17X10 Double Level Double main Line Design Help

What do you think about this? This is the upper level minus the yard. (When I add the yard, some minor changes in straight track will be made.) I just noticed your post, so this can changed. All white curved sections of track are O-72. Blue curved sections are O-84. The red straight sections are custom cut to keep the 6" spacing. The closer the crossover is to the grade, the faster you can get a train into the inner circle and out of the way. The bridge is in the upper portion. The grade is 2.1%.

 

I'd like to see a picture of what you did.

 

 

I was thinking the same as far as curves for the main part of track but did o84 on the grade so its not as harsh a curve on the way up. Also, if u flip flop the bridge and crossover that would be perfect bc the bottom of the pic is the open side so id like the bridge to be out front.

To add a picture, click on the Add Attachments. Go to the folder that your picture is in and select it. If you want to place it in the post, select Insert attachment.

 

 

Here is an update. All blue curved track is O-84. The yellow track is O-72 for comparison. O-84 eats up more real estate that could be used for a longer run on the main level. The gray area is one location for the bridge.

 

 

 

 

 

While I'm thinking about it, take a piece of your tallest rolling stock and place it on a piece of fastrack and let me know how tall it is. We will have to add the thickness of the baseboard to get a proper height for the upper level.

As for pictures i tried that before but for some reason it didn't wirk. Ill try again tho

I have auto rack cars and when i measured i came up with 5 5/8 inches. Thats why i figured 6 inch diff in height would work.

Mine is an attic layout so it goes around the walls with the stairs coming up at the back of the attic. Basic foot print is 27' by 12'. Two upper mainlines with a track coming down wrapping around the chimney in the center. The lower table has two mainlines with a freight yard. On the opposite side from the layout the tracks are close to the edge of the table. I have a 6' foot bridge in that area on the upper tracks. I did a chicken scratch drawing hope this may help..............Paul

A couple of thoughts. Since you state you are more into track and running and less in scenery, there is some opportunity to use some of the middle of your ovals for track. I was thinking you could have a single reversing loop on the inner upper section which would eliminate the need to have an up and down ramp; you would just use the one. Also, could create reversing loops on inner lower level which would allow you to run any train in any direction. Just some late thoughts to consider.

All, here are a few pics as I start my layout.  Ill also post a quick video of my SP Daylight GS4 (just running conventionally for now) going around the track.  I HAD to get something on it to run!!

 

Taking the day off tomorrow from work solely to work on my layout.  Yes, that is happening.  Will be working on the grades.

 

Thanks again to all who have helped, and especially to Stewart who helped design it!!!

 

Frank

I tried to get the video up.  Its only 4.29 MB but its coming up with an error for some reason.  Not sure why.  Oh well.  Will keep everyone updated on progress!

 

I did post my video on facebook's "Lionel O Gauge no Rules" page.  if anyone is on that group, look for Frank Pitkewicz.

 

Thanks!

Frank

Paul 2,

 

What is the "spacing" between your two levels?  Do you have any photos of your layout?  I really like this design.

 

Thanks,

David

David I took some pics and tried to download them to here but for some reason I keep getting error. First time this has happened to me. ..........Paul

Sorry I forgot to say distance between levels is 8 1/2 inches.......Paul

David, another try at this. 8 1/2 inches between upper and lower tracks. Wye off top goes to lower level around chimney. About 33' in length. Lower level has freight yard. Next to freight yard will be an engine facility. Behind the bridge will be town on one side and industries on the other side............Paul

A recent thread that I posted.

 

.........................................................................................

My layout.   Small room.  12'6" X 11'9"  Primary oval (horizontal) is 12'6" X 5' 

Atlas track, O54 outer with O45 inner loop.  Switches are O54 with one O45, pictured far left inner circle, and one O36 bottom siding area. There are pieces of O36 and one O27 curve, bottom siding of the picture.

First modification into the next room.  Turntable roundhouse is done 5' X 7'

 

Slideshow.  Click to access.  Camera walk around there are two levels.

Paul,

 

Thanks for the photos.  They provide me inspiration.  I am drafting a 9.5' x 16.5' layout with two low level loops and a single upper level loop.  I am cutting back from an "around the walls design" due to access/throughway needs and am left with the 9.5'.   

WMDave I'm glad the pics may have helped. This plan worked for me with only two duck unders. If you are ever in the area you are more then welcomed to stop over. I live in Cuyahoga Falls OH..................Paul

You might take a look at Jim Barrett's article illustrating a lift up bridge and hinged drop section applying to a lower level and elevated track in OGR RUN 277, page 85-88. [more detail on the concepts in Jim's Backshop DVD #11].

I just purchased a walk under bridge from Mainne Benchwork to keep from crawling under the layout to get into the center (will raise a 26" to 3 foot section of the layout 28 inches.