8 x 12 layout track plan help

I’d suggest a pair of crossovers on the long side, so that trains travelling in either direction can cross from one loop to the other. 

You could follow that by installing some electrical blocks, so that the two loops could still run independently or the inside loop could serve as a passing siding. 

Do you hate or enjoy backing? If you like it use a stub siding(s) for loading. Otherwise do two passing sidings, maybe do one with more space between tracks for the stops?

Two tracks seperated by a platform allow opportunity for "animation". One train stops as the other is released with use of a relay/ e-unit, isolated rails, anti derail combo....Pretty easy. (using 3& 4 + locos at once, only one moving; is very possible too. Toggling combos of sidings on/off as well)

A wiggly S is my preference as much as long straights or wide bends

RamblerDon,

I have a hunch that the reason you didn't like the SCARM results is not because of your creativity, but because of your space constraints and desire for O72 curves.  Using those curves results in an outside loop with barely 2 10" pieces of straight track on the short sides and about 6 10" pieces of straight track on the longer sides.  Hardly a satisfying layout!  Too further complicate matters, one of your longer sides is broken up by your entrance bridge, meaning that any yard or switching area has to be on the two shorter sides, on the other longer side or in the short corners of the "C".

Of course, if you use an adaptable track brand, you could do an O63 inside loop with simple crossovers on each short side and a small yard on the continuous long side.  If you really desire industries, you could widen your center entry bridge to three tracks and put a small industrial area on each side of the bridge which is entered from a switch just off the curve before crossing the bridge.  (But, that pole next to the bridge might complicate this suggestion a bit.)

With your "givens" (space constraints) and "druthers" (O72 curve and operations), I think this will be the best you can do.

Chuck

It certainly isn't the best size for trying to pull off what I want. I'm thinking maybe try an extension some how off the back. I'm starting to think I'll just enjoy that layout as is and set up a carpet central when I want to get the o72 out.

I appreciate the input from everyone. But I just don't think I have the room to make it work right now.

Would you be open to changing from tubular to FasTrack? Looking at your layout ("C" with a bridge) there are some options available using FasTrack.

I'd really like to stick to tubular to keep that prewar look. I did seriously consider Fastrack though.

Here are some pictures from a layout I had 20 years ago. I think it was 8x16 though but was two loops running 072 outer and 054 inner. Had plenty of room to run though, I miss that layout was a fine runner with those big Z’s on the panel! Yeah that’s me over in the corner in the third picture lol

By looking at your photo, I see some nice pieces on your layout.  I can understand why you wish to make some changes.  The center table, that is 4’ x ??  By the looks of it in the picture, I would say 5’.  I think you have a great space to work with and I think a plan could be made to suit your desires as listed above.  If you would please, send me your email and I will send you a plan to Kick start your final plan that you have envisioned.

Here's a quick one I threw together as a starting point. Two connected loops with all O-72 curves of Lionel tubular O gauge track. You have to cut a few pieces, but that shouldn't be a big deal.

SPIKE posted:

By looking at your photo, I see some nice pieces on your layout.  I can understand why you wish to make some changes.  The center table, that is 4’ x ??  By the looks of it in the picture, I would say 5’.  I think you have a great space to work with and I think a plan could be made to suit your desires as listed above.  If you would please, send me your email and I will send you a plan to Kick start your final plan that you have envisioned.

The center section is 4 x 4. How do I send you my e-mail?

Email is my profile however to save you time, Mark.sarver@att.net.