Layout Opinion Request

Too many disconnected loops. I would find a way to connect at least the two outer ones with a double crossover for a little more flexibility.

Maybe this one, a bit simple, lots of reverse loops, could put mountains in the corners etc... or add/customize some of the track for your preference.

With the proper block configuration, you can run 3 trains.

It's your railroad, if you like it, then do it.

My 2 cents...

The independent loops in the plan make running multiple trains simple, as you don't need to constantly throw switches to keep them from colliding.  Grab a beer and watch them go.  However, some of the loops will only allow for short trains.

One thing that I always like to include is at least one complete loop of O-72 (or larger) so that you can run almost anything, and that is missing from the plan.  (I used to tell myself that I would never have anything that required O-72; I was wrong.)

Bottom line is that if those limitations are OK with you, then it's an enjoyable plan.

With this type of plan ("L" shaped and full of track and accessories), you have 6 edges, 4 outside the L and 2 inside the L.  Since you will not have any easy place to put access hatches, your room has to be big enough so that only one of the short (5 feet or less) outside edges actually touches a wall.  All other edges must be at least two feet (preferably three feet) from any obstruction for maintenance access.

Chuck

@gladstone23 posted:

I am thinking of building this layout  when I retire and move to a new home in about 4 years from now. I found it in an  old edition of Classic Toy Trains.  I would love anyones opinion about the loop that has a grade ... my current layout does not have a grade so I  do not have any experience of running my MTH trains  on a grade.  Will the grade work properly  with the allocated  dimensions used ? I know there is not a lot of switching options in this  design....I am attracted to the the idea of being able to run five trains at the same time...something I really would enjoy.

It's a great modern update of the classic 1957 catalog layout. If you like to see multiple trains running, it's perfect. The track diameters may limit what you run. However, I assume you like to run smaller or traditional-sized Lionel and RailKing engines....

I am also guessing that this is a combination of MTH RealTrack and Lionel tinplate track.....I'm guessing O54 on the outside loop?

The grade is no problem for MTH RailKing engines with PS2 or above. Their speed control with can motors and traintion tires will guarantee smooth running up and down the grade.

If you build it, we would like see pictures!

Peter

I liked it.  I agree that "it's your layout," "I would want 0-72 for at least a loop," and "I would like some element of connectivity between the loops."  I had to think about this one a bit before replying, I am pretty much a looper, so while my various loops are all connected and have reversing loops I don't really use the switching capabilities I have.  

John

@gladstone23,

I am building a new layout later this year and this looks like a great starting point. This would be the largest I could go. Are you planning on any operating accessories (milk, ice, cattle, etc.)?  Those are things I want for interest for grandkids. Also, I would probably go for a max of 3 simultaneous trains, the rest of the track would be used for postwar trolleys, gang cars, fire-fighting, and tie-ejectors.

Peter, I’m thinking it’s all Lionel. Zooming in on the switches shows the trademark “L” and they appear to be O22s based on the turnout control design.

John, I initially thought connecting the outer loops would be nice, but then all that accomplishes is running in the same circle just on a different track. And if engines are run in opposite directions it might get a bit complicated switching between loops and avoiding a collision. I completely agree with wanting O72 curves for at least one loop just to avoid limiting future purchases. In fact, if space is available, I’d make the inside Figure 8 over/under O72 and design the rest based on that while adding access. I think Peter is right, it appears to be O54 based. It’s a great little display layout for running multiple trains, but access will be a problem unless it’s a free standing table. And I see a bumper trolly in there, so there’s actually 6 trains. I guess the question is how quickly will the novelty wear off?

Dave,

I have found running the trains on different tracks and switching them around was actually fun and yes having a reversing loop increases the fun.  It's nice to have options is where I would leave it.  The initial layout plan didn't offer that.

John

Are you running all conventional trains? I assume so but wanted to ask. I think it can be a very action packed layout and running separate loops in conventional will let you kick back and watch them go if that's your thing.

John, I agree, but this design is just simple loops. I’m all for crossovers and reversing loops, so trains can navigate all tracks, but this design doesn’t really allow for that. I’m sure changes could be made and I think this is a good beginning, but I’m not sure what kind of space will be available in 4 years. Don’t forget, the original question was about the grade. 😉

Bill, I took his reference to MTH to mean he’s running RailKing with DCS, but that could be a wrong assumption.

Dave,

I missed the grade point all together, and just focused on the plan that was presented.  From what I am seeing there is only one section that has any change of grade correct?  I think Woodland Scenics builds a more realistic grade which would require a longer run than what MTH / Lionel have on the market.  It looks very doable though.

I love elevation on my layout and my two mainlines are at a grade about 50% of the time, you can see that from my YouTube videos.

John

John, it’s hard to tell from just the photo how steep the grade is, but since he mentioned MTH, I assumed his engines will run just fine on it.  I’m all for the over/under and the back parts being hidden. That section could be cookie cutter below for access, but there’s still going to access limitations if the layout isn’t open on all around. I’d put it in SCARM and play with it, but I’m in Georgia without my laptop until early June.

Dave, I wasn't sure specifically what he was running. The ZW's had me thinking conventional.

Good point, Billy, but I just took those as part of the photo, not as an indication of what he currently has. He said MTH trains in his post, so I assumed RailKing and DCS with the design being just that, a design. At this point we have no idea what size space he’s considering, if he even knows. I’m guessing he currently runs some RealTrax, again because he referenced MTH engines. Perhaps we’ll get more information when he responds to all the comments at some point. Plus, 4 years is a long time away.

Gladstone, you will be able to get a multitude of outstanding ideas and insights from this collection of craftsmen.  Fortunately, you have the time, four years, to plan your empire. Personally, I was in a similar position to you; and I also saw the schematic of my dreams in an old edition of a magazine. My pending reality won’t look anything like what I first envisioned. You mention moving to a new home. Do you know the dimensions of your room? If not, then your plan might be too big to fit. Or, you may be able to go larger than anticipated. Use this time to research, read, and watch the exchange of ideas on other projects. It is my prognostication that your dream is going to look quite different, and enhanced, than your current plan.

I appreciate the thoughtful comments from everyone,,,,you all raise good points and questions... sorry I left out some details....I 'll be using Atlas O since that is what I use  currently... All of my trains are MTH Railking  engines, subways, trolleys  and rolling stock and I am all DCS ...no conventional... I  guess I am a looper... I just really enjoy watching multiple trains running at the same time....  I don't mind small loops at all... My current layout has a figure 8 reversing loop which is enjoyable.... and I might miss this feature but my felling is you can't have everything and I think it would be kind of exciting to have the grade and change of elevation.  ts good to know you think the trains wile fine on the grade.... I am still in the dreaming stage and again I appreciate your comments!

Robert

My childhood train board was an oval and figure 8 on the floor in the living room.  It held the interest of my two friends, who had train boards too, and me and my brother longer their oval and a bypass, even with several accessories.  The layouts were up only from Christmas eve and then was stored in the basement after two weeks or so.

I have visited several show room layouts and studied many others in CCT as OGR magazines and have videos of others.  They almost always have five or six simple loops and trains running and maybe a few non operating switches and turntable.  They are designed to hold attention for a few minutes or max an hour.

Thus I was aware of the importance of making the model train board or layout interesting and challenging to operate, all to keep interest up for a long time.  I followed this thought and my small operating layout is 027 to cram it with as much action as possible, in my limited space which was small as it had to be portable and moveable to different houses as my job required frequent moving.  Control is conventional as it was started in 1977 and is still running and being improved after 44 years.  The Wye was added in 2020.

It has 31 remote switches, a working homemade turntable, four reversing loops, a Wye and all three running loops have at least two inner connections.  Two loops can operate two trains on one track and 5 trains can be run at one time.  Thus it can be a looping layout and an operating switching layout and It has 9 operating accessories.

Just a few thoughts about designing and building a train layout to fight the Boring Layout Syndrome ,that often strikes in a couple of years if a layout can not keep the interest up.

Below are pictures of my two active control panels with track diagram.  All 31 switches, uncoupling and track selection is operated from them.  5 trains can be looped or one train can be switched all over the layout.

Video of layout Looping 5 trains -  two pairs of 2 trains on 1 track and one train on New train board

OGR LInk below has layout building details

https://ogrforum.com/...ra-027-layout?page=1

Charlie

Robert

You have lots of time, 4 yrs, of time to figure out how to have elevation, a looping railroad and a layout with other things to do like switching, interaction between the loops and accessories.  But settling some of these issues will let you figure out what to look for in another house or house plan.

Several above should give you ideas.  Planning a new layout is often one the most fun and rewarding time the whole train layout experience.

Charlie

I really like the layout!  Running six trains of six loops sounds like a lot of fun.  I heart so  many folks mention that watching a train run in a loop gets boring but with that number of trains running, I cannot imagine ever being bored.

Everybody has their own way to enjoy their trains and if you just enjoy running a lot of trains, this is certainly a great plan!  

Happy railroading,

Don

Go for it.