8 x 16 Fastrack Layout Opinions Needed

A few comments about the switch diameters. 

Jody1 has O36 switches only on the three parallel spurs.  The switches on the inner and outer loops are O72 and O60.  Jody's and my concern is how bigger engines rated for wider diameter curves would handle backing a set of cars into the O36 switches.  Neither one of us have anything that big and would like some input from anyone who has tried it.

Jody2 should accommodate any size locomotive anywhere on the layout.  It's not Jody's preferred layout because he really likes the three parallel spurs.

Jody has indicated Jody3 is his favorite but only the crossovers from the inner to outer loop are O72.  The three spurs and the four switches that allow the train to reverse direction are O36.  This one is obviously more limiting for larger engines but how much?

I like that you can always reverse directions. looks like a good use of space

Thanks for clearing that up James. 

So what does everyone think?

Anyone ??

IMO the bigger radius' the better, my biggest regret is not going bigger than my o-60 maximum. Adding insult to injury the last place you want to go with a smaller radius( if you can help it) is with turnouts. O-36 turnouts are tight, and will prevent you from having the option of being able to park any larger steamers in the yard you'll be forced into taking them on and off the layout. Larger radius' always allow for trains to run smoother. Having yard spurs farther apart and in separate areas gives you more space for industries at different destinations for your railroad to service, it needs a purpose. Putting all of your spurs close together limits the "operating interest" in your layout to just one spot. I like "Jody 2", the main part of my layout is 8x16 I'd consider that plan in a heartbeat if I were to do it over. Having said all of that, good luck and have fun no matter what type of track plan you choose!

Pretty much what RickO said. I like "Jody 2" out of the 3 designs; More interesting from an industry/operational standpoint, allows for scale locomotives to operate anywhere on the layout.

Look forward to see your progress in the future.

-bruce

My personal preference with the Jody 1 or 2 plan would be to add a double-ended siding or two inside the right-hand curve, even if it is a tighter radius, so you can park a full train there. Not every engine will need the widest radii, will it? Then fit in spurs somewhere else; the switches for spurs don't all have to accomodate the biggest engines. The table is really wide so you might want access hatches in there. Maybe fit in an elevated O27 line in the middle of the table for variety. My two cents worth.  

You're lucky to have that much space available! Also good to have access on three sides, including both long sides.

Jody 2. That way you know it will accommodate your steamers, including that new K-4 you have in mind! Those 0-36 switches would be tight...

george, I like your track plan so much that I would like to use it as my own. have you completed Jody 2 or any of the plans you submitted? Let me know . I have further questions regarding this layout plan, greg brown

Greg, you're welcome to use an 8x16 design with 084 outer loop and 072 inner loop I made with Fastrack:

Good luck!

Bruce

George, I will be constructing my layout in the same time frame as yourself. Do you use 072 switches or 060 or a combination of both? I am thinking about using foam board over half inch plywood. I have never built a large layout with so many switches. I am using mth dcs system and I need to get an aiu unit and track down a 45 degree crossover which are hard to find presently. Any books or videos that will help with the wiring of such a layout? Any info you can give me will be helpful. Thanks for your positive reply, Greg

Bruce, I like your design as well . I will keep it in consideration Greg

My personal little input:

Jody two, or that Fastrack plan that was submitted will operate the best.  The wider the radius, the less trouble.  If you really want to have a three track yard on Jody2, the two track yard can be made a three track yard by adding a spur to the longest of the two yard tracks (also the innermost track). and assuming that the straight sections are between 10 and 12 inches long, three or four cars could still be parked on each track.

Just a thought, James W.

new at this. I too am looking at large dia. 8 x 16 layout. I have been working on design with o-72 outer and o-60 inner, Switches are 72 or 60. This is a work in progress.