you share with us what your engine roster consists of? It would help to know the minimum radius requirements of your fleet so a usable plan can be developed.

Do you have any must be included accessories?

Yes, most of my engine stock is common MTH engines, that are o36 curves. I will eventually in time get some bigger (longer) engines. I do have some large accessories, such as MTH gas station and Lionel saw mill and such.  Many buildings, but will use them when I add 2nd level to make a town.  Thank you.

Hi again, I found a layout on Trains.com that I liked for the 11 x 11 layout I would like.  I want to expand it on, it fit track to curve back up to 1 main line as shown in my dotted lines. Could anyone play around with this on SCARM to see what other tracks/ switches I would need to complete the circle , or maybe some suggestions.  I also need to ad a MTH 30" arch bridge 40-1031 and 2 10" girder bridges 40-1032 connected. I can't use SCARM since I have Mac.. I know there is a MAC program, but you only get 50 pcs of track for free.  Thanks

Here are 2 options. There's a bit of a discrepancy with the O-54 switches in SCARM that I'm trying to reconcile. Atlas shows the switch with a 4.5" (?) straight attached and SCARM doesn't, so I'm trying to find out if the extension can be detached. The photos you posted have it attached, so I had to add it in SCARM to get the designs to match. I then expanded the size to 11X11. The Blue tracks in the photo show one way coming off the right-hand spur. The Gold tracks show another way (like your drawing) coming off the left-hand spur and crossing over the right. Obviously, both need more than the addition you drew. Because of the O-54 discrepancy, things don't connect in SCARM using the default tolerances, but should if you decide to built it. I did make a couple of changes. For some reason, the author had 1/4 O45 and 1/2 O-54 curves on the right loops where full curves would have fit, so I added full curves. Even though you can't use it, I included the SCARM file in case someone else wants to play with it.

Thank you ! I see your point with the problem on the switches which needs to be addressed to make it all fit. I do think I want to go with this build and I like the gold track version although I will loose the 2 extra sidings or put in 2 more switch tracks, but it looks more balanced that way.  I have no problem with adding  more addition since this area would all be opened anyway, so I could go over to 6' instead of 5'. If you have the time would you be able to fix this, and provide the extra track list that I would need ? I would appreciate all the help I can get with this new project, I am just so bad at the design process and to know what looks good and will work.  Thank you ! and anyone else has any ideas I am opened to suggestions.  Best, Charles

I went in a different direction than Dave.  I went for an Around-the-Walls design. Along the walls are 2 ft wide tables.  In the open sides the tables are 4 ft wide. The widths where chosen to allow for easy access to all parts of the layout.  Access to the 5 ft by 5 ft center is via a 2 ft wide passage that could be crossed by lift-up, lift-out, drop-down, duck-under, swing-out...

There are two loops for continuous running and a yard with a lead letting 3 people operate.  At the top is a combination crossover/passing siding.  There's plenty of room for accessories.  If more table area is desired the table widths can be increased.  While the layout can be operated in the center, I envision most of the time the operators and viewers will be on the outside looking in.

Jan

Thank you, nice layout , I just am a little undecided about the access to the middle part I know there is a post about the lift up on the tracks but I think there would be an issue since the access tracks are curves, and not just straight tracks for a better contact. I maybe wrong on that, just my thought, and yes, I think I would operate on the outside.  Thanks I will consider this also.

IMO, straight or curved tracks don’t make much, if any, real difference. Some folks lift the entire track and let it extend past the lift up platform, others cut the track where the lift up meets. Curved tracks are just cut on an angle. If the platform is on an angle with straight tracks, they can be cut on an angle too.

The O-54 switch does indeed include a 4.5" straight that can be removed if needed. In this case, I added the 4.5 in SCARM to make things match the original photos

I’ll rework the connecting tracks without the crosses and redesign the right-hand spurs.

Thanks Dave great

The 2’ wide areas will be easy to reach and add scenery. JohnA

Thanks John for the input, true it would be easier access with the 2' wide, I am just a little concerned with the lift up for the tracks

I used FasTrack in my design as I feel it is the most popular for none 3-rail scale layouts.  I'm not sure if MTH is still making track.  You mentioned haveing a MTH bridge.  Double track or single?  Has anyone used it with FasTrack?

Jan

Hi Jan I have a single bridge with 2 girder bridges, I used it with my old layout and used Atlas 3 rail track.  I am sure you can use FasTrack with it.  I like the look of the Atlas and it fits better on a layout since it is not as wide.  I did like your design with the the along the walls, I am just turn on the entrance way with making a pull up/down access, just wondering if I the skill to make it lol

Best Charles

I have redone the plan using Atlas track (plus some additions).  Atlas is my choice for track system.  There are no cut sections.  I improved operations and storage in the yard and reduced mainline track spacing.

I would suggest that you start a new thread on the "Simplest Way to Cross an Access".

Jan

Thanks Jan, I  like it especially with the "no cut". and the bigger yard storage. I do intend on running 2 + trains at a time and do see that your plan allows for a better run with compared to my original plan, but   I am going to compare what Dave's finished layout looks like and see which fits my needs the most. Always I need to see what track and switches I already have and see what I need. I will definitely start a new post on the access situation and see the ideas on that.  Best, Charles

Charles,

Last changes plus parts list.  Remember you can modify the dimensions of the center viewing area to increase table top area for scenery, etc.

Jan