8'x16' Layout

Best bet is to "build" an identical copy of the book's track plan in SCARM, a freely downloadable trackplanning software for Windows computers.  Once completed, then remove pieces of straight track from opposite sides of the loops (watching out not to screw up switch alignments and crossings) until you get down to the size you want.  If that doesn't work, you may have to look for other plan ideas or more space.

Also, notice that the plan in the book appears to have no access hatches, so be sure to build away from walls or "plan in" access hatches.

Chuck

Thanks Chuck. I can's seep to get SCARM for Apple. I will continue to look for other solutions. I appreciate your response!

Brian

SCARM does not run on Apple products without using one of the emulators, so I believe the only other option is Railmodeler. There is a Express version that is free, but only allows 50 tracks and 1 layer. I believe the Pro version is $40.

Cheers Dave!

You can fit  O-63 and O-54 curved tracks sections on the outside curves into that space.

Get those curved track sections and put them on the plywood for a full size test fitting.

Andrew

Brian,

SCARM is a Windows only product. The only software for mac is RailmodellerPro. It is not free. Trax is available as a cloud based tool, but it's full of ads and who knows what else. I wouldn't use it.

You really can't build this shape in a rectangle. It's a folded oval to make an over/under. it is 6' x 16' with a 4' x 6' and a 2' x 4' between them. Cutting the corners off and creating a 2' aisle provides reach and viewing access.

If 8' x 16' is the table space available, you really need to start from scratch. An 8' x 16' table really needs a 12' x 20' area. You will still have reach problems to the center.

Brian,

My layout is 7' x 16' and my outside loop is 072 fastrack curves.  My inside loop is 054 fastrack.  I really like having the 072 so I can operate full scale locomotives.

Brian, Could you share you layout plan?