AnyRail File request - Less than 5x12 layout - by Ken H - UPDATE ON LAYOUT

Hi Bryan, here is the AnyRail file for the track plan.  Original Thread   Lots of fitters and small sections!   Good luck on your revision.  You should be able to work in some O-72s.

Out of curiosity, and for fun, I was able to replace all four of the O-60 turnouts on the outside route with O-72.   I was able to keep the length the same, but the width expanded by about 3/8".   And fewer tracks sections (lower cost), so that is nice!

I have attached the AnyRail file for you.  Have fun!

Hello Ken,

Thanks for the AR file.  In the meantime, I started fussing with the 5 x 17 that was based on your 5x15.  It too was remade using o-72's.  My problem was the O-60's take up so much room and I just cannot swing it.  The 'Train Room' is in the furnace room and this furnace is just in the wrong spot! 

Here is my 'mash' of the 5x17 - with your outside passing loop like you have on the 'Almost 5'x12' layout.

It made it longer, but narrower. 

I forgot about the fact I asked you - it was early - I really like that outside passing loop - verses the long sweep of the O-60...

Nice work Rookie!   Thanks for sharing these, I will look at more closely when I have a moment.

LionelRookie1992, these are interesting track plans!

I think that I like your first plan better, is there some reason why that one won't work out or you prefer the 2nd plan?   I like the first plan better because of the more graceful curves on the approach to the crossings; the parallel curves at each end are closer to parallel than the 2nd plan;   you have the passing siding at the top of the plan;   there appears to be 18" of aisle at each end of the plan, which will be a big help in access and reach for a plan that is 5' deep.   It seems to fit your space well, I like how you adjusted the outside oval past the furnace and chimney.   

On your 2nd plan, based on the 5X15 plan has O-60 for the outer route?   That would be a strong point in favor.

What is your take on the two plans?

-Ken

I wonder if something along these lines would be close to what you want.  This has the O-60 outside route, with two O-72 turnouts.   The curves parallel each other at each end.   The approach tracks to the crossing are wide and smooth.  It looks like it would give clearance at each end of the layout, and clear your furnace area.  -Ken

Hello Ken, 

I really wanted to make the first plan work, that is the 5 x 17 with the big sweeping o-60 curves, yes it would visually look better.  While it looks good on paper, in the real world, measuring it out with the tape measure is VERY BIG...

What caught my eye on your 3-4 train - 5x12 layout was the narrowness of it all... It fits much better, long and narrow, and o-36 and o-48, smallish... but it has that awesome passing loop where another train can be stored.  

The 5x17 does not provide for that.  

btw, both of these plans come from you originally... all I've done is add the o-72 switches to them.  

Doesn't look like much, but the change in the angle degree makes a difference in the layout.  |Sometimes it is not worth the change. 

I have 12 O-72 turnouts, a small investment for sure, which is why I try to incorporate what I have...

No one was using the O-60's back 'in the day'... it was o-36 and O-72...  

I would love the first design, 5x17 with an outside passing loop... that would be awesome... but the space I have - is the space I have... 

What I need to do is to clean off the table and start laying down the O-60... its the only way I will ever know for sure.

Thanks again for all your hard work... I know how much time I spend - adjusting your plan... you are starting from scratch.

Bryan