Layout Question

Considering minimum diameter track:

5' wide layout will allow a maximum of O54 curves which will run some nice locos, but definitely not all. It will also allow an inner loop for the second train you want to run

 

4' wide layout will limit you, pretty much, to O36 curves with a short straight. Also your inner loop if not at a different elevation, will need O27 to assure clearance for passing trains overhang and under-hang. I don't believe you can get O31 as an inner loop on 4' wide layout

 

What brand of track do you plan to use?

That know could help others supply you ideas.

 

Another question: Are you looking to have a realistic look, or are you more interested in what would be a more toy-like railroad but have plenty of action?

I think I'm going to have to use fastrack because I have a lionchief set. I would like it to look as realistic as possible.

If you're using FasTrack you will be much happier if you use a sound deadener between the plywood and the FasTrack.

 

If you're restricted to 5' of width, and want a realistic look, I'd stay with a single loop. But you do have a problem with track curvature using FasTrack. If I'm not mistaking, you are limited to O31, O36, O48, O60, and O72. Of which you will be unable to complete a loop with O60 on 5' of width. Not much information of what will run on O48 curves as a minimum. If you can add about 4" to 5" of width to the 5 foot you plan, I believe the O60 will fit, albeit, very near the edge of your layout.

 

But once you get your loop, you could add an inner parallel track down one side and build a yard off of it. With 13' of length you have a little room for using it as a passing track along with access to the yard. I'd suggest using O72 switches to access the passing track. The gradual turn will help with a realistic look.

 

Good luck, but it's important to understand just how helpful a software program is.

 

There are other members here who could easily draw up a track plan for you. Maybe someone will post soon. 

5' x 13' will easily let you run an O36 and an O48 Fastrack loop. If you put 5" spacers on the 5' sides of the O36 and O48 loops, you can even run a Fastrack O31 loop inside the O36!

 

Buy Lionel traditional or MTH Railking stuff and you're all set.  Plenty of trains to choose from!

 

Ed