9 x 12 Layout Design, Comments or Suggestions?

For continuous running, this plan can operate only one train at a time. You have sufficient room to make the O-54 inner loop a complete oval and add crossovers between the O-72 and O-54 loops. This would let you operate one or two trains continuously - and you can still have the stub-end sidings coming off the O-54 loop for switching. Being able to run two trains simultaneously adds interest. Since the layout is 9 feet wide, you will have difficulty reaching the middle of the layout as it is now. I like the fact that the design has a large space in the middle where there is no track and which can be used for scenery and structures. Many O-gauge layouts are "filled" with track and don't look realistic.

MELGAR

Jack Swan5010 posted:

Here is my finalized 9 x 12 design.  It has Atlas O track and switches.  The main loop is all O72 with an O54 siding, and the inner "cutoff" O72 with O54 sidings which will host an industry of some sort. 

Comments or suggestions?

Your layout reminds me of one I had at your age.  Just make sure you can reach everything!  Don't climb on it.  Cut out access holds about 24" in diameter.  I by chance came across pictures of my old layout that was 8' by 8'.  It sagged in the middle because of the weight on it.  Test and see how far you can reach comfortably.  Then, especially near your turnouts, make sure you can reach--because that is where the trains will derail the most.  When you build layouts always ensure/plan that you keep everything within reach.  :-)

The curved switches can also cause problems due to the greater distances between the powered rails. This applies to all curved switches, no matter the brand. The problems are usually with smaller engines, but can affect the larger ones as well.

 IMO Do something so that its not a b-o-r-i-n-g oval. Maybe make that back straight away a gradual s curve at the very least.

I have to agree with RickO here. Right now my layout consists of 'just a couple loops of track' in an oval and it does get boring. I have some spurs and sidings to add a little interest, but the ovals do get old fairly quickly. I am also terrible at layout design or I would have made more changes by now.