An introduction and request for suggestions

FECtrainsOGR Forum Member

My name is Larry and have had a long fascination with trains. Probably because I have spent a good portion of my life near trains. Currently the FEC runs a block from my house and I spent 12 years in suburban Chicago with the BNSF running through my backyard. Before that I spent several years in Chicago with the "L" running 5 feet from my bedroom window. Oddly enough I never owned a train set until about 90 days ago. I have a temporary layout that I enjoy and I run a couple trains on.

I have a 8 x 24 florida room that I can use as a train room but I'm having trouble deciding on a permanent layout. I can do around the room but because of the narrow 8' wall I would be limited to 042 curves (as far as I can tell). I would really like to utilize 072 curves. I have attached a track plan using 072 and 054 and would like any suggestions or opinions. I realize I will need a duck under or a gate somewhere on the layout for access. This is very rough and basic but gives an idea of the space and what my general idea is. Thanks for looking

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3/15/132:54 PM

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MichMikeMOGR Forum Member

Why won't 072 work? That's 6 feet. Looks like your side walls are 8 ft and the wall to door is 7 ft. Seems like you have lots of room for plenty of possibilities.

3/15/135:16 PM

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Dewey TrogdonOGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

You can go 084 curve arcs in the 8' space if around-the-wall and if a dual mainline is desired an 072[36"R] inside the 084[42" R].

A Lift Bridge or Barrett Drop Section for access to an around-the room is a feasible solution to avoid a "duckunder.

Photos below showing Drop Section is just one example of access to an around the room with a 9x16 layout [9x19 room] area with 084/096 curves on one end and 072/084 on the other. Check out Jim Barrett's DVD #11 for show and tell on building/installing a Lift Bridge or hinged Drop Section with spring-loaded catches..

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3/15/136:00 PM

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FECtrainsOGR Forum Member

I guess what I meant to say is I can't see a way to utilize 072 on the left hand side as I need an aisle to walk past and using a combo of 072 and 054 leaves approx. 2 ft. aisle. 072 will only leave about 18 inches - I'll have to mark it off and see how that works

Dewey - I am very interested in the photos you posted but I can only see one. Would it be possible to post again or even a link to a thread where thay have already been posted would be greatly appreciated

Thanks, LD

3/16/1312:49 PM

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Dewey TrogdonOGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

LD.....hope the photos below are what you requested?

I will try to show both ends of the room, the framing and various other shots. The photo of the hinged Drop Section mechanisim is upside down while it was out and recycled from a previous layout.

All of the photos are pretty old-- I framed and wired the layout in Feb '10 but health issues stopped things for almost two years. Hoping to get back to it soon.

Just one way of many to utilize a particular space[9x16 layout , Attic room is 9x19]

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3/16/134:15 PM

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FECtrainsOGR Forum Member

Dewey - thanks for re-posting those pics they were helpful. I have a "final" rough draft of my layout. I eliminated the left hand doorway because that door is never used. I am fairly happy with this though I'm sure it will be tweaked a little bit.