4 x 14 track plan

Once you go through the Red/Green switches and inside joining curve on the left side traveling left to right, you can't go through again without backing up. You might be able to join the outer loop as shown below. 

Thanks for the suggestion.  I'm still toying with the design.  I'm not keen on switches at the backside (top) of the layout since it's along a wall.  I may move the reversing loop to a different location to keep all switches in easy reach (at bottom).

Just so you know that your single reversing loop only allows changing directions once without backing through.

I made a couple of minor changes so that all switches are within 2 ft of the front of the layout, easily reachable if there's an issue.  I'm growing my SCARM skills, so I hope to model in a few additional details in the next few weeks.

Another idea for the same space. This plan has:

* O36 minimum curves
* Easements and wider curves where possible.
* O72 switches throughout
* Track capacity for a second train which can run alternately
* Longer spurs with fewer switches on main track
* Loop-to-loop circuit turns trains in both directions
* Connecting grade is 2.8%
* Standard FasTrack pieces with no cutting

The grade could be reduced, but the arrangement as shown allows somewhat easier construction with more track on a flat base level. The flat base level could be built first with an operable oval, and the elevated track added later.

Garrett,

here's an autocar facility in southeastern PA just near the DE/PA line. Perhaps the design of this can give you a centerpiece to design around. This facility is busy, so it will certainly give your trains something to do or have a reason for being. NS services this.

It's Google maps, so you can zoom and switch from satellite to maps and such. You can see there are three locations where the spurs are paved for simultaneous loading/unloading activities.

I would definitely look cool with foam or raised Masonite to rail level.

I just can't figure out how to get tighter spur spacing with FasTrack. Hmmmnn...

Moonman posted:

Garrett,

here's an autocar facility in southeastern PA just near the DE/PA line. Perhaps the design of this can give you a centerpiece to design around. This facility is busy, so it will certainly give your trains something to do or have a reason for being. NS services this.

It's Google maps, so you can zoom and switch from satellite to maps and such. You can see there are three locations where the spurs are paved for simultaneous loading/unloading activities.

I would definitely look cool with foam or raised Masonite to rail level.

I just can't figure out how to get tighter spur spacing with FasTrack. Hmmmnn...

Moonman,

The link isn't working for me.  Can you provide a city name and nearest landmark or road intersection so I can find on Google Maps?

Thanks

Garret, it looks like it right next to Twin Oaks PA.

found it!  pretty neat, thanks.

I found two other things of note-

1. the Marcus Hook refinery a little bit to the south of there

2. in my own backyard, about 10 miles away and didn't even know it was there... BRC rail car service facility at Elk Mills, MD

Sorry, was out.

here's an idea to start with for the auto loader yard and a mainline. The spurs have 4.5" centers and will look close. 

A 4.5' wide table will let two main lines get in there-036.

Ace posted:

Another idea for the same space. This plan has:

* O36 minimum curves
* Easements and wider curves where possible.
* O72 switches throughout
* Track capacity for a second train which can run alternately
* Longer spurs with fewer switches on main track
* Loop-to-loop circuit turns trains in both directions
* Connecting grade is 2.8%
* Standard FasTrack pieces with no cutting

The grade could be reduced, but the arrangement as shown allows somewhat easier construction with more track on a flat base level. The flat base level could be built first with an operable oval, and the elevated track added later.

I've been thinking about this plan all day because it bugged me for some reason. I liked it but I know it was lacking in something.  I think I figured it out however.  Try inverting it so the return loop in under the yard (Bottom layer is the top and the top is the bottom) and make the back of the layout the front.   This might not fix everything but once a few people see it I think we might be able to fine tune it into a great looking layout. 

Another idea with a lower level reverse loop for serial staging of two trains. The spurs are generous lengths and most switches are O72 to better accommodate big autorack cars. The connecting grade is about 3%. The buildings help disguise the upper oval. The spurs could be rearranged in various ways. Curves are O36 minimum with easements where possible.

Ace, nice work with your creative design.  I've been going in a different direction with a bit of a post-war focus.  I continued with my basic twice around design and added in a few scenery features:

roads

switch tower (red building)

auto dealerships (blue buildings)

small hill/plateau at top right

church (green building)

tower lights (brown cylinders)

I print my designs and post on the wall by my work monitor.  It's in my field of view all day long and ideas pop into mind at random times

When you mentioned FasTrack and auto-carriers, I was imagining a newer theme rather than Post-war.

Here is a variation which would allow two trains to follow each other around the mainline circuit. The spur tracks all have trailing-point switches, assuming right-hand running on the 'double track' portions. Two trains would add a lot more action and interest IMO.

Garrett76 posted:

Ace, nice work with your creative design.  I've been going in a different direction with a bit of a post-war focus...

You originally mentioned FasTrack and auto-carriers, so I was imagining a newer theme rather than Post-war style.

Here is a variation which would allow two trains to follow each other around the mainline circuit. The spur tracks all have trailing-point switches, assuming right-hand running on the 'double track' portions. Two trains would add a lot more action and interest IMO.

I added one additional feature which took me a while to figure out how- I elevated the entire layout so I could add some bridges.  The entire track set is level.  There is a wooden trestle at lower right, a short girder bridge at back left, and a longer truss bridge at back left.

Ace, your designs are interesting.  One day when I have a full basement, I'd like to make a series of 4x14 (and other sizes) individual layouts then link them together like tetris puzzle pieces.  Space each layout apart by about 3 ft to allow walkways between and have removable or raise-able bridges.  That could be years of fun and family memories 

Ace posted:

When you mentioned FasTrack and auto-carriers, I was imagining a newer theme rather than Post-war.

Here is a variation which would allow two trains to follow each other around the mainline circuit. The spur tracks all have trailing-point switches, assuming right-hand running on the 'double track' portions. Two trains would add a lot more action and interest IMO.

I really quite like this.  It makes good use of the space while not being overwhelming with track. There's still room for scenery and it's all one level so construction is fairly straight forward. 

Hi Garrett I'm new to the Lionel Family I picked one of your 4X14 Layouts what is the difference between colored switches red and green?

Thanks GI Joe

@GI-Joe posted:

Hi Garrett I'm new to the Lionel Family I picked one of your 4X14 Layouts what is the difference between colored switches red and green?

Thanks GI Joe

green for starboard (right) and red for port (left)

enjoy!

Thank you.