8x15 with a 5x5 add on yard

What kind of track?

What kind of curve radii?

 

Peter

Peter...

 

Fastrack and 072 turns on the very outside.

 

thanks

Steve

I don't have anything in Fastrack in that size.....but here are some Atlas O plans that could be adapted into Fastrack:

 

http://www.atlaso.com/O%203Rai...S%20web/pages/04.htm

 

http://www.atlaso.com/O%203Rai...S%20web/pages/03.htm

 

The outer loops are O72 and inner is O54. True, Fastrack has O60, but the plans could be played with.  The yard could come off the outer loop wherever you place the 5X5 extension.

 

Peter

 

Thank you Peter. All ideas are much appreciated.

If you haven't already done so and are using a PC, I suggest you download and install SCARM (free) so you can play with any designs that are offered. I'm trying to develop a plan for a similar space (10x17). I currently have a tri-level table design with access to 3 sides that I like, but I'm trying to convert it to a walk-in for better access to all tracks without resorting to access hatches. I'm working with O54 curves and that still doesn't allow for a very wide walk-in in that amount of space.

 

In your case, there are a number of questions that need answered before any serious suggestions can be offered. The plans that Peter offered are a good starting point for a table layout, but if you don't have access all the way around, then access to inside tracks could present problems. Folks seem to try to limit reach to around 36", so an 8' width could result in a 48" reach on a table unless you make it a point to keep tracks away from the center.

 

Your desire to use O72 curves almost dictates a table layout in that space, but since you mention a 5x5 addition for a yard, it sounds like your space might be part of a larger room. If so, you might be talking about a space off in a corner where access to all 4 sides will be restricted. That makes a huge difference in what kind of designs will work, so I think we need a little more information, such as what kind of space this is, the "minimum" curve you want to use, flat or multi-level, etc.

Dave ... I have it being set up in my garage. The decision will now be something that does not need hatches. I will have same space but a 4x8 long ways a 4x8 up against that and another 4x8 long ways ... Creating a "square like" horse show. I will then go with a 5x5 yard on the side of the horse shoe. This will give me access to all points and an empty middle to set up my controls. I will also build a one track bridge it close up the horseshoe. My curves will not be able to be 072 but that's ok. Hope this all makes some sense. It sure is fun trying

I have a 15X 13 in the basement and ended up with a big G shaped dog bone with a mix of 054 and 042 for one loop and standard 031 for the inner (all tubular).  You almost have to keep it a simple around the edge oval for 072 in a space this small.  There are exception, I know Scott Smith's layout comes to mind, but it take some compromise.  Having said all that, I find myself creating another elevated loop that I might just make 072.... just in case.

Steve,

 

You said 3 sheets of 4x8 and overall 8x15, so if I understood all that here is a starting point. The overall width stretches to 16 and I wasn't really sure how to picture the 5x5 yard. I used an Atlas track library and the best I could do for complete curves was O45. As you can see tolerances are pretty tight, but I don't know how accurate the RR-Track program is. How close am I to defining the space as you see it?

 

 

 

 

Wow! 

 

Dave.... You nailed it my friend! The only thing I need to move is the 5x5 yard to the bottom of the table. I am truly humbled by the generosity and time that so many give on this forum. I hope I can return the favor one day as I get better at this wonderful hobby of ours. Thanks again my friend, you gave me something I can truly work from.

 

Steve 

Thank you for the advice Denise.

Thanks, I uploaded a new version with the yard moved. I didn't have time to learn SCARM, but hopefully you'll give it a try. It might take a bit to get going, but it makes trying changes and different scenarios so much easier in the long run. The last thing you want to do is rush making a layout. That just leads to wasted time and wasted money buying track you don't need, etc. Good luck!

Thanks again Dave. This is the part I want to try and get right

 

Steve