fastrack in 4x12 ft space

Looks really really good.
Why do you want o31 in there?

Look pretty good.   Have you run trains to check clearances -any problems?

I like it.

The main thing that would bother me is that two sides are against walls.

 

It does look like you could have train interference at the ends where the 036 is closest to the outside oval.

What do you want to accomplish with your layout?   That should be the first question you answer and you need to answer it honestly and realistically.  Only the NJ H-Railers can have everything they want on their layout. 

 

--Greg

I think you maximized the space really well if you are going for maximum track usage. You might want to test the track against the wall for clearance purposes as Terry suggested.

If I were you I would just move the layout out a couple inches from the wall. You would have to redo everything to change to O-31 curves.  Give it a try as it is.

hobo, I agree with Greg with the first question: what is the goal? Obviously it appears to be two train operation.

 

From my own experience (and my opinion) two train operation on the same level really kills the joy of running two trains at once since you will never fully see each train running. Maybe, you could think about having a simple elevated loop with another type of track... if 2 train operation is the goal, and you don't mind having one train basically as just a running operation such as with a RDC car or passenger service.

 

My opinion here, but your layout NOW is just SO busy that your left with very little room for trackside operating accessories on those sidings... the sort of thing that make 3-rail trains fun. And the one siding is so short, that you are only going to get a single car on it (provided we're talking a traditionally or 027 sized car).

 

Nevermind not having much room either for any kind of scenery. But maybe running is your main objective and not operation. In that case, you could eliminate a siding or two. As is, you have virtually no space for even a Bachmann Plasticville Passenger Station.

 

Here's a link for a very helpful site. These are FasTrack plans for small spaces. Your space is a little bigger, so you could lengthen these plans for your layout space.

 

http://www.thortrains.net/marx/48fastrack1.html

 

Maybe these ideas will spark some creative juices and help you work with the track you've already bought.

hobonorthern,
   Although your layout looks good I do believe you would have problems running 2 different trains, your clearence is pretty tight in some places, I can understand your asking about FasTrack 031.  Unfortunately unless you plan to run just one train at a time, you will need to re-engineer your track design.  Remember also 031 FasTrack will not fit inside the 036 FasTrack due to the road bed on the 031.  You have a real nice layout now for running one train at a time, if you plan to run 2 different trains you might consider transitioning to RealTrax for your inner track work design. The RealTrax will work inside the 036 FasTrack, you will need to redesign your layout however.
PCRR/Dave 

You can see on my oval Christmas layout that the RealTrax runs inside the 036 FasTrack allowing proper spacing for most O Gauge trains, even Tin Plate.  There are some big long trains however that can have problems.  In reality the 031 FasTrack is not really what you want.  Unless you are planning to run it inside 048 FasTrack

Watch the overhang from trains on the inner loop on each end where they are closest  to the outer loop to make sure the train will not touch.

My layout is only 5X9. That didn't give much space but I wanted to be able to run three trains, plus have the ability to do some switching etc. That is a lot to ask for in a small layout.

 

Here is what it looks like put all together. If you want to know any details let me know.