12X12 Fastrack Multi-Route Track Plan and Layout Plan

An O-48 minimum version, with an alternate route that is O-60:

This variation is an improvement:  I deleted the staging track in the upper left in favor of a passing track in the lower right (O-60).   This adds another operating variation - two trains can run opposed in the outer (alternate/perimeter) O-60 route using the two passing tracks to pass each other.

So this layout has these primary operating modes for watching trains run without intervention:

1. Two trains: the inner loop-to-loop (O-48 min) and the outer main (O-48 min).
2. Two trains: the inner loop-to-loop (O-48 min) and the outer/alternate/ O-60 across the lift-out bridge (O-60 min).
3. Two trains running the twice-around through the crossing (O-48 min).
4. Two trains running the twice-around through the crossing and across the outer/alternate over the lift-out bridge (O-48 min).
5. Three trains:  the inner loop-to-loop (O-48 min), and two trains on the other/alternate/O-60 route (O-60 min) passing each other in the sidings (I am thinking conventional control with relays and detection so that trains pass in the sidings).  These two train can run the same direction or opposing each other passing in the sidings.

Then there are variations and combinations of course, with the operator throwing turnouts to change routes, some of which could be automated with detection to throw the Fastrack turnouts.

Perhaps four or five trains on the layout, either two or three running depending on the operating mode/route combination, and the remaining in sidings waiting to swap out for a turn around the layout.   Industry spurs and a turntable with engine tracks can go inside the two loops to round-out the plan.

Having the multiple routes and multiple operating modes (route combinations) plus the trains that can be "staged" on the layout waiting for a turn to run, will keep operators busy and visitors entertained for quite a while without boredom.  

Just for fun, I thought I would sketch in a possible On30 line running along  a ridge serving as a view block dividing the layout.   Not that this would be a final version, just a sketch.

This configuration got a bit interesting!  Instead of the crossing, two O-72 Ys are substituted:  which allows both the twice-around route crossing through the Ys; while the Outer-Loop main will go through the outer leg of each Y (which is O-72), so this alignment works for both the O-60 loop Alternate route and the O-48 route.

So I was then able to add a 3-track double-ended yard and staging.

This also adds more new train-running modes:  (6) The inner main route can now be an oval, taking the inside leg of each Y at the junction; while the outer main route runs through the passing track of the yard and either the O-48 route or (7) the alternate O-60 route over the bridge past the door.   Finally, a three-train route can have a train on the inner main either (8) return-looping or (9) oval through the junction, while two trains can oppose each other passing at the siding at lower left and using another yard track as another siding.

With a connecting RR in the upper left.   

Criticisms:  not enough industry and structures.   Where would a station go?   No yard lead for switching without fouling the main.

If I haven't said this before, you should write a book.  Everything you post shows a great deal of creativity and proves you can design an interesting layout in limited space.  

Thanks NECRails, I appreciate your kind words.   I have thought about it, I certainly have enough plans to fill a book.   Would need to organize and do some writing on each plan.

Adding a station, a few industries, and a realignment of the On30 on the upper right.   The Menard's buildings are large, smaller traditional structures will fit more easily - especially the large/nice station.   Also a trestle for the On30 linking the two mountain areas.

I agree with NECRAILS that your designs are great. Got a question for you, would it be possible to modify the layout to clear a doorway in the lower right corner? Still using a lift-out bridge would be nice. The upper left already fits my needs to clear a window and folding closet doors. Thanks!

Would it be prototypical to have a two line main reduce to one line across a bridge and go back to a two line on other side?

Trainmstr, I am thinking along similar lines, yes that can be prototypical:

Ken:  you are like the Energizer bunny, you just keep on going with great layouts.

More structures, trees, and scenic details:

Some terrain adjustments, most notably in the lower left corner.   Most of the layout is at 0" elevation and the O-gauge Fastrack is level at 0".  The elevated San Sebastian narrow-gauge RR is at 7", and the tunnels over the narrow gauge at 13", rising to a peak above that measure.   

There are no grades, though small grades could be added, perhaps the yard could dip down gradually, and Dagny Siding and the Lift-out Reardon Bridge could be on a slight up-grade.   The elevated terrain drops down from 7" to 0" steeply in many areas, which might be opportunities for rock walls (which are hard to show in an "birds-eye" view).

The goal of this design is to create multiple routes for train-running, and it does that.   It doesn't have much for industry switching, but it does have the three-track Taggart Yard.    Two design principles that could not be followed are 1) having a yard lead to switch without fouling the main, and 2) easements: there are some, and the O-60 turnouts are like easements compared to the layout minimum of O-48, but otherwise there just isn't room to do much more (like easements going into all of the O-48 curves).  Giving up more easements is not really a deficiency, as the O-48 is already better than O-42, O-36 and equipment for O-27.  The O-60 routes and variations are already wider than the next standard of O-54.   And there are even some O-72 and O-96 curves.  There are always trade-offs .

Trainmstr:  surely the door and lift-out bridge could be relocated to the lower right, perhaps giving up Dagny Siding.   Losing the siding would have an impact as it  allows two trains on the outer routes to run in opposite direction (O-60 minimum).   If that is a reasonable sacrifice, then no problem, and perhaps the Morton Salt siding could be relocated to the area where the lift-out bridge is currently.

Looking for reverse curves (generally to be avoided), there are two possibilities:   Galt Junction and Wyatt Junction:

Galt Juntion is composed of O-72 'Y's of 12.5 degrees in each direction, with a 11.75" straight section between the 'Y's, and leading into the 'Y's is a 3" straight and O-96 curves, so this will be fine for O-54 locomotives and cars and any tighter standard.   The O-60 outer route trains will go through the junction turnouts in the same direction without a reverse curve, while the "approach tracks" with 3.125" straight and O-96 curves will be very gradual.  

Wyatt Junction is composed of two O-60 turnouts, but doesn't create difficult reverse curves, as going through opposite directions through the junction will go through the straight/tangent section of one turnout or the other.   Wyatt Junction is on the O-48 minimum "inner route", so O-42, O-36, and O-27 standard equipment will navigate this O-60 junction just fine.

This is my favorite of your plans. Good job! I especially like how many different trains you could have on the layout at once!

Thanks Max, I appreciate the feedback.   Hopefully my plans are getting better over time.   I agree, having many trains on the layout really  adds to the fun, I like to alternate trains and routes.

Adding Lionel's Yard Tower and Yard Light on the left side, relocating a small tower and additional labels:

After reading a thread on operating accessories, I decided just for fun to add Lionel's Aircraft Pylon and two planes, and the rotating beacon.

The layout also has the operating coal loader and the barrel loader.   I consider the On30 line to be a grand operating accessory!

Another winner Ken!

Bob

Ken,

   As usual great engineering!

PCRR/Dave

Ken,

You never cease to amaze me.  I agree with others this is one of your best if not the best.  I have always wanted to combine the two and you gave some great ideas in this one.

Thank you very much for sharing!

BAMBAM

Thanks for the good comments everyone, I appreciate that very much!   This did turn out to be a cool layout, a lot of fun to operate.  And really good scenery and train viewing.  -Ken

Ken,

The layouts are well done. Would you mind posting the AnyRail file for the layout I have attached?

Thanks

Hi Grant, here it is:

Thanks Ken. I will enjoy playing around with it.

Took another look at this plan.   I was able to make the outside loop all O-60 (not just the alternate around-the-room route).

Ken, As I've said before this layout is great. Question, would you be willing to modify it so it will fit into my new layout room? I am attaching a sketch of the room with clearances necessary to keep my wife happy. I plan the bench work to be self-standing and modular in case I have to make the room usable fairly quickly. I have also made a preliminary decision to use MTH Scaletrax with #4 & #6 turnouts, though I can be convinced to do otherwise. I would like to use a double track Atlas Pratt Truss Bridge to provide access to the interior of the layout by the doorway, add a second level to increase run time, and a lower hidden level to storemade up trains. If I'm asking for too much I understand, thought you might like the challenge but based on what I've seen you design I don't think it will be much of a challenge. Thanks, Len

Thanks Trainmstr, email sent, you got my interest up, send the room plan by email, and we can discuss more.

--Ken

this looks like a great layout i am wondering what you could do with this if your entry was at the bottom of the layout say right in the middle at the bottom

Ken,

I agree with all the positive feedback here.  You have an imagination and skill I can only dream of.  I can wire anything and work on anything but I am so challenged with layout design.  PLEASE keep posting!  I've saved at least one of your designs that I plan to "slightly" modify for my space and Atlas track.  But it's something I couldn't have imagined on my own.

Thank you for contributing to this forum,

Tony

Thanks Tony and "Former", I appreciate your comments!   I have been busy and tied up with other duties recently, but am considering minor enhancements to this design.   Any suggestions?   I am thinking of some minor scenic enhancements, and using the Lionel "Extended Truss Bridge" which has lift-out capability.

Ken-Oscale posted:

Thanks Tony and "Former", I appreciate your comments!   I have been busy and tied up with other duties recently, but am considering minor enhancements to this design.   Any suggestions?   I am thinking of some minor scenic enhancements, and using the Lionel "Extended Truss Bridge" which has lift-out capability.

Tony_V posted:

Ken,

I agree with all the positive feedback here.  You have an imagination and skill I can only dream of.  I can wire anything and work on anything but I am so challenged with layout design.  PLEASE keep posting!  I've saved at least one of your designs that I plan to "slightly" modify for my space and Atlas track.  But it's something I couldn't have imagined on my own.

Thank you for contributing to this forum,

Tony

I thought I'd bring this tread back!! Any additions, Ken??? Tried to contact you by email.. I know you are extremely busy.. TIA

Woodson posted:

Ken-Oscale posted:

Thanks Tony and "Former", I appreciate your comments!   I have been busy and tied up with other duties recently, but am considering minor enhancements to this design.   Any suggestions?   I am thinking of some minor scenic enhancements, and using the Lionel "Extended Truss Bridge" which has lift-out capability.

Tony_V posted:

Ken,

I agree with all the positive feedback here.  You have an imagination and skill I can only dream of.  I can wire anything and work on anything but I am so challenged with layout design.  PLEASE keep posting!  I've saved at least one of your designs that I plan to "slightly" modify for my space and Atlas track.  But it's something I couldn't have imagined on my own.

Thank you for contributing to this forum,

Tony

I thought I'd bring this tread back!! Any additions, Ken??? Tried to contact you by email.. I know you are extremely busy.. TIA

I appreciate the idea, I will take a look at this one again, and look for upgrades or additional ideas after Thanksgiving.

Any suggestions?

• Lionel's Extended Truss Bridge
• Perhaps try the entrance at the bottom of the diagram (and bridge)
• Perhaps some scenery additions?

Ken-Oscale posted:

Woodson posted:

Ken-Oscale posted:

Thanks Tony and "Former", I appreciate your comments!   I have been busy and tied up with other duties recently, but am considering minor enhancements to this design.   Any suggestions?   I am thinking of some minor scenic enhancements, and using the Lionel "Extended Truss Bridge" which has lift-out capability.

Tony_V posted:

Ken,

I agree with all the positive feedback here.  You have an imagination and skill I can only dream of.  I can wire anything and work on anything but I am so challenged with layout design.  PLEASE keep posting!  I've saved at least one of your designs that I plan to "slightly" modify for my space and Atlas track.  But it's something I couldn't have imagined on my own.

Thank you for contributing to this forum,

Tony

I thought I'd bring this tread back!! Any additions, Ken??? Tried to contact you by email.. I know you are extremely busy.. TIA

I appreciate the idea, I will take a look at this one again, and look for upgrades or additional ideas after Thanksgiving.

Any suggestions?

• Lionel's Extended Truss Bridge
• Perhaps try the entrance at the bottom of the diagram (and bridge)
• Perhaps some scenery additions?

Ok.. More food for thought.. lol  Island basis like the DMIR layout in Run 308.. RM size 13'x11.5'.. Door opening (out) 30" in upper right open corner.. Lift out in/for door opening.. Additional mainline and siding(s) running around perimeter of the room..