With my new Lionel B6 (my first Legacy engine) due to arrive tomorrow or Tuesday, I've been thinking about upgrading from my 4x8 to something bigger and better. After making track plans all weekend, I've finally come up with what I think is the perfect layout for me.
The size is 10x12 with O-63, O-54 and O-42 curves (Gargraves track). On the outside loop which I wanted to be all O-54 or above, I had to make an O-42 half loop in order to fit everything in (you can see this towards the upper left corner of the plan). So, in order to have a way to make a whole loop with O-54 engines, I added the straight track connecting the two main tables and a duckunder. I also managed to fit in a reverse loop near the town, and have an engine terminal and industrial siding where I'll put my MTH Tank Filling Station, Lionel Tank Car Accident and maybe a Lionel Grain Elevator.
Luckily I don't have to throw away all of my work from my current layout, it is designed to be easily stored as it is cut into two 4x4 sheets, and I will still take it to train shows (it's my "modular" layout).
Now the bad news: I can't start building the layout until about December.
I have to:
Finish paying off my B6
Move my HO layout into a different room to fit in the new O gauge
Repaint the train room
Buy track and wood
So I probably won't have any new progress until September at the earliest, but I may show some progress on my modular layout and getting it ready for the September train show.
Please tell me what you think of the track plan and if you have any ideas for it!
Thanks!
Doug
