8' x '8 Layout

You might get some answers if you move this to the Layout Design section.

There's a layout design section?

With 8x10 it will be difficult to have a straight uphill/downhill grade, but you can easily have a grade with a curve.

Realistic grades are usually 2% or less, meaning the track rises 2" over a 100" length. I have a grade of about 5% on our layout. While this is a managable grade, conventional control engines will slow down going up and speed up coming down. If you are running any type of command control, using locos with speed control will solve the problem.

Multiple levels make a layout interesting. You don't necessarily have to use a grade to have multiple levels.

Hope this helps!

8'x8' or 8'x10'... I realize that's a corner of most layouts on this site.

The problem with constructing one loop on a second level is, do I have enough room to create a proper diorama, of a residential(industrial) area?

I'll have to see...

I realize this is slightly larger than you're planning, but it uses some of the concepts I think you want to incorporate...

^ Thanks!

I began my project today; have the basic benchwork structure built. I made the leg height 41", so I should end up with a table ~42", with a layer of 3/4" plywood + 1/2" sheet of homasote. Seems pretty high to me.

I intend to incorporate some shelving along a couple of the sides, to hold extra cars and stuff, but that will likely be after I get track and wiring and the 'important' things done.

I can already see why people do not build 8' wide structures; gonna be a p.i.t.a. reaching stuff in the middle!

I do not have any track planning software, or reference material. I'll just be 'winging' it frankly, when it comes to laying out the track... there is no plan.

How about a trap door near the center where you can stand?

^ I dunno... maybe...

I built my benchwork structure like a tank. I think I could park a VW on it, and it would support it; and that's important, since it needs to be able to support my fat *** climbing up there to reach the center.

A little pricey but may suit your needs...

http://www.micromark.com/Searc...&searchPhrase=ladder

^ Make me laugh!!

Thanks, but that's not happening!!

This is what my 4'x8' layout looked like; it began as just a simple Christmas layout, with the Polar Express running on a loop.


I stripped the table of buildings, accessories, people.


Beginning to layout the benchwork.


Strength...


At this point, I have to drill holes in the cross-members of the frame for wiring. When I get that done I'll lay down the plywood & homasote, then I'll fiddle with track; trial and error construction.

Hey Demo,
Not sure how old you are but those Oiler teams in the mid 80's were probably the greatest ever! My son and I are huge NY Ranger fans and in NY #11 walks on water. Besides train people always like to talk with hockey fans. Your benchwork is looking good.

NYCGreg68 did you catch any of the Edmonton-Chicago game Saturday night?

We smoked those guys 9-2!

Nugent-Hopkins reminds me of Gretzky at times... I know that's blasphemy... and yes, Mess' is the man!!

Lol - No, after the Canadians beat up on my Rangers the TV was turned off!

Hello,

I was curious about your old track plan. Is the front curve all 036 or something larger like 072 curves. It's a nice way to break up a simple loop.

Thanks,
Michael

quote:

Originally posted by Demo:

This is what my 4'x8' layout looked like; it began as just a simple Christmas layout, with the Polar Express running on a loop.


I stripped the table of buildings, accessories, people.


Beginning to layout the benchwork.


Strength...


At this point, I have to drill holes in the cross-members of the frame for wiring. When I get that done I'll lay down the plywood & homasote, then I'll fiddle with track; trial and error construction.

^ Not certain about the curve radius'... I believe that simple loop was made using pieces from 2 Polar Express loops, cuz I bought the PE with the basic loop and then bought a second one of those loops of track off eBay.

So the inside of the loop I reversed a couple of curves to give it that small inward curved section.

Suggestions:
You might find stuff in the middle of your table is hard to reach. I'd consider a lift-out or hatch.

If you can afford it, get yourself some wide radius curves. An 8x10 table will allow you O-72. My biggest regret on my layout is that I went 6x12 with O-36 FasTrack and not 8x12 with O-72 FasTrack. I have 2 beautiful steamers that have to sit on display or run on the floor because of this.

Try multi-level. My layout is a modified version of the one in chapter 5 of "The Lionel FasTrack Book". This is basically a folded dogbone with one return loop elevated over the other. The book shows using a trestle set to elevate the upper loop but I am in the process of making a styrofoam mountain/tunnels instead. None of my engines have had trouble navigating the grade though I do have to watch the throttle more when running conventional.

Consider some sidings or spurs for operating accessories. I think it makes it more fun to operate.

Have fun and post more pictures!

I have 2 left & 2 right remote switches; I'm going to put one big loop with an inner siding, then definitely an upper level (somehow).

* On my original 4'x8' loop the curves are 036, but the 2 inside curves might be 048 or 060...

Here's a 6 x 10 that you could expand and may give you some additional ideas...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTeiYCiVZjI

What is the 'simple' way to have 3 trains on this? One sitting on each siding, and the ability to send out any of tyhe 3 trains?

'Simple' would require two loops and a siding. The loops would be connected with a double crossover (or 4 switches) so you could transfer trains from one to the other. Each train would run independently on its own loop.

^ So what I've got... can it be done using blocks, isolating track sections, several transformers... ??

Here's one I did a year ago that can expand as needed. A transformer for each loop and toggle switches for the sidings. Track switches can be operated manually or by toggles switches also.

Hi,

Could we get a layout plan for the 6' by 10' (youtube) layout above.

Dick

Check below the video. I think it gives the name of the YouTube poster and his real estate co.

If ya cant build yourself an access portale in the middle,at least get your self a grabber tool.That way you wont have to climb up and down so much on your layout.

I believe I will build a diorama in the center of an industrial/warehouse type thing along the tracks, maybe a few businesses. I don't know the right answer.
As this evolves I will try to capture the progress with pictures.

TypeHxfmr

Hi guys, I am not sure if I have a track plan for that layout. I remember how I did it and I might be able to draw it by hand. I needed to run as many trains as I could in the space because I have kids and they have friends so I wanted it to be as buys as possible. It really is two loops connect witha raised loop, a superstreets loop and a siding off the main outside loop for somewhat of a yard.

-Ted

Sorry I dont have software but here is a hand drawing. I ran out of switches otherwise I would have put two more turnouts in the yard.



Looks like 2012's layout is going to be in the garage since we are remodeling the kitchen which has turned in to a project spilling out all over the down stairs, but that will give me a chance to do a larger L shape layout.

I will add my extra track by adding elevation(s). I want to keep the base level as free as possible in order to have the space for a decent sized village diorama.
I've already figured out that the sidings I had planned are not long enough. I have to extend them to accomodate my trains; I've bought I think 4 extra cars for my Polar Express, so it's a 9-10 car consist.

My CN & CPR trains are 'variable'; I like long trains and I'm gonna basically use as many freight cars, tank cars etc, as I can, on each of those.

I'm watching NFL football today, but maybe later I'll get a chance to play with the layout.

It's been a while. How about an update on your layout?

 

I am very interested in the results because I also have a very small space to work with. I hope to build a multilevel layout late spring or summer and it cannot exceed 9-feet wind by 8 feet deep (and I need window access). 

TMack,

 

Did you use two sets of Fastrack trestles on your elevated loop? (They come ten in a set.)

Bill

 Hi Demo I like the first layout you have would you be so kind and show my the drawings for that one my board is 6x4 in the small bed room so it put up and take down for me I do have the whole front room carpet and never get told no you can not play trains my Christine is very understanding I think she must be after 37 years long service and good conduct together

 

I did try to do that wiggley bit but as you can see i got it wrong

 

this extra bit will make a big differance all round but it is making my board heavyer