First layout with anyrail

@vrf201 posted:

Hi and hello!

Currently I have a space of 12x20 to create a train layout and I needed the ability to run G and O.

So, he is my idea. I borrowed a great layout from a master of layouts 'Ken-Oscale' here at O gauge forum.
I combined part of his idea and one loop of 'G'.

Allows me to run the Gauge One MTH GS-4 and two loops of O gauge.

Any thoughts on how to improve it would be appreciated.

Thanks!
-Roy

Roy,  do you plan on opening the center for access? scenery? .   I also see you have fast track listed. Have you considered Atlas 3 rail?, it mimics, the look and performance of the LGB track .

Thanks Dave for replying.

I will have some scenery. I have not decided yet on removing the center or just making it removable? No, I had considered Atlas 3 rail. Did not even think about matching the track look. Is it good track?

Thanks!

The question about "opening up" the center, and your answer, hinges on how much space you have around the layout.  If any side is too close to a wall or other obstruction, you will have to open up the center for maintenance and repair activities.  Otherwise, you will have to build a layout that you can walk/crawl over.

Chuck

I noticed that you didn't connect the Red loop to the Blue loop.

Jan

@vrf201 posted:

Thanks Dave for replying.

I will have some scenery. I have not decided yet on removing the center or just making it removable? No, I had considered Atlas 3 rail. Did not even think about matching the track look. Is it good track? Quality wise similar to LGB

Thanks!

Very good ,less noise, better conductivity, and a better more realistic , appearance.

I used all Gargraves and Ross on my new 12 x 24 layout, Ross switches and some Ross sectional track and Gargraves flex for the rest of the track.  My benchwork is 1/2" Baltic Birch multi-ply, 1/2" Homasote, and I used 1/4" foam roadbed.  Very quiet running with that combination, I can hear the sounds I want to hear.

I would recommend you spend the time up front planning, it'll yield dividends after the build.  I'd also recommend a lot more yard space, it's difficult to have too much!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I used all Gargraves and Ross on my new 12 x 24 layout, Ross switches and some Ross sectional track and Gargraves flex for the rest of the track.  My benchwork is 1/2" Baltic Birch multi-ply, 1/2" Homasote, and I used 1/4" foam roadbed.  Very quiet running with that combination, I can hear the sounds I want to hear.

I would recommend you spend the time up front planning, it'll yield dividends after the build.  I'd also recommend a lot more yard space, it's difficult to have too much!

Nice looking layout

@Jan posted:

I noticed that you didn't connect the Red loop to the Blue loop!

The Red line is G Scale, the rest is O Scale.

@DoubleDAZ posted:

The Red line is G Scale, the rest is O Scale.

5 rail track?

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

5 rail track?

I’d like to see those switches for the crossover. 😱

Those would be some interesting switches, no doubt about it!   Let's ask Steve at Ross if he can make them.

Thanks guys for all your responses!

Yea, not much space around the layout. I will have to crawl under and come up the middle for service.

-Roy

Well, more than service, if you have a derailment or other mishap on the other side, you'll crawling under a lot!  This is precisely why my layout has a power lift-bridge, I'm not as young as I used to be.

Nice feature gunrunnerJohn!

And nice layout 👍🚂.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Well, more than service, if you have a derailment or other mishap on the other side, you'll crawling under a lot!  This is precisely why my layout has a power lift-bridge, I'm not as young as I used to be.

Thats Brilliant!

Working on the tables.

A fee more to go.

Oops, should be.

A few more to go.

Roy:

Lift-up bridges could provide access to the center areas without crawling under the layout for wiring or fixing a derailment through a hatch.  In my 70s (I'm now 82 years old), I allocated the under-the-platform tasks to an agile teenage hobbyist (at $10/hour). But he's now a college student pursuing a demanding academic program in pre-pharmacy.  I need to find a younger replacement to do some current projects!

Others have cited the need to provide aisle space around the perimeter of your layout for sideline access - 24 to 30 inches. To fit my 15x19-feet L-shaped layout into the L-shaped addition on my house, I scrimped on the perimeter aisle space. It's a tight fit for me, but it's also an incentive to attend to my waistline!

You cited ANYRAIL for track planning. I used it too. IMHO, that software is relatively easy to learn and use, and it provides many options/tools for home layouts.

Carry on ...

Mike M.   LCCA 12394

Build your own. Save money.

Nice turkey_hollow_rr !

@Mike H Mottler posted:

Roy:

Lift-up bridges could provide access to the center areas without crawling under the layout for wiring or fixing a derailment through a hatch.  In my 70s (I'm now 82 years old), I allocated the under-the-platform tasks to an agile teenage hobbyist (at $10/hour). But he's now a college student pursuing a demanding academic program in pre-pharmacy.  I need to find a younger replacement to do some current projects!

Others have cited the need to provide aisle space around the perimeter of your layout for sideline access - 24 to 30 inches. To fit my 15x19-feet L-shaped layout into the L-shaped addition on my house, I scrimped on the perimeter aisle space. It's a tight fit for me, but it's also an incentive to attend to my waistline!

You cited ANYRAIL for track planning. I used it too. IMHO, that software is relatively easy to learn and use, and it provides many options/tools for home layouts.

Carry on ...

Mike M.   LCCA 12394

Yea, my plan is to have about 20 to 24 inches around the table, which is doable.

Would be nice if only O gauge, but I have to many G scale loco's that need to be ran .