11x18 Fastrack layout ideas, HELP!

Mark here is an idea, actual size is 12' x 18'. A lot can be done in that space. Cheers!

Then you'd better start with some more givens & druthers. You haven't provided enough to work with yet.

Command or Conventional running?

Where's the entrance or viewing area?

Any elevations wanted?

How many switches and wyes are in the budget?

Walk around?

Walls on which sides, if not a walk around?

Open center or big table with access hatches? If open, How wide will the benchwork be? 36" ok?

Ok, so you want the large radius turns, hence the oval.

You need 8'-12' for a nice yard or turntable/roundhouse. The little spot is ok for your cabeese.

Here's some reading material to start the idea's flowing.

Clifford, I'd like to see a track plan if you have one.  My space is bit smaller at 11x17 and can't imagine fitting all that but maybe it is possible.

So, entering from the left, are there walls at the top and right, where you have deadspace?

Is there room to walk around it?

How wide to you want the deck or baseboard to be?

Items needed: a way to change direction, ability to change tracks, a yard, accessories?

I can work on some ideas this weekend if you give me help on the details.

There's too many variables when you want to take a racetrack and make it interesting. Planning and writing what you want saves a lot of time through the whole process. Sketch the room and some ideas on a piece of paper and mess around with it. If you get something that you like, take a photo and post it. Clifford planned his that way. 

Mark,

I had some pre-made elements and put this together for you as the next step.

1. Leaves a 30" walk-around
2. Uses dead space (I hope you didn't mean not usable by "dead space"
3. Provides change of direction
4. Outer\Inner cross-overs next
5. Straighten legs of reversing loops
6. Yard at top or bottom?
7. A third line inside?

SCARM file attached for your review

Clifford,

That looks great!  A nice balance of track and scenery.  How many loops do you have?  Can you post a track plan?  

HERE IS A SO-SO TRACK PLAN. I WILL TRY TO POST A MORE LEGIBLE VERSION WITH EXPLANATION. ( OOPS, ITS UPSIDE DOWN). DISREGARD BOTTOM PHOTO, THAT WAS A SUGGESTION FOR ANOTHER FORUM MEMBERS ROOM

Mark,

Well, that last offering by sucked. Too busy with other items. Here's something I came up with for you.

I needed 9" of the "dead space". If the "dead space" is a wall, I set it to have a tunnel into it\through it.

Most of the small fitters are those that are included with the 072 switches that must be used on the diverging end straight (1/2 roadbed) and the divergence(no roadbed).

Still, there aren't too many. Everything will fit. The are two spots, crossover switches on the right side that actually need a 4 5/8" custom piece (4 1/2" shown). All others are standard.

All of the spacing is set at the center of the left side loop. 69 1/2" down, 3 1/2" in to the joint between the 5" piece and upper 084 curve. This gives you 6" center to center rail for the entire layout.

I left the center open for your imagination.

SCARM file attached.

Whatever you do, IMO make sure your loops are just not simple ovals like you posted. Do a dogbone or add some type of gradual s curve into the plan. Two ovals going around in circles get old/ boring real fast.

 Here are some photos of my 10X16, that started as two parallel ovals with a yard similar to what you have.

I ended up removing the yard and adding an inside track that services an ice facility, and extended the main line out where the yard used to be, best thing I ever did.  My biggest regret is my o-60 maximum radius.

Certainly not an "award winning" track plan, but I'm much happier with it.

RickO,

Do you have any more pics on line or a track plan of your layout? Man, you have no idea how I identify with the statement two ovals going in circles gets old real fast. I've got a 9' x 20' area. From what I can see, it looks like you've got a lot of cool ideas going on.

Sam

RickO,
I hear you, but he did say two loops in large radius. Turning a train around takes a lot of space, as you well know. Here's a real bone bender that fits in the 11 x 18 in large radius. I have no idea where to put cross-overs or a yard, but it's more appealing to the eye.

By the way, I've always liked your signature. My 2 1/2 year old grandson has been watching the movie non-stop for about a month and a half now. His Mom had to get it on her iPad for on-demand watching. Now, I can't get the hobo out of myhead. "Savvy?"

I didn't know what the dead space was. I was hoping it was a wall that you could build a tunnel into. can you steal some of the bookshelf space?

I don't know what happened. Attached is a modified version to fit into 216" with a little shelf space needed. See if you like the fit now and check the shelf area.

Clifford,

I would love to see a track plan of this layout! This is awesome!!

I have a space that is 12x25 and I have been looking for something like you posted.. I would really appreciate a track plan if you have one.

Thanks,