Layout tips?

Please provide the dimensions of the two side pieces and the dimension of the piece connecting them.

Then, someone may be able to help you.

Chuck

The 2 sides are 4'x8' each and the connecting piece is 35"x 34"

Looks like alot of real estate to work with- I see a folded dogbone design with two levels, some bridges crossing over town areas to add interest. What track system are you guys planning to use?

If you plan to have to keep the main lines on the tables, you're limited by the width of the 4 x 8 modules (036 for Fastrack, 042 for 027 track, or 045 curves for Atlas 3-rail track). But if you're open to a larger bridge spanning the two large tables, 072 curves are not a big deal.

Geno

build big.......Jim

Mary,

You've placed the horse before the cart, but the track design can be worked out. When I get home from work tonight, I'll kick around some ideas and post them here late tonight or tomorrow. We do need some more information:

• What type of track will you be using?
• Is the 35" measurement the width or the depth of the connecting piece?
• Will you have a conventional, command control or mixed layout?
• Do you have any rolling stock that requires a minimum radius?
• Are you taking inspiration for your layout from the Smokey Mountains?
• Are there any accessories you want to include?
• What kind of operations do you want to run? (switching industries, setting the throttle and walking away?)
• What type of rolling stock do you plan to run? (Passenger service, coal, etc.)

What I am thinking of at the moment is two mainlines on separate levels. Possibly joined with a shared siding. A mountain in either back corner will help break up the layout into two or more vignettes. One mainline could be a folded dogbone while the other could be a point to point.

At the least, reply back with the type of track you want to use so we can collectively place our thinking caps on.

As 72blackbird said, a folded dogbone will work. You might also consider a large oval w/0-72 curves & that is do-able. Use some turnouts for variety. The space between the 2 4x8 would be a good place for a bridge and a waterfront town along the "banks" Think of your space as 96"x120" or so. You will change it many times as you develop your theme and confidence. Keep us posted, Dave G.

Any chance you might consider using the entire room and building an around the room layout?  You maximize the space and get the most out of it.

Ron

I designed this for a table nearly the same size as your table. The mainline goes up and around and the second train loops the city.

It 4' x 9' on the left, 5' x 8' on the right and a 48" center 036 & 045 Atlas track with Ross Custom Switches.

Hi,

Thanks for your help.

> Gargraves 3 rail phantom flex track 

> 34" across from 1 4'x8' to the other, 35" deep

> MTH DCS with TIU and remote.  My existing locomotive is a modern MTH.  For the second one, I'd like to find a used MTH to operate with the same system.

> current min radius is 31", but I'd like to have the flexibility to run something that needs 45" on the outside track

> Inspiration is from the southwestern US

> I'd like to have one bridge and 1 or 2 tunnels, probably in the back corners.  I'm not sure about any other accessories.  I'll probably run the outside track along the wall about 5 inches higher than the rest of the display.

> Not sure I understand your question

>  l'd like to run one loop with freight and another with passenger service

Hope that makes my goals a little more clear.  Thanks again for any ideas.

What is the grade on those inclines and how high is the upper level from the lower?

Sinclair,

It's 4.4% slope on the left and a 3.6% slope on the right. The elevation is 6 inches.

It was designed for modern Lionel TMCC\Legacy engines with cruise.

Wow this is nice design, and this giving us good ideas. Thanks! I would like more room for my town, also I would like to put a drive in theatre somewhere. Thank you again.

MG,

Here is the same concept, fit to your table. The inside lines are little tight in the loops.

There is 031 inside of loops. The rest is 042, 054, 0138. I used GG sectional so you would know the radius used. The rest is cut sectional straights or curves. It could all be made from flex for the final. You may want to use the sectional for 031, as it would be a bugger to bend.

For a "U-shaped" layout I always admired forum member "Analogkid"s design. Where you don't use the exact dimensions of his modular layout, you could fudge a little here and there. It looks fantastic for the space it uses, check out his post here;

https://ogrforum.com/t...-layout-with-modules

Maybe someone with more expertise than I could draw this one, or one like it in a scarm format for you.

chessie,

she wants to use GG or GG flex. The only issue with 45 is that it may go to or over the table edge.

I'm aware. I was just showing here what a 45" diameter would look like as that was what she requested.

Ok, using flex, I calculated a radius of 21.375" and created the necessary 045 tracks. It helped the clearance for the 032 inner loop.

Chessie, the photos are not showing or attached.

You should consider adding a layer of Homasote to your table top to deaden sound and to screw your track to.  Homasote is available in your area.  It comes in 4' x 8' pieces.  If you try and cut it with a saw/toothed blade it will generate a lot of fiber dust.  Use a sharp knife or knife edged blade to cut it to size or to add ramps.  Homasote will cost $25 (or more) per sheet.  It is also called 404 Soundboard.  Check http://www.homasote.com/WhereToBuy/

Jan

The U-shape with two 4x8's has great potential. I would just suggest that you consider a plan that can be conveniently built in stages, starting with a flat lower level. Moonman has drafted up some great ideas for you. It looks like you've spelled out your goals very well.