16x6 small layout Flatsville

What kind of track does this use? I really like the design. 

064 is a Ross Custom Switches size. So, it is most likely all RCS products. Their switches are nice.

I wonder if it could be reconfigured for Lionel Fastrack. 

Sure, the darker blue yard at the top would have wider spurs and the crossovers at the bottom between the red and green loops wouldn't be as flat. They are Ross numbered switches. Can't get those angles in FasTrack. Use O72 switches everywhere. O60 & O48 curves.

It's probably the reason Ross was used. it gets maximum radius curves (O64 & O54) into the 6' width.

Mike,

Would you care if I posted this track plan in a new topic? I really like how it's laid out, I would just need it with FasTrack instead. 

That is a good track plan, thanks for sharing this with us.   Really, its more than a track plan, its a layout plan.

Also, thanks for sharing the Anyrail file!

I like your trackplan a lot. It's got all the essentials for a good layout. Thanks for posting it.

I like it too, thanks for posting. I have Atlas track, O-63 & O-54 and a 6'x16' layout table as well. I may just reconfigure mine to a similar setup for a change in operations while I continue to try and figure out my expansion plans that I can't seem to come up with. I have a couple of plans already made with the figure 8 in the inner loop, but I wasn't sure I wanted to give up the sidings I have now. Your plan looks pretty interesting and having seen it I may be convinced to change now. Thanks again for sharing your plans.

Quick question:  is this layout done...or still in the planning stages?

If you're still in the planning stages, can you make the layout just a little wider so that you can use 0-72 curves on the outer mainline? 

I suggest this only b/c with 0-72, you can run almost anything.

Lastly, I really like your building choices.

This is a nice simple plan that would be a joy to run.

Glad you liked it.  The table is built, all track purchased with RCS.  Fast track is nice, but requires so much room for anything other than circles on a small layout.  Due to the room size, 6' is as large as we could go.  No pictures yet since work has been killing me lately.  Hoping I'll get some time off in a few weeks to start. 

Sure go for it Max.

I had thoughts of throwing in a scenic divide starting from the log loader going east to possibly add a small tunnel system and build up a coal scene near the 497 coal loader.  Would also break up the circle look.

Added new photo of scenic divide.  Wouldn't be much of a trackplan change other than trimming back the O72 Y switch for a smoother transition, but overall I think it would add more available scenery.

Max Warfel posted:

I wonder if it could be reconfigured for Lionel Fastrack. 

Max,

I tried the conversion to FasTrack. The lack of a 60° cross and numbered switches make it hard to fit and the result does not flow in the center.

Based on those results and effort, I retract my statement that you can convert it to FasTrack.  RCS or Atlas.

Mike_H posted:

I had thoughts of throwing in a scenic divide starting from the log loader going east to possibly add a small tunnel system and build up a coal scene near the 497 coal loader.  Would also break up the circle look.

That's a good thought - using a photo backdrop on each side would allow you to keep it narrow

My first posting - this layout is close to what I have been trying to pattern. Thanks so much for sharing! 

Mike_H - do you mind if I use it to start a thread to get some advice/help with a variation on this?

Rocco

this is a very similar design that Im doing, tried to download your files but not able to and also wanted to pict your layout but could not either so took pic on my cell mailed to myself and was able to print it that way. At times i amaze myself on my thought patterns---eh?

Lyle,

To download files (on a computer), right click on file name (in attachments section) and click on "Save xxxx as" from that menu. XXXX can be "link," "file," or some other similar word.  When you click on that phrase, you will be asked where on your computer you want to save it and what name you want to save it under.  You may choose any name and location, just don't change the ".any" extension or what you downloaded will be useless.

To download a picture, click on the picture found in the attachments section to open it in its largest size.  Then, right click on the opened picture and follow the same steps as above for a file download.

Sorry, but I don't know how this process works if you are viewing the forum on a tablet or phone.

Chuck

oohhh Chuck----excellent--excellent---!!

Feel free to use the design or make your own changes.  I posted it along with the anyrail files to give folks some idea's.

A nice design. I would move one of the outside loop crossovers to the opposite side of the layout. You could use high speed switches with less curvature that look better and extend the area between switches for use of another train, if desired.

Tommy,

No way for Mike to do that without killing his longest yard track.  Both crossovers at the bottom give his trains the chance to enter his reversing loops / switching area, regardless of the direction they are running on the lone outside loop.

Chuck

Hi Mike! 

 I really like this set up!  I have not had a layout up in my basement for about 6 years,but the time and space is now available.

My Mac cannot open your links. Any way You could post a picture of the inner figure 8 with what type of ross switches you used?

 Thanks! 

jackd posted:

My Mac cannot open your links. Any way You could post a picture of the inner figure 8 with what type of ross switches you used?

Does this help?

PERFECT! Thanks Dave!