Modified Layout Fastrack 8' x 20' (Originally 6.5' x 18')

The thing you lose when you remove the crossover is the ability to have one (potentially pretty long) train running continuously around both loops without any switching required. I remember seeing Ken's plan this one is based on a while back and appreciating that feature. I wonder if you could replace the front crossovers with a double crossover using 060/072 switches and a 22.5 or 45 crossing and get the best of both worlds.

Since you're using Fastrack, which is very floor-friendly, and this plan isn't multi-level, I would seriously consider getting all the track you need and setting everything up on the floor. Give it a couple months of running trains, playing with operations, using the yard, etc. You might notice some things you don't like about the current plan and you'll have a much easier time changing them on the floor before any benchwork is built.

You have an exciting journey in front of you! Best advice I can give is not to rush things and try to enjoy every part of building your layout

Thanks for the response / feedback...

On the crossover I think you are right I lose with this arrangement...but win with less destruction of locos / rolling stock  

I think I need to pony up and buy the track and try the layout as you suggest.  I have a fair degree of freedom on space to allow for some reasonable modifications to the layout.  I have started my benchwork with three 4' x 8' section built and bolted together, but this still allows freedom for rearrangement / modification. 

John

@JohnBr posted:

Thanks for the response / feedback...

On the crossover I think you are right I lose with this arrangement...but win with less destruction of locos / rolling stock

Sounds like you're worried about kiddos throwing switches and causing wrecks - seems like a solvable problem, no? Is there a way you can restrict switch control to yourself while the kids still get to control their trains? This layout is for you too, so if you want the crossover, you should go for it and use it as a learning tool for your kids

I sure like the layout you've decided on. I have an identical sized area except I will be able to walk all the way around the table. I'm truly a looper model railroader and collector so I will probably delete the bottom left spur and the bottom long straight to give better accessibility to the track. Not as young as I used to be and a stroke has kinda limited my left side some what. Really looking forward to your build. Good luck and enjoy.

Quick question, will you be able to build your layout using Fastrack only or will you need some other pieces from different manufactures.???

@Mike0289 posted:

Sounds like you're worried about kiddos throwing switches and causing wrecks - seems like a solvable problem, no? Is there a way you can restrict switch control to yourself while the kids still get to control their trains? This layout is for you too, so if you want the crossover, you should go for it and use it as a learning tool for your kids

Hi Mike - I am less worried about the kids throwing switches vs having the 22.5 degree crossover without isolation.  I understand your first comment on including a 22.5 or 45 degree crossover to regain the functionality that Ken-Oscale had intended of non-intervention 'grand tour' of the layout. I will work on seeing what I can design in with your suggestion and will post once I get this worked out.

@cman posted:

I sure like the layout you've decided on. I have an identical sized area except I will be able to walk all the way around the table. I'm truly a looper model railroader and collector so I will probably delete the bottom left spur and the bottom long straight to give better accessibility to the track. Not as young as I used to be and a stroke has kinda limited my left side some what. Really looking forward to your build. Good luck and enjoy.

Hi Cman - I am lucky to have the same scenario you describe of the ability to walk around the layout.  I have put the tables I have built on casters to allow movement and access too.  I have more space available to expand, but these seems the right mix for me to manage from a size of first layout with lots of operating potential.  Just FYI - did not point this in the original post, but the long bottom straight is intended to include the Fastrack extended truss lift-out bridge (6-82110 I think) as originally designed so that I too do not need to duck under.

@cman posted:

Quick question, will you be able to build your layout using Fastrack only or will you need some other pieces from different manufactures.???

This is full designed with only Fastrack. According to Anyrail it will fit together.  I know the original layout included Atlas track for the turntable and whiskers.

Again - appreciates everyone's feedback / comment and questions!

Hey John, you wouldn't happen to have a list of needed fastrack would you?? I down loaded the free versions of SCARM and ANYRAIL, but it's been pretty comical me trying to reproduce your layout. Thanks again, Chris.

@cman posted:

Hey John, you wouldn't happen to have a list of needed fastrack would you?? I down loaded the free versions of SCARM and ANYRAIL, but it's been pretty comical me trying to reproduce your layout. Thanks again, Chris.

Here you go - pdf and the anyrail file... The plan could have some clean-up to reduce pieces needed.   I did not always pick the same switches part numbers.  I also did not always use the 1 3/8" parts that come with the turnouts so you may not need all small track pieces. 

Finally, in the link to the original layout (if that is what you want..) there is also a list of parts.

One feature I really like is that you have reversing loops for both continuous loops.  I think many layouts can only run trains in one direction.

John, thank you so much for the track list, let the hunt begin !. I wasn't able to open track plan 7 any, I need to figure out why windows won't open it. But the PDF opened great. Thanks again and really looking forward, Chris.

Windows can't "open" the AnyRail file.  You must download and install the AnyRail program from the internet to open the actual plan file.  AnyRail is free to use for looking at anybody's plan, but you will not be able to modify and save changes if more than a select number of pieces of track are used.  Same goes for your own use to construct a plan; limited to a select number of pieces.  Unfortunately, I don't remember what the "select" number is.

Chuck