Advice

If you could post your SCARM file, that may be helpful.  In addition to connecting the inner O31 loop to the outer O36 loop, would you also like to have 2 reversing loops for changing directions without backing up the train?

Steve, yes I would, also the loop on the left side of the layout goes in to a tunnel I cut in to the wall..lol,

Thanks, Jorge

Jorge, thank you for posting the file.  Unfortunately, SCARM doesn't warn when tracks don't actually work in the real world, as is the case with trying to place O31 inside O36 curves without widening the outer diameter in some way.  In the image below, the Show Roadbed setting is enabled.  The orange track's roadbed overlaps the outer grey loop, which in turn also overlaps the light blue loop below.

You'll be able to see the overlapping tracks in SCARM Version 1.8 if you go to Tools Menu - Settings - 2D View and and turn on Roadbed.

Before adding reversing loops, crossovers, and grades, you'll may want to consider some changes to make your basic plan work in the space available and/or allocate a little more width on the bench for the outer loops.  If you could widen the back Grey O36 back loop, this would give you more flexibility.  Maybe the easiest way to widen the loops would be with short straight sections oriented at 9 and 3 o'clock.

One more thing to consider when planning your layout is center rail to center rail adjacent track spacing to avoid overhanging locomotives and cars going around curves from colliding.  NRMA standard specifies 6" spacing between center rails.  With smaller locos and shorter cars, you can get away with less.  Testing with your longest cars and locos will help you figure out what you'll need for your layout.  After you've determined the minimum spacing your trains need, you can use the Tape Measure tool in SCARM to check this as you continue planning your layout.

Click the underlined Link below go to a recent topic on this subject with some very good commentary and pictures to help explain this:

Track Diameter and Spacing

Thanks for your help Steve!

One possible solution would be to add any of the three switches shown in the attached (it looks like you are running CCW) or incorporating a single or double crossover at the 4 locations shown. These are switches just connected back-to-back. If you're using Fastrack you could use two or four O-72 switches. I'd have to check to be sure, but these would give you about a 6" centerline to centerline spacing which would be sufficient for passing on the straights. As Steve said, you may need to move some track around to fit them in.

If you didn't want to use switches, you could incorporate a 22.5 degree Fastrack crossover with a little re-arranging of the track.

By connecting the tracks, the TIU will generate a signal to all areas of your layout - however, you will need to add power drops all around the layout and may need to create blocks.

I agree with the above advice.

Congratulations.  You have made it to the point where you have made a layout and now you want more.  One wonderful feature of sectional track is that you can easily take it apart and play with it, especially when your layout is flat.

I would start by thinking about your biggest possible (L-shaped) "grand tour" route.  The crossovers and direction changes work best in pairs, but this is not absolutely necessary.  I would consider putting as much of this switching action as possible at the angle where the "L" comes together.

Thanks for all the tips guys, I'm waiting for the new TIU to arrive, then I will tear down the layout and redo it with more space.  I wasn't aware of all the different sizes of tracks when I did it, I didn't think you can mix and match the different switches until now. I also want to do a second level since its all flat except the small elevated rail.

You might also consider looking at other fora and at track manufacturer's websites for layout design ideas.  I am also curious about a few comments you made.

1.  What are you planning to run on the O27 loop and will it be completely elevated using  Lionel trestle pieces or something custom made?

2.  Are you running your subway sets on the longer track so you can place multiple stops between the track and walls, even if you just painted stops with background city scenery?  (I ask this question because many run their subways on smaller, elevated ovals in a downtown area of a city with just 4 stops, one on each edge of the oval.)

3.  Wouldn't you like to run your subway sets on a smaller, double track oval so those trains can run in each direction around the oval?

4.  Have you considered running anything other than ovals?  Possible examples include point-to-point (usually requires a lot more space), point-to-loop (train leaves yard, traverses layout going through a return loop, and returns to same yard), loop-to-loop (often with a yard between loops) so you can still have continuous running with trains moving in opposite directions, and lots more.

5.  Have you planned for scenery, industries and towns?

Just some food for thought.

Chuck