18x6 space - ideas needed

SeattleSUP,

My only recommendation is to try and make your layout 7' wide so you can have at least one loop of O72 curves.  You mentioned that as of now your locos only need O36, but I would build a layout capable of handling the larger locos just in case you come across that must have engine that requires O72. Plus, your train friends can bring their big engines when they come over.  Your area is long enough to have a mainline in a dog bone shape that would have added interest instead of just an oval.

Ron

Absolutely can't do 7' - it would block access to our electrical panel or furnace. 6' is already pushing things.

I am fiddling with the exact same size layout to start with, but slightly larger curves. I think getting all that you want will be difficult in that space. Sounded big enough to me when I first got going also. I can't afford to do it all at once so I'm starting with 2 loops, O63 and O54 on the 6'x18' (already got a bunch of O63 and O54 curves). After I get caught up with purchases I want to add at least another 6'x18-24' as an L off the original 6'x18'.

Like you, I also plan to stick with the smaller engines.  I have one that I think may be O54, there will be no larger ones added.  I ruled out steamers when I first re-entered the hobby a few years ago.  Modern diesels and command control only for me, and those are pricey enough.  After living near the BNSF main lines for the last 35 years, I have actually lost interest in anything but the modern diesels.

About all I have so far is 2 loops and some spurs and sidings and the 6'x18' space is pretty well used up. Kind of disappointing. I think you have a better chance with the O36 curves. That really allows a lot more options in that space, although I have yet to try doing anything with O36.  I would be interested in seeing some of your layouts if you can post them. Might change my mind about the O63 and O54 curves?  I have SCARM, don't know how to use it, but can view others work with it.  Been using RR-Track here and that's enough learning for me.

The Atlas track will have close center-to-center spacing on a curve inside of curve, using 054 and 045 to fit in 72". Have anything that will hang over to hit when passing?

I am digging through some layout elements I have saved to toss some ideas to you. getting late here on east coast, I'll put some things up tomorrow. Wyes, crossovers, versions of reverse loops, etc.

Here's a layout I got pretty close to building, but ultimately decided on one that fit more into the back of the basement and away from the kids. This is 15 x 6.5, though it could easily be adjusted.

I'm also a tinplate operator, so the crowded nature of the plan works well for me. If you want more scale operation, I'd say go with a much simpler approach, possibly putting your second loop on an upper, simple path.

Tim

SeattleSUP,

here's a 1940 O-27 layout for a 6 x 9. If you look at the 3D, you can see where you could stretch it another 9 ' in the center to an 18' foot total. Then you could change the yards and such. Add a mainline around the outside with 2 sets of in\out crossover switches.

Check out the 3d and run the train around. It's pretty cool.

Atlas 063 will also fit in a 72in Space with ~4.5in of play on either side of the table.

Yes, that's what I am using (O54 inner loop) and it all fits nicely in this size in RR-Track. My plan is just pretty boring right now (as stated above) or I would post it!

Been tinkering and come up with the following. I realized I could extend one corner out a foot without compromising access and this will allow me a wider O72 radius on that end. The tunnels, dog leg and different sized loops break up the bullseye effect. The light blue track would be the main surface. The purple loop would be elevated on a plateau with a curved trestles section at one end and probably a tunnel/mountain in the upper corner. The red track is a below grade storage yard which would be ~12-16 inches under the table. I would have a removable hatch to access the tunnels in the upper right corner and all the operating accessories would be within reach. 

Hey SeattleSUP,

Here's 2 elements to play with in the design.

1. Magic Mountain - a nice illusion that goes well at your tunneled x-over on the light blue line. A train enters and then exits from an unexpected side. It's in FasTrack, so you'll have to change it to Atlas.
2. A yard ladder that's starts with a wye and takes the kinks out of the ladder. It's in Atlas

Just some ideas. Nice start. SCARM files attached