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Good evening! After numerous hours looking through the internet, reading through the OGR digital archive..Im still struggling with coming up with the track plan. Ive been using the MTH software as a way to capture my ideas (knowing I would have to make tweaks based on a different track system). So I'm asking for help! The actual table footprint will be 8x20. With no access on the sides or from the back just the front (basically butted up to the walls) I can go smaller to gain access from all sides but I was imagining an O or U shaped layout where the front of the layout would probably be the widest since Ill have access from the front as well as the other side in an O shaped layout. I was hoping to run 2 trains without loading the table with track as I would like to have room for things such as small town, a farm, an Area 51 Top Secret Area. Im also imagining a small dedicated area for Lionel operating accessories such as a milk car, lumber loader, oil drum loader. I was also considering limiting the number of switches and using Gargraves preformed radius or Menards track. Your help and thoughts would be very much appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Sunrise

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Great problem to have - 8’x20’!  One of the first limitations that must be considered is the minimum diameter curve, and minimum aisle width.  I like a folded dogbone in your space, (no duck under or lift up) but I’m happy with 34” minimum curves and 24” minimum aisle width.  What are your preferences?

I would agree that a minimum of 24” aisle width. I do have some engines that require a  O54 radius so that why I was thinking an O with a small bridge hinged section. Thanks for responding!!!

Sunrise

Leaving a two foot aisle for access on one side and the back would leave you a 6' by 18' which would be fine a tabletop layout with an O54 minimum curve,  However you can have O72 minimum curves if you do an around the "walls".  Every train looks better going around wide curves.

A 2' wide work area in the middle is fine for one person working on the layout, but more space, a minimum of 3', is need for two people to pass or or multiple people to view your layout.

I would suggest that you look at Norm Charbonneau's, Norm's Trains, posts on the forum and youTube.  In particular his layout tour.  This is his current layout which is a bigger version of his original layout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYMpykWGRso

You wouldn't know that he mainline is a simple oval.

Jan

@Jan posted:

Leaving a two foot aisle for access on one side and the back would leave you a 6' by 18' which would be fine a tabletop layout with an O54 minimum curve,  However you can have O72 minimum curves if you do an around the "walls".  Every train looks better going around wide curves.

A 2' wide work area in the middle is fine for one person working on the layout, but more space, a minimum of 3', is need for two people to pass or or multiple people to view your layout.

I would suggest that you look at Norm Charbonneau's, Norm's Trains, posts on the forum and youTube.  In particular his layout tour.  This is his current layout which is a bigger version of his original layout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYMpykWGRso

You wouldn't know that he mainline is a simple oval.

Jan

Jan,

Wow. He's amazingly talented!!

Thanks!

Sunrise

Agree the hinged-bridge, center operating area, broad curves version is probably best.  Loops are good for continuous running, especially if you want to run coal loads in one direction and empties in the other. If you want reversing cutoffs, they will take a lot of space out of your central operating area and hinder access beyond them, unless you create pop-up hatches inside--a pain, but beats the alternative of climbing on the layout.

Looks like you could add some crossovers to get reversing capability.

OTOH eliminating that curvy inner route would get you right up front to a lot more of your layout for viewing and access, and with access from the inside, you wouldn't need it from the outside, so more length, broader curves.

Since I like to tinker with plans too, and I harp on this alot, one of the most versatile bits of trackage you can add, is an interchange track.  I added one on the right to add in a couple crossovers for more clickity clack, and one on the left with a short siding for dropping off and picking up cars coming/going to other railroads.  This is also how you can logically explain why a UP Big Boy is on FEC trackage.  The tracks just end at a wall, but if not, make sure you have a way to prevent sending a train over the edge by mistake.

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