Help: 12x12 Track Plans or Ideas Anyone?

Jack Swan5010 posted:

I have a 12x12 room destine for trains.  I run mostly Lionel trains using the cab 1L system. Im looking to use atlas 21st century track with 0-72/0-63 curves on two loops with 2 yard tracks and an industry (probably Woodland Scenics' Morrison Doors factory).  Any ideas or advice? 

Suggest you post an accurate sketch and photos showing your train room dimensions with locations of doors and windows, if you would like responses with detailed track plans. Your room is not real big for curves that wide, maybe requiring a custom-built around-the-walls configuration with a removable bridge.

The room is just a square room with an open wall in one corner, no windows, no doors.  I was hoping to make an around-the-room layout.

Hi Jack, I don't know much about the Atlas track so here is something I drew up that might have some flaws, but it will get you thinking.

I put switches in the corners so that you can run trains on either track clockwise or counter-clockwise. My lack of knowledge on Atlas means I don't know if the O-72 switches need any extra space after the diverging track. In addition I am sure these tracks are way to-close to each other, but again it can be revised as you start thinking. I added a yard on each side for a clockwise and a counter-clockwise train. I used the inner O-63 curve as the yard lead, but you could add another line to have a prototypical yard lead as needed. I didn't cut out the baseboard but you can imagine walking around the inside with the yards angled out as a peninsula. You could also make the yard a full 90 degree in the middle and make a "Wye" so that the trains can turn around. Let us know.

Thank you all for your ideas, I like both plans quite a bit.  What are the curve/switch diameters on the walk-in layout?

Jack, if your confined to a room, have you thought about multiple levels?  Before I was lucky enough to get a loft to build in, I had worked on a 3 level wall system with an overhead shelf 2 track, and  two levels around walls at 48 and 36 inches that was vaguely  similar to the U shaped layout just above, with lift out 2 track bridges to cross the door after entry.

The only limiting factor is how much you want to add as far as scenes and landscaping, less track leaves more room for modeling but more track appeals to many.

I have considered it, that is a good idea.  I enjoy mountains (on a vacation in the Colorado Rockies right now) so including them in my layout would be cool.  Thnx

When building multiple levels, you can rely on the fact that you'll have no problems with switches, except those that are unreachable.  I suggest that you try to leave enough vertical clearance that you can squeeze your body between levels, if you absolutely can't have immediate access from the side.

I have a space that is just under 12 x 12.  I like Tom Tee's layout a lot!  I haven't started planning (other than ideas in my head), but my personal preference is for the walk in approach.  I'll keep watching and comment, since this is the size I will have to work with too.