16x8 Postwar Lionel Layout

Care to share the plan?

I favor putting the controllers near the accessory, just in case you need to give it a nudge.

If you're using full 4x8 sheets, be careful to avoid reach issues.

I will get a picture up as soon as I can. Probably have to take a picture on computer screen with my phone then upload picture onto here.  I am using (4) full 8x4 sheets of plywood.  I am using 2x2 furring strips all around each 8x4 with 2 cross braces in the middle of each 8x4.  Using 2x4 legs bolted in with 4 inch long carriage bolts, which are 1/4" thick with wing nuts to secure them to 2x2 furring strips. I believe I will have 16 legs, which I saved from a previous layout.  Have the carriage bolts and wing nuts too.  But, need to buy a few 2x2x8 furring strips, about 12. I plan on putting the controllers near each accessory, but should I put them on the top surface of platform or on the sides? Do not want to damage the controllers if I put them on the sides. But, on top, space might be something to think about, where to place them all.  Thanks, jeff

If you can see your plan on a computer screen, you should not have to take a picture of your screen to show us.  Most computer track-planning programs allow you to export a copy of the plan as an image, as well as save the plan to a file.  Just upload the image and the plan file here.

I too am worried about "reach" issues.  Based on your stated dimensions, you will have at least a 2x10 area (maybe even 3x11) in the center of your plan that you will not be able to reach once track and accessories are placed.  As long as you use that area for just scenery or non-functional structures, you will be OK.  Remember, just because you can reach 36" away doesn't mean you will be able to comfortably lift or fix something that far away.

Chuck

Hello, Decided on a new track plan. It will be 14x12 and will be a perimeter layout plan. Like a "U" shape. Will get a picture up soon.  I have all the track, 5 pairs switches, UCS sections, Bumpers, wiring & KW transformer.  Just waiting on track screws, more transformers and more rolling freight.  Thanks, Jeff

looking forward to the new plan

The bottom left corner of my layout is to compensate for a support pillar in my basement. So, I routed the track around to avoid it.  How does it look to you? Functional?

Layout on far left and dollhouses on far right.

LionelJeff

You might want to take a look at my layout of similar size.  I have 31 switches and numerous accessories, two active control panels and space for 1, 2 or 3 operators but the layout can be operated by one.

Accessories are controlled with switches to left and right of the layout track diagram

Details how I built the layout with a homemade $10 turntable are in OGR link below with a Table of Contents at the end of Post 1 on Page 1.

https://ogrforum.com/...ra-027-layout?page=1

Charlie

Here is one of my older Postwar Layout that I had when I was younger.....

Here is my Prewar Standard Gauge layout I had a few years ago....

One more....

Here is my very first Postwar Layout, circa 1994.....

@Lioneljeff posted:

Looks good to me......everything is within easy access..

Peter

Hello all, What do you all use for the surface of your platform? Green painted surface? Green carpet type material? Just wanted to know what is most commonly used now.  Why do some layouts use 072 switches? What are the benefits of a wider angle switch and 072 curved track? I would figure if you had tight spaces you would go with 022 switches because space is precious.  I know it will be less stress on locomotives and keep cars from tipping over on curves.  Thanks, Jeff

@Lioneljeff posted:

On the above plan, it looks like there will be some overhang problems in the corners - pilots on locos on the inside loop are likely to hit cars or engines that are on the outside loop.

@Lioneljeff posted:

On this plan, the upper left corner will have reach issues unless you have access from all sides.  Also, you could either lengthen the passing siding on the left to wrap around the upper left corner (to allow for longer trains), or maybe add a switch to the top of the plan and put a siding down the left side.

The U-shaped plan also provides an opportunity to add reversing loops with some relatively minor modifications.

Hello, thanks for the advice. I will look into it. What brand green grass mat is the best for on top on the plywood platform? Bachmanns? As I will need 4 of the 8x4 sheets of the green grass mats.  Thanks, Jeff