4 x 10 scarm layout

At a minimum you need to modify the oval or once you get in it you won't be able to get back out without backing up.

Thanks Dave, I came up with this.

My question is if there is enough space to get over the inside track from the O72 switch. It also makes a difference if you are running postwar or modern equipment. Postwar is probably ok with standard Lionel O gauge 4.75 inch clearance......modern stuff may require higher clearances.

What about starting the climb from the "east" end, using a O31 switch where the vertical 10 inch straight is......it gives you a few more track sections to make your climb.

Peter

Putnam (Peter) is correct. Move the switch to east where the straight is between the curves. it's time to learn heights and grades. Coloring the track makes it hard to work with the layout. The tracks will behave separately. Color the line last.

The Lionel graduated trestle set  is 11 pieces to 5 3/4" inches up and 11 down. The MTH set is 12 pieces to 6.5" Both are around a 4.7% grade.

So, the blue track from the top and to the bottom crosses the lower track twice. That area needs to be the same height at 5 3/4". That reduces the amount of track for the length of the grade. Moving the switch provides a few more feet.

Also, the O31 switch length is not 10', but it is 11 3/8". Add a 1 3/8" piece to the end past the turnout.

The blue pieces was where I planned to elevate, I wanted to use fastrack along with my Dad's 1947 locomotive. Down the road I wanted to add a passenger line if possible. Let me work on what you guys suggested and re-post later on today. Thanks for the great feedback.

John

If I started the incline further down by this 30 piece would that make a difference?

Here is a Fastrack plan for 4X10 with O-31 min diameter, maximizing the room for grades: allowing 3% grade to reach 5" in height.   The turnouts are generous O-60 and O-48.   There is room for a few industrial sidings.

Thanks Ken! That is a great layout! How did you do that lol?

Glad you like it John, I would be happy to answer any questions.  

AnyRail has a free download that allows you to work with up to 50 sections of track.   Purchase license is inexpensive.   They continue to add features and additional track sections, the update that installed this afternoon added Z scale track additions.  

AnyRail is an easy "drag and drop" system.   This layout took 30 minutes or so to work out, fitting the small sections and etc.

I downloaded it, any chance you can send me the list of track needed for that layout? 

John, here is the list of track sections in a .pdf.   Also includes the total length of each section, and total feet of track.

Thanks again! I was messing around with anyrail it is very user friendly. The file name was called dummy ..I guess you are trying to tell me something hahaha!!

The files are named correctly for me, and when I download the file.   So I am not sure where you are seeing "dummy", certainly nothing intended .

Updated list of track sections.

Here's a remix of Ken's plan - elevate the entire center to 5 3/4". SCARM attached - right-click it-select "save target as" - land it and open with SCARM

Thanks! Looks great! I will play around with it.