maybe ogr could do an article about small layouts?
I know these photos were posted in 2018, but this is one of the very best 4x8 Fastrack layouts I’ve ever seen. Great job on this, Doug!
Nice layout, Doug!
Just came across this one myself. Best 4 x 8 Fastrack layout I have ever seen by far. Worthy of a SCARM plan for sure.
John
@bigdodgetrain posted:maybe ogr could do an article about small layouts?
Allan Miller is on record numerous times he will gladly print articles on small layouts - if only folks would submit them for consideration. I've seen some great examples over the years. I frequently get a response such as "this little thing? No one wants to see this" when I make the same suggestion to those who's layouts I've seen in person. Some of the best times I've had hanging out with friends in the hobby was at the home of someone with a small layout.
-Greg
The original post of the layout was over 3 years ago, and the poster (@Dougie fresh) hasn't been on the forum since January, so maybe he's lost interest?
@Mallard4468 posted:The original post of the layout was over 3 years ago, and the poster (@Dougie fresh) hasn't been on the forum since January, so maybe he's lost interest?
He will be on near the end of July - almost time to start planning the Christmas layouts
@Moonman posted:He will be on near the end of July - almost time to start planning the Christmas layouts
HEY...still love it all, but life has happen. Daughter med. issues with new baby. Annie and I have been on the road in the RV since May. We got back to Tn a few days ago....
@Dougie fresh posted:HEY...still love it all, but life has happen. Daughter med. issues with new baby. Annie and I have been on the road in the RV since May. We got back to Tn a few days ago....
Hope all is well Dougie.
I really want to build this for my grandson (if you don't mind), but I am having trouble coming up with a SCARM plan for it from the photos. Do you have a parts list? I can figure the rest out from there.
I absolutely love this plan and so will my five year old model railroad obsessed grandson.
If you have the time to help with a parts list we would truly appreciate it.
Regards,
John
@Craftech posted:Hope all is well Dougie.
I really want to build this for my grandson (if you don't mind), but I am having trouble coming up with a SCARM plan for it from the photos. Do you have a parts list? I can figure the rest out from there.
I absolutely love this plan and so will my five year old model railroad obsessed grandson.
If you have the time to help with a parts list we would truly appreciate it.
Regards,
John
I wish I did..I am just not that smart for much computer stuff. What I did was just build the table 5.5x8 and then I I just started playing with the different track layouts till I made one I liked...
@Dougie fresh posted:I wish I did..I am just not that smart for much computer stuff. What I did was just build the table 5.5x8 and then I I just started playing with the different track layouts till I made one I liked...
Actually I wasn't asking you for a track plan, just a track list. I think I can figure out the layout from the photos if you don't mind. If you could count them list how many of each part you had I would really appreciate it.. I see you hand wrote that there were 031 curves for the inner loop and 036 for the outer loop. At least one 30" straight and an 048 curved piece. A bunch of 036 turnouts. Cut pieces?
John
Crafttech,
hey, I got it close on a 4' x 8'
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Hi Dougie!
@Moonman posted:Crafttech,
hey, I got it close on a 4' x 8'
Thanks Carl,
Just downloaded it. Looking back at the first page of this thread Dougie added hand written notes to some of the photos. It looks like all turnouts are 036 on his layout. Is that correct Dougie?
John
Ok, I will change the table size and see how all 036 fits. The sidings can be up to you - they are easy enough to change.
EDIT: it is not the table size - I think it pretty close - you can get the idea to modify to suit your needs
I think they are 031 switches due to the length of the straight section that you see in the photo.
Are Fastrack switches all that would fit on a layout like this. They could also be manual switches.
I have some Menards tubular to add to his Fastrack along with the transition track they sell (Fastrack to O gauge). I don't mind buying all the Fastrack switches, but if there is something else to consider I would look at it. This layout is for their apartment in Queens so they will stand it against a wall when not in use. It would be the layout itself and the buildings, etc would be removed when not in use.
Thanks,
John
@Craftech posted:Are Fastrack switches all that would fit on a layout like this. They could also be manual switches.
I have some Menards tubular to add to his Fastrack along with the transition track they sell (Fastrack to O gauge). I don't mind buying all the Fastrack switches, but if there is something else to consider I would look at it. This layout is for their apartment in Queens so they will stand it against a wall when not in use. It would be the layout itself and the buildings, etc would be removed when not in use.
Thanks,
John
You certainly could use Lionel O mixed with Lionel FasTrack. What you will find with the switches is that the turnout divergence or arc is slightly longer and will change the angle of the sidings and how the track fits. Use SCARM and mix it virtually to discover what can be done.
Also, the switch motors of the Lionel O switches take up real estate on a tight layout.
I understand the constraints of the switch cost. Switches are what makes a small layout interesting by add directional options.
Start with a double loop of FasTrack with a crossover on each side. Then, add-in changes for sidings to create more interest. You can find used FT - need to spend on new.
Wow, that is one of the nicest if not the nicest 4X8 layout in O Gauge I've ever scene. Terrific job and thanks for sharing.
This is what I have so far, but there are too many small cut pieces I think. All switches are manual.
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@Craftech posted:This is what I have so far, but there are too many small cut pieces I think. All switches are manual.
Well, It fits. Did you knowingly use an O31 at the inside of the top crossover? They are 11 3/8" long and not 10" like the O36.
I would suggest shortening the sidings enough for the earthen bumper. You a need stopper. You may also want a decoupler track to remotely cut cars just after the switch divergence ends.
Dougie did say 5.5' wide, but if you look at the end of table photo, you can see a 5" straight and O36 curves either way . That fits nicely on a 4 x 8.
The only problem that I see with the manual switches is working the crossovers on opposite sides. perhaps place them on the same side.
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@Moonman posted:Well, It fits. Did you knowingly use an O31 at the inside of the top crossover? They are 11 3/8" long and not 10" like the O36.
I would suggest shortening the sidings enough for the earthen bumper. You a need stopper. You may also want a decoupler track to remotely cut cars just after the switch divergence ends.
Dougie did say 5.5' wide, but if you look at the end of table photo, you can see a 5" straight and O36 curves either way . That fits nicely on a 4 x 8.
The only problem that I see with the manual switches is working the crossovers on opposite sides. perhaps place them on the same side.
No, the 031 was a mistake which I will correct. He said that he used all 036 switches. The 5.5" width throws me off. I kind of wish he would post the track list to make this a little easier, but I'll keep working on it.
The earthen bumpers are in his photos. He said one siding uses (3) 10" straights (with a bumper) and the other fork uses (2) 10" sidings (with a bumper).
He also said that on the far right end (and maybe left end as well) he had a 5" and a 2" in the center of the outermost curve. I put a 5" and a 1 3/4 in the one I did. I asked him about other cut pieces, but he hasn't answered.
In their apartment they will be putting it in the middle of the living room on a low table and then storing it on end against a wall in his room when not in use so he can walk around it to throw manual switches. Storing it on end will be tough. I am putting it on a 2" x 4" x 8" foam board which I already bought.
Thanks for the help with this. Really appreciate it. I do like that layout you came up with as well.
John
I came up with this one. It uses the 2" filler at each end but is short by a fraction (easily corrected in practice). What do you think?
I am unable to install the simulator extension. "Required parameter missing." I accessed the page through the program like they said to do, but no dice.
John
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@Craftech posted:I came up with this one. It uses the 2" filler at each end but is short by a fraction (easily corrected in practice). What do you think?
I am unable to install the simulator extension. "Required parameter missing." I accessed the page through the program like they said to do, but no dice.
John
Looks good! The Foam board is a good idea. It paints with latex for scenic work and sprinkle texture in the wet paint. You can fasten the track to the foam board using a wire tie - poke a hole through the under the screw hole with a ice pick or wire coat hanger. Push the wire tie through with the lock head in the screw hole. Now use a waher and another wire tie on the bottom and snug it to suit. These are the small version, about 6" long. Make some holes for the power feeds also. You can cut a channel in the bottom and cover the wires with tape.
We hijacked Dougie's layout thread. We should have started another post.
Have fun!
EDIT: You to buy a license for simulator in scarm.
@Moonman posted:Looks good! The Foam board is a good idea. It paints with latex for scenic work and sprinkle texture in the wet paint. You can fasten the track to the foam board using a wire tie - poke a hole through the under the screw hole with a ice pick or wire coat hanger. Push the wire tie through with the lock head in the screw hole. Now use a waher and another wire tie on the bottom and snug it to suit. These are the small version, about 6" long. Make some holes for the power feeds also. You can cut a channel in the bottom and cover the wires with tape.
We hijacked Dougie's layout thread. We should have started another post.
Have fun!
EDIT: You to buy a license for simulator in scarm.
Thanks for all the tips Carl. We'll call it a tribute to Dougie's fantastic design.
The "free" version of the simulator is what I tried to install, but javascript is enabled in both Chrome and Firefox and the same error appears in both no matter which directions I follow. Unless the free version is old and in error and now you have to buy it. It says to open SCARM, go to extensions, click it to open browser. It shows the downloads, but the download button is supposed to be green or you can't download. You get a javascript error whether you make Firefox or Chrome your default browser. I hate to pay for it and run into the same error.
John
@Craftech posted:Thanks Carl,
Just downloaded it. Looking back at the first page of this thread Dougie added hand written notes to some of the photos. It looks like all turnouts are 036 on his layout. Is that correct Dougie?
John
Yes sir....all switches are 036..There is no cut pieces on that lay out.. Dougie
@Moonman posted:Well, It fits. Did you knowingly use an O31 at the inside of the top crossover? They are 11 3/8" long and not 10" like the O36.
I would suggest shortening the sidings enough for the earthen bumper. You a need stopper. You may also want a decoupler track to remotely cut cars just after the switch divergence ends.
Dougie did say 5.5' wide, but if you look at the end of table photo, you can see a 5" straight and O36 curves either way . That fits nicely on a 4 x 8.
The only problem that I see with the manual switches is working the crossovers on opposite sides. perhaps place them on the same side.
Yes I widen the table to 5.5 from 4 foot. Tomorrow, Friday I will pull it out and shoot some new pictures of it and post them.
@Dougie fresh posted:Yes sir....all switches are 036..There is no cut pieces on that lay out.. Dougie
No cut pieces? I can't seem to duplicate it without cut pieces. A track list would really help.
John
@Dougie fresh posted:Yes I widen the table to 5.5 from 4 foot. Tomorrow, Friday I will pull it out and shoot some new pictures of it and post them.
Fantastic Dougie. Thank you for doing that. My little grandson will love that layout once I get it done. It is among the best of the best in 4 x 8.
John
Doug,
He is referring to the small fitter tracks, not actually custom cut track pieces.
I can't see how that table is 66" wide if the curves are O36. Just saying...
@Moonman posted:Doug,
He is referring to the small fitter tracks, not actually custom cut track pieces.
I can't see how that table is 66" wide if the curves are O36. Just saying...
Sorry. Yes, the small pieces that Lionel sells(mostly), but Dougie said he used at least one 2" piece attached to a 5" piece. Lionel doesn't sell a 2" piece that I am aware of.
John
@Craftech posted:Sorry. Yes, the small pieces that Lionel sells(mostly), but Dougie said he used at least one 2" piece attached to a 5" piece. Lionel doesn't sell a 2" piece that I am aware of.
John
yes..That is right
I see you changed it some. Looks great.
John
Now it is a 5.5' wide - you are always changing your layouts!
@Craftech posted:I see you changed it some. Looks great.
John
Thanks....now for my real project. I have a 11x11 room that I can now build a layout in. But trying to work out what can go where and how big etc is driving me nuts..LOL I thought of taking a picture of it and putting it out for the gang to give me some Idea's
I don't want to spend a fortune on the seven 036 switches for a for a five year old, but I read that the Fastrack manual switch levers break off and his parents don't have room for remote controls. They barely have room to store a 4 x 8 layout in their apartment.
I contacted Caboose Industries and they said that it Is nearly impossible to retrofit the Fastrack switches with their manual switch and not worth the trouble.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
John
the levers partially break off, but they are still useable. At least, that's what happened to my switch.
@Craftech posted:I don't want to spend a fortune on the seven 036 switches for a for a five year old, but I read that the Fastrack manual switch levers break off and his parents don't have room for remote controls. They barely have room to store a 4 x 8 layout in their apartment.
I contacted Caboose Industries and they said that it Is nearly impossible to retrofit the Fastrack switches with their manual switch and not worth the trouble.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
John
The manual switches are not difficult to operate when the flag breaks off. You can epoxy something else on for the lever. You can probably find the manual switches with broken flags cheaper than others. 5 year olds need some guidance to begin anyway - they pick up on how to switch it when they see an older person do it.
"The manual switches are not difficult to operate when the flag breaks off. You can epoxy something else on for the lever."
I may not have a choice. There are manual switches by RMT which are very reasonable, but are unavailable in SCARM. There are Kline switches that are unavailable in SCARM as well.
I guess I should just buy all the Fastrack 036 switches rather than gamble with such an expense on something I can't try out in SCARM only to find out they don't work. At least SCARM shows they work (see above examples). I tried the free version of Anyrail and neither RMT or Kline switches were available in that program either.
John
What do you think of this modification? It has 022 switches which can be purchased inexpensively and two Gargraves Manual Switches which are also inexpensive and come with Caboose Industry throws. There is one tiny little section that doesn't quite meet, but I think it can be made to fit.
John
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