5'x10' FasTrack layout complete (for now!)

I like it, at least the final iteration. I've got a 6x11 table done and I'm going to see how this translates to RealTrax. The table is the first section of an 11x11 table, but since it's for a temporary layout, I'm looking for ways to be satisfied with just this first section. If RealTrax doesn't fit, I'll play with ScaleTrax, what I really want to use because of the flextrack. My slightly larger size should allow for adding some sidings or a small storage yard too.

That's an interesting track plan. I drew up a somewhat similar two-stage version with conventional O31 track to fit a 4'x 8'. 

 

 

Ace:

 

Yep, I pretty much tried to copy your plan but in FasTrack. Had to tweak it since there are no FasTrack O54 curves and the spacing around the 45 crossing can be fiddly - lots of trial and error and it never does link up in the SCARM program I used. What I loved about your plan is that you can reverse the direction of the trains with only two switches. Adds a lot of variety to the plan at a fairly low cost. Nice thing about FasTrack switches is you can run the train through them when they're in the wrong position and it won't derail so my kids can just set the trains running and not have to worry about switches. No way this would fit 4x8 in FasTrack, at least not without swapping out all my O36 curves for the new O31s which would be pricey.

I thought I'd try laying this out with FasTrack. I'm running up against the 50 piece limit (of the free version of AnyRail) so I've listed individual pieces that I overlaid with a single filler piece as a work-around.

 

This plan fits into 5'x 9'.

 

I played with Ace's plan in RR-Track. Nice plan Ace. I came up with this for Fastrack in a 5x10 size.

Using the new 031 curves on the inside, it is possible to build a Fastrack version in 4x8.

 

 

This base layout and the various alternative iterations are great for a small space.  Adding a connection to the top of the inside loops to complete the oval in these, would allow one to run 2 unattended trains for display purposes or when you just want to watch a couple of trains run.

I actually like this one:

 

 

due to it's unique used of wide outer curves and the possibility of running two trains:

 

1. Inner crossover
2. outer line with passing siding

In any event the biggest interest will be to use scenic dividers in the scenery so one does NOT see the train all the time. This gives the layout a mistique!

You guys have really gone to town with this plan. I've fit in the crossover for easy two-train operation like SeattleSUP showed earlier with O36 minimum curves, but this version is 5'x 9', a foot shorter.

  

I just noticed today that my AnyRail software has updated to include the new O31 FasTrack curves.

Here is a 6x11 MTH Real Trax version with 042 minimum radius.

 

 

Any chance you'd post or email me the RR-Track file and save me the trouble of entering it?

Dave, attached is the RR-Track file.

 

Thanks. Unfortunately, my version won't load it, I only have the ReakTrax library. But I saved it for when I buy the upgrade.

It's such a great plan because it has a lot of variety without needing a lot of expensive switches in its most basic form but can then be expanded to include sidings or two train operations as your budget allows. Not too many designs allow for that. I also like using the O72 and O36 curves - I think if you used all curves of the same radius it would be a little too symmetrical/monotonous looking. I plan to put tunnels and a plateau over the upper left O72 and O36 curves. Coming down off the plateau between the two curves will be a river so I can put a small bridge where the bottom 10" straight section is. I only added those two 10" sections because I had them left over.

I've tweaked this 5x9  O36 FasTrack version for somewhat better curve alignments at the upper left.

 

Ace,

   Great 5'x9' FasTrack layout, I really like it.  I will need to alter it some what for my

old Lionel 072 & 711 switches, with transition track, but I think I can make it work.

Serious little layout!

PCRR/Dave

Thanks for this post. I have been looking for something like this for my 4'X19'

footprint..

Between Ace's curve easments and my already on order 31" fasttrack curves. I think I can be happy building something incorporating Mike Donahue's 4x8 as a center piece.

If some one would publish a track listing for the 4x8 I would be greatful

Thanks Again   

I have attached the track listing for the 4x8 version. Hope this helps.

You guys rock! Can someone send me the file for fastrack. I have an 8 x 12 that I am just starting and would love to use this as my guide. Love this site 

 

steve

Thanks Mike

I have been fighting with this for a couple of years.. just never happy with the results... but this looks like a winner to me.

Most of the track I have in house still waiting for the 31 curves hopefully next week.

I will update as I go..

Steve - Which Fastrack file are you looking for? There are several on here.

Mike- the closest one to an 8 x 12 for fastrack would be the 5 x 10 you did for fastrack. Thanks for asking Mike.

 

steve

Ironside,

The layout was secured to the walls with simple 2 1/2" drywall screws. I built the frame of the layout out of 1 x 4's, and screwed another 1 x 4 ledger to the 3 walls to support the layout. I think I set the layout at a kid-friendly 24" high, to allow my nieces to reach the back side of the layout (I built 2 pop-out sections to allow them to access the back areas).

 

Geno

Because I just can't stop fiddling with it, I tweaked the design a little more to give two fully independent loops and two decent sized sidings, all in a 5'x10' FastTrack space.

You read my mind, now I don't have to do that myself.

After endless fiddling with SCARM I finally settled on a design and have built it out. I decided to add an elevated return loop on top of the tunnels to add some interest. It's a 4% grade which definitely requires some attention when coming down off the plateau though my 6 year old daughter hasn't derailed it yet (knock on wood). It's a fun layout with lots of variety but only two remote switches and two manual switches (the switch for the elevated loop is manual). Now on to landscaping....

 

 

Outstanding!   Love the plan.   Nice work.

That's turning out to be quite nice. Should be lots of fun.

 

Bill- I have attached the labeled plan. Hope this helps.

Thank You Mike

Bill

I was thinking of using this layout for my son train. I got him the polar express for christmas with oval track but like to expand it for him. I was wondering if you could post parts list for this setup. I was also thinking of getting him another train that has better sound but if that is DCS can I run that on same track as the polar express

I've attached a color coded picture so you can see discern the 1 3/8" (yellow) and 1 3/4" sections (pink). The rest is pretty well labeled. Not all sections link up in the SCARM software I used but they connected just fine on my table. 

 

I actually wound up not going with this set-up. My daughter wanted an elevated section instead of sidings so I went with the second layout which uses the new O31 curves for the upper return loop. Both plans are nice because they allow the trains to change direction so you're not just watching it go in a clockwise oval over and over and over again. The elevated loop plan I built is also nice because it only requires to remote switches. The remaining two are manual - one is right at the front of the layout and the one on the elevated loop is on a return loop so it really doesn't matter what direction it's switched to. 

Ooops. Just to clarify, the color coding only applies to the top, non-elevated plan.

Thanks for the info but I can't seem to read the parts on the bottom link ... could you post a higher resolution of the bottom one. 

 

Thanks again 

Here's the parts list for the bottom plan with the elevation:
16 10" straight sections

15 O36 curves

1 Remote O36 left switch 

1 Remote O36 right switch 

1 Manual O36 left switch

1 Manual O36 right switch

1 90 degree cross

1 45 degree cross

8 5" straight sections

4 1 3/4" straight sections

6 O72 curves

3 30" straights

3 1 3/8" straights

7 O31 curves

 

 

Pretty slick. I really like it. You get a lot of run in a smallish space with some switching fun. It also fit something I wanted in a small layout, an incline to 2nd level with return loop.

 

I have a thread with a few ideas for a smallish corner layout and two 5x9 layouts. Looks like space will be too tight for the L's but I have expanded the one 5x9 to 6x10 and it will go in a murphy bed style fold up!

Looks awesome!  I came across your thread and think I might just have to snag some of your ideas for my upcoming garage layout.  I see a Santa's Flyer  Just got that exact set for my 4 y/o daughter this past Christmas.  

 

What is the green 'carpet' covering your table?  I can't quite make it out from the pic.  Does it work well with damping some of the fastrack noise?

 

Oh and about the Santa's Flyer, if yours has trouble with making smoke let me know.  Mine wasn't working at all, so I opened it up and went through a couple of steps to get it going.  Works about as good as can be expect now, perhaps even better!

The green carpet is nothing more than felt purchased at a fabric store. Dirt cheap and not too bad looking. Don't know if it helped the noise or not. My table is built on a 2x6 frame with 1x4 cross supports every 18 inches. The top is 1/2" OSB secured to the table every 12" with wood screws. The underside of the table is used for storage and that also helps keep the sound from resonating too much. It's noisy but not unduly so. I'm just about done carving/rounding out the mountains using a surform which is perfect for the job. 

 

I also had issues with the Santa Flyer loco but was able to get it working after following some tips I saw posted.