This plan has an outside perimeter route with mostly O-48, with O-48 easements.
Three independent routes are supported, but interconnected. One reverse loop through the Wye at the left. All mainline turnouts are O-48 or O-60 plus the O-72 'Y'. One O-36 turnout for the industry sidings at the left.
Buildings are from Menards.
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What software did you use to create this layout?
I used AnyRail. You can download a trial version (up to 50 pieces of track) to play with. If you would like the AnyRail file, I will post it here.
Ken,
I am amazed at how much track you got on 2 4x8 sheets. That is really nice.
I also like the variety of routes that you can run. Super layout with lots of action possibilities.
This is the best 2 4x8 I have seen for Fastrack. At some point in the future my grandson wants me to help him build a layout, this looks like it will be the one. Thanks for sharing this layout.
Tom
Thanks Tom! Good luck with your future build, this is a fun layout!
Very nice. I particularly like the unique way you've designed the reversing loop.
Yes I would like the AnyRail File. Yes I am impressed with the layout which will fit my basement space perfectly.
Ken,
Thanks for the list of track sections. That along with your layout plan really helps. Thanks agin for a great layout design and inspiration.
Tom
Could You post the Anyrail file ?
Thanks
Here is the AnyRail file. I would be interested in pics or posts of your progress!
This version adds a rotating beacon on top of the hill, lights for the fastrack lighted bumpers, and a depression around the pond. So there is terrain both above and below the track level, enhancing the visual interest. The track is unchanged from the previous version.
This plan is perhaps unique in being able to include an O-72 'Y', that also makes a useful WYE in a small layout.
Very cool, and, well-designed! There is a tremendous amount of variety to the possible rail routes which creates a high level of operating interest.
Thank you for the nice comments, the operating variety does make this a good layout plan.
Very nice Ken! Thanks for posting!
Nice job Ken - now you have me rethinking my 6 x 12 area!
Sean
Interesting looks like it could be built in stages. Outer loop first and then inner loops as track became available! Is outer loop all O48 switches? Seems I have 3 pair of 048, pair of 072, and 072 Wye "in hand"
Outer loop has two O-60s and two O-48s. I believe you could use O-72s instead of O-60s. I will check with the track planning software to make sure. The other way to build in stages of course is one 4X8 at a time. I like your idea though, it gets the longer main route up and running first, more fun that way!
O-72s work, but its a tight fit.
Ken-Oscale posted:O-72s work, but its a tight fit.
O-72 are on right side of layout?
The two O-72s are on the right, branching off from the outer route.
Ken, thank you for posting the plans for a great Fastrack layout. The addition of the track inventory listing is also appreciated. I have one Mianne four by eight frame and shall order a second from Tim Foley so that I can construct your layout. Frank
Frank, that is exciting! I have been wanting to build this myself. I did build the right-hand 4X8 as my Cisco RailRoad which was an article in OGR. But I have not built-out the left-hand 4X8, I extended the layout with a 4X4 section, along the lines of below. I wanted a siding for the Menard's Power Plant but did not have more of the room to expand into at the time.
I hope you will post pictures of your construction
.
Ken,
As usual, great layout engineering. Ken I saved this layout for my new home's Train room also, your ideas are always top shelf.
Thanks much for the ideas!
PCRR/Dave
Thanks much for the kind words Dave, you made my day.
Ken, I thought that you might enjoy a status report on the progress of Ken's Two 4X8 "L" layout under construction in Ohio. I purchased a full copy of Any Rail (which was a very easy transaction and downloaded it.) I then copied your layout file from the OGRR forum to my Any Rail software. This allows me to pinpoint the location of each piece of Fastrack from your post to the schematic diagram in Any Rail. I am now reviewing my inventory of Fastrack to ascertain the quantity of track that I need to purchase. One issue is the 060 turnouts with SKUs of 6-12057 and 6-12058. I find 6-16827 and 6-16828 which seems like potential substitutes. Other possibilities are 6-81950 and 6-81951. I am awaiting a response from Tim Foley regarding a few questions that I had and then will finalize my Mianne framework base order. Thanks again for the great plans which has motivated me to commence construction. Per your request photos will be posted when appropriate. Frank
Thanks for the update Frank, very cool. Yes, Lionel changed their numbering on their Fastrack turnouts, I recall there was a renumbering when they came out with their command control turnouts. Sounds like you are enjoying AnyRail.
-Ken
This version adds a connection on the upper right creating another reverse loop. And adds a mountain with hiking trail. And a slight elevation change on a 2% grade over 2', the left hand side is 1/2" higher than the right hand side, adding more visual interest, and a bit more fun having trains climb even this slight grade.
Good morning Ken,
Could you post for me the latest ANYRAIL file of this layout. The one from July 2.... it is the one where you added another reversing loop. I have the one you first posted, but I cannot duplicate it...
Thanks!
OK, here is the track plan and the attached AnyRail file.
Thanks Ken... I need time to go over this. I 'built' your original 4 x 8 from may 2013 into a 5 x 9.9 using all o-72's.
I want to try and duplicate this track y adding the L shape to it.
This layout will give me 3 trains to run independent. A better use of space that I have.
kEN,
Here is my first attempt at 'mashing' yours with mine. On the left is your one half and on the right is again your original 4x8 reworked with all o-72 which is what i have.
Hi LionelRookie, I got everything to close up using your O-72 turnouts. I made an effort to use the 1 3/8 fitters at the end of each O-72 turnout leg to match with the plastic roadbed design of Lionel's turnouts. There is one place where the roadbed needs to be trimmed on a 1 3/4" piece, which is easy to do. There are lighted Fastrack bumpers at the end of each spur. Last, I trimmed the overall area for the layout to 8'5" X 13'. Cool variation!
Ken,
The outside 072 rail setup with the track design was exactly what I was looking for, thanks buddy you alway come thru for me! Very very nice layout now!
PCRR/Dave
OK, good to be back on the board again... time has gone away from me again..\
Ken, thanks for the refinements in the layout,... interesting how the quarter and half pieces fit so much better than a full piece.
As if you have not done enough already... can I ask one more addition to this layout. I have an additional 7' to my right that I can add a yard.
I have room physically ... but cannot draw one... 
If you were to draw a yard to the right, how would you draw one?
Thanks,
Bryan
Bryan, you did not say to extend the loops with the yard inside, so perhaps you don't have the width for that. Here is one idea with the yard outside the loops to the right.
Hi Ken,
I really like this design and will probably start construction on it in the near future. I was wondering if I added another 4 x 4 section to the right of the layout, could a yard section be added and how would you do this?
Ken: GREAT layout idea, I may build this one myself along with the Menards buildings.. Bob
Blake, I will try to look at your idea in the next day or so, to see what can be done. -Ken
No rush Ken but thank you.
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