Any 16x8 "Twice Around" ideas?

Panther97OGR Forum Member

I finally had the opportunity to build a 16x8 platform for me and my children! Unfortunately, we cannot settle on a track plan. I have a mix of Fastrack and Realtrax setup on the layout. Buying all new track is not in the budget. I have a nice O48 Fastrack oval around the outside perimeter. That leaves the entire inside of the layout for an O42 MTH line. Originally, we had 2 MTH lines on the inside. However; we talked about it and we feel that a “twice around” would be better for our layout My children like the idea of running two trains on one line with a DCS system. Anyone have a good idea for this type of layout? We’ve gone back and forth 500 times. I’d love to see some pictures if anyone has a similar setup.

3/15/157:57 PM

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FirewoodOGR Forum Member

I did a stretched-out and simplified version of the original 1948 Gorre & Daphetid trackplan years ago as an N scale experiment in 2' x 9'.

Trackplan here: http://gorre-and-daphetid.witt-family.com/G+D_1.jpg

The original model was about 3.5' x 5.5' in HO scale.

If you disregard the extra trackage and concentrate on the main line (as I did), you have a twice-around up-and-over with a passing siding. Only two switches to start off with and loads of potential.

Personally, I abandoned N scale - it drove me nuts. No peanut gallery comments pliz

3/15/158:10 PM

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Putnam DivisionOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Wow....2 run 2 trains on one line....using the SMPH feature, and have it twice around, it sound like you need an over/under plan which gives you the twice around

Peter

3/15/159:12 PM

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AGHRMattOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERMEMORIAL SUPPORTER

There have been several 4x8 H.O. two-lap oval plans published over the years, mostly in Model Railroader and/or 101 Track Plans that would easily translate to an O-72 hi-rail layout on an 8x16. The only catch is that it would be a good idea to cut access hatches into the train table for maintenance and retrieval of errant equipment.

Another option would be a folded dog bone or folded loop-to-loop where one lobe overlaps part of the other for scenic interest and a sensation of travel in two directions.