STARTED -new Tubular Track layout

I am a big fan of tubular track, I have always enjoyed the rail sounds from tubular track. It still sounds great today, even with all the technology of sounds from the engines. 

Steven.....great plan, which I'm thinking I would like to use for my first layout in 40+ years.

I clicked on the layout in your post to make it larger, but, still can't clearly view the track pieces.

Is there any way you could email me a copy of this in a larger format, where the track sections are easier to read? My email address is: danlamott@aol.com.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

DanL

Click on the layout & it will become larger & you can read the track sizes.

Ken M

Dan:

It makes me happy beyond measure that people are using this layout design to build a new layout.  That you haven't built a layout in 40 years and are starting with this one is simply fantastic.

To make it easier for everyone, I'm attaching the original image to this post.  I think if you click on it, or even download it, you'll be able to open it full size in a browser window or something like MS-Paint.

As noted before, if the part no. in the RR-Track dialog ends with an "X", it means that the track was cut to fit.  I personally have no hesitation to cut track to make the best layout, but others might not share the same enthusiasm.  Bottom line, you'll need a hacksaw in your toolkit to build this.

I will also say that I'm a little concerned that the switch machines just above the 364 Log Loader on the plan are too close to the siding shown above them.  There are two ways that I can see to address this:

1. Eliminate the log loader and flip them so that they are on the other side of the track.
2. Add several small cut pieces of track (e.g., 2" in length) at a few key points in order to provide the necessary clearance.  If people need help with this, I can probably alter the plan.

Have fun with it.  Be sure to go to train shows to pick up all the pieces needed to build it in good used condition and on the cheap.  Getting out of the house and interacting with others is all part of the fun.

SJS

Well, I'm waiting for another 8 switches to arrive.  Just bought a Lionel Sawmill and am negotiating on a 456 Coal Ramp and Log Loader. Would still need at least the coal loader.  I'll post pics as soon as I get the switches.

Steven,

Thanks again for the layout idea and the tips.  As mentioned in my previous post, I haven't had a train layout in over 40 years, but, my grandson is now 3+ and it's a good "excuse", for Grandpa to get back into the train business!

After fiddling with it awhile. I was finally able to get the drawing you posted large enough to actually read the track pieces fairly well (I have a MacBook Pro and was having a difficult time for some reason with this).

Not sure if the system you used to create this drawing has the ability to easily produce an inventory of the track pieces needed to build it (I know that you mentioned there are a number of "custom cut" pieces), but, if it does, it would be great to see such a list. (If not, please don't go to additional trouble.)

I would have just emailed you directly with this, but, can't find your email address in your profile (just shows your last name under the "display email" section).

DanL

Hey SJS  - Steve   - Just exactly do you mean  Eliminate the log loader and flip them to the other side of the track.  I don't quite understand to move them - d o you mean to the outside of the table??

Larry

I got very lucky.  I was able to purchase a BRAND new in the box complete Lionel 6-14005  Coal Ramp set up from 2000 or so and a used N&W operating hopper car # 3656- Car is marked 3-60 and is in very good condition. (Needs lube on axles-hard to roll).

I got everything for $ 100

It goes on the far end R H side per Steves layout I am building.

Larry:

Sorry, it looks like I wasn't 100% clear.  What I meant was to swap the switch motors from the side they're shown in the plan, to the other side, i.e., in the space currently occupied by the 364 log loader.  If you didn't know already, there are two screws on the bottom of an O22 switch motor that allows the motor to be positioned on either side of the switch so you can put the switch where clearance permits.

If you do this, please note that 1) those screws might have been set good and tight at the factory and, 2) after 50-60 years, they might not want to come out.  Be sure to use the largest screwdriver that will fit in them to minimize the risk of stripping the screw.

To emphasize the earlier comments, the plan as drawn gives the most space. However, if "reality" indicates that those two switch motors are too close to that siding, your options are to insert small cut pieces of track in a few places to provide additional clearance -- OR -- to flip the O22 switch motors in the other direction.

Hope this helps,

SJS

I used RR-Track which I like a lot and it does have an inventory of track pieces.  I have shown these in the table below.  Please note, however, that the inventory does not show you how long the cut pieces are, just that the cut pieces exist.  

This might not be what you want, but it's all I've got...

HTH.

SJS

Steve  - I had a bunch of smaller cut track sections. I had to use quite a few. As far as switching the motors over, your plan already shows this.  But a few little problems. The main lead into the 3 inner sidings does not clear the switch motor below.  So, I am using a K-Line 0-31 there which fits fine. I could cut off some of the ties on the K line Shadow rail track I'm using, bit I had the K-line switch just sitting there. On the far end leading to the 3 sidings there the switch machines HAVE to extend past the table edge.   I'm cutting 2 pieces of 1 x 3 to extend out for the 2 switch machines.   So, I'm going to try all Lionel 0-22's except for the one K-Line.  I just built a  1 1/2 section on the far end to hold the 2 switch machines.  So far the layout is looking good but I'm still waiting for 5 more 0-22's which are on the way.

So far I have the milk platform and car, sawmill, and #456 Coal ramp and car.   I still looking for quite a few accessories over the summer.  Money has run out now. Just received a $ 1,400.  dentist bill for a tooth I just broke off.I'll post pictures as soon as I get the tracks all laid out.

Stevec - Wha tis the accessory in the center that has a long YELLOW line in your design.  I know the log loader will go in front along with the sawmill.

Steven,

This was exactly what I was looking for.  Thanks for providing it!

DanL

Serenska (Steve) if your are following this.  I finally a supplier of ENDUST Here in Alberta. A home hardware store 20 miles south of Calgary sells it.  I tried PLEDGE and it made all the housing kind of greasy. They did shine a bit better though.  Getting ENDUST tomorrow.  Thanks for the tip.

The yellow line is the 362 barrel loader accessory--the ramp on the accessory is a bright yellow.

I think I'll look for one of those. Do I need a special car to load the barrels into?

I'm trying to re-create something I had close to 65 years ago. I have received 12 of the 0-22 switches I need for this layout so far.

Sorry,I worked all day in the train room yesterday ... still building ... and I didn't see this.

Carl is right: The piece you're looking at is a 362 Barrel Loader.  In looking at the plan, it seems I drew it backwards, but I'm sure you can figure it out.  The 362 is a fun piece.  It works well and it's fairly captivating.

You don't need a special car ... they can roll off onto any old gondola.

However, for continuous operation, you might consider getting yourself a 3562 Operating Barrel car (there are numerous color variations and several modern reissues).  The more common colors are pretty cheap these days on that auction website.  That would allow you to unload from the barrel car, and then load them back again by the barrel loader.

By coincidence, I happen to be looking for the modern reissue Canadian Pacific operating barrel car that appears to be loading barrels of maple syrup.  Given your location in Calgary, you might like one too.  These aren't rare, I'm just taking my time because I'm a total cheapskate.  (I'm putting together an all-Canada train to amuse my younger visitors.)

Have fun with it.

Thanks for the above information. I'm slowly getting the accessories.  I will get the 362 Barrel loader and a 3562 Operating gondola.  Thanks for this again. I'm just waiting for 2 more R H 0-22's to arrive and I will all the switches I need for this layout. I'll send you a few pics when my tracks are all down. Thanks again Steve.