Layout 9 x 18 Progress - Update 12/18/20

Chris, I totally get the dissatisfaction with having to compromise, but I like the design you've come up with. I especially like how you worked in the reversing loops without making them stand out. I also like the way you used the large loops as grades to the upper (main) level, I never thought of doing that. I've been preoccupied with having 2 complete levels connected to each other and have worried that much of the lower level would be hidden. Using much if it as a grade makes so much sense. Any chance you'd post the rrt file for further study? I'd like to play with the simulation in RRT v5 and see what ideas I could adapt for my layout.

As I work on a design for my 12x13 space, I've been wondering how much I have to stagger my multi-level curves. I see from the photo of the wall that I've been looking at overhang the wrong way. I've been concerned about the ends of cars hanging out too far on my O54/O42 curves, but I see that I only need to worry about the inside overhang, which is much less problematic. I just looked and I see that I could put a wall almost right next to the roadbed on my Christmas RealTrax O31 layout. I realize that the O42/O54 curves I'll need to use are designed with enough separation in mind, but I'm considering bending custom curves. After viewing the "How To" for bending GG flextrack that was recently posted, I think I might be able to do it.

I also like that your photos show HOW things are being done. I can clearly see why you split the roadbed on the curves. The end of the curve in the photo showing the loop being laid is exactly the point that worries me most when considering DIY. I also don't know how I missed noticing how "laidoffsick" did his benchwork because I really like how it's done. I'll have to look through his posts to find it. I see it's 2x4's, but it looks like it would readily adapt to 1x4's or even 1x3's, if I decide to go that route. Mine will be on carpet too and I like the use of small pieces under the posts for leveling. It doesn't look like it's attached to the wall, is it? Did you put some roadbed on the ends against the wall as a cushion?

You can bet I'll be watching this thread for updates. Thanks for sharing. And thanks in advance if you decide to add the rrt file to your post.

I like your design.  I am in the same boat with my new future layout,(we tear down our old layout in about a month).  I have been stock piling Atlas o for the new layout.  The only difference is we have just enough room for our outer lines to be O-72.  I like your design and would like to incorporate it into our future.  Thanks for sharing and looking forward to seeing the progress work.  Nick  

Nick and Dewey:  I envy the fact that you are using/planning larger diameter curves.  This was the hardest item to give up.  I tried and tried to keep them in my design, but it always ended up over complicated and even more cramped than it is now.  I’m glad 0-63 exists in Atlas sectional track.  For my space 63 allowed to me to squeeze in a bit more curve which should help the larger diesels appear a little more “at home”.  Nick, be weary of the isle space in this design.  It requires a bit of a shimmy to get to the center.  To me, it’s a reason to keep my own diameter down.  Dewey, thanks for posting the pictures, the current layout is looking great.

DoubleDAZ:  I attached the .rtt to this post.  Be careful with that overhang.  I have a 4.5 inch or greater center to center spacing between the curves.  I laid out the track on the plywood and tested with my largest equipment (auto rack, large passenger car, ES44) before cutting.  I checked the overhang towards the outside on the inside curve and the overhang towards the center on the outside curve.  Basically, take your largest rolling stock and engines, put one on each curve, and move them back and forth past each other to ensure no collisions.  4.5 worked great for me but with the grade I had to consider any scenery between the levels.  Well, it’s going to have to be thin!  My spacing to the wall is roughly 2.5 inches from the track center.  Again, this is tight.  It works with my equipment but does not leave much room for scenery.  All that said I enjoy these challenges.  I did not attach to the walls, and did not use a cushion but that is a good idea.  Actually, attaching to the walls would have made more sense for the benchwork, but I didn’t do this just in case the whole thing needs to move.  The legs have leveling feet that sit on top of those plywood squares.  I can’t recommend the leveling feet enough.

Chris, thanks for the file, I'm going to have fun running some simulations.

And I'll certainly be careful with the overhang. It just didn't register that I could put a wall closer on the inside of the curve than would work on the outside, that's all. I totally get the 4.5" dual track separation and, like you, I plan to test fit things.

I'm not going to attach my benchwork to the walls either, but I do plan to add some kind of cushion on the ends just to protect the bedroom wall a little. I did notice the leveling feet, but I didn't think of putting a square piece of plywood underneath. I think I'll probably stick with 2x4s too for added stability since it won't be attached to the walls.

I love your layout plan.I have printed it out.Maybe when I get tired of mine,I will build an enlarged version of yours with a freight yard and roundhouse.Thanks,Nick

Irregularly-shaped layouts make for interesting viewing, and I think you'll have a lot of fun with yours.  You have made a great start.

Hi All

I love this layout shape/etc it would fit my space perfect does anyone have a picture and track listing for this layout but using fastrack pieces cheers

vince

cool layout!  Now I know how to erect my structure.  I wondered how I was going to do all  the curves with the benchwork.    looks like flex track? 

Impressive work! Your idea of using strong magnets to hold the bridge is really clever. Keep us updated.

You have made some head way since the beginning of the year.  It looks real nice, I like what you did with the MTH bridge, good idea on the magnets.  Keep posting updates, enjoy seeing them and for some ideas for our new layout.  Nick 

I think the idea of magnets is a great idea but I just have one question - won't they interfere with command control components?

--Greg

Greg, I finally tested the section of track that uses the magnets and there are no adverse effects to DCS.  The magnets are a few inches below the track and are not extremely strong.  N50 rated I believe.  I got this idea from using a tablet cover.  The cover uses magnets to hold it closed.  Maybe this is a bad assumption, but I figured if they could be used in close proximity to a tablet, then they should be OK in my application.

Nice plan.

Peter

I see that it has been over a year since I posted an update.  Parts of the thread showing the progress from last year are now gone for some reason.  Regardless, I think that it’s still better to continue this thread rather than starting a new one.  Now onto to the layout update.  I believe that I ended the progress updates with phase 1 completion.  Currently, all phases have completed benchwork, mainline track installation, and wiring.  The first set of pictures shows an overall shot of the layout followed by some detailed shots of phase two. 

The lift out section was the most time consuming.  Initially, I had planned to use only bridges to span the gap.  The idea would be the same as the arch bridge below.  That is using magnets to secure the bridge in place.  The bridge or bridges would need to be custom built and after doing some research I decided to abandon this path.  Instead, I built another section of benchwork that can be lifted straight up.  I used metal shelving brackets (pin side down) to ensure the lift out with sit in the same spot each time.  In my case the lift out will be rarely used, so in my option this solution is “robust enough”.

In order to give the lift out some visual interest, I cut out the middle enough to add a stream.  It has a foam bottom with foam retaining walls on each side.   The bottom is painted with latex with scenery materials on top of that.  There is also some “track junk” and tall grass and finally realistic water to finish.   I used three Lionel girder bridges re-painted and weathered to span the stream.  The bridges are salt weathered and let’s just say I went a little heavy with the salt.  I’m thinking about blending some more black in with chalks later.  Eventually, I would like to replace the arch bridge with an inverted truss or something similar.  An inverted bridge on the lower level will not block this scenery as much.

With the tracks installed on the lift out and wired to a quick connector, I could finally run trains fully around the layout.  This was a great moment!  Now there are many things to work on with the layout.  First up will be more track weathering and ballasting as well as the walls between the two levels.  Sorry about the poor picture quality.  Thanks for reading.

Chris

Nice looking track plan. 

I think we've all been there, regardless what size your layout turns out as. The military says that no plan survives first contact with the enemy, and no layout concept survives the first track plan once the room size is taken into account.

Cute pooch in that pic, by the way!

Chris, your layout is really coming together.  I really like your track plan and your benchwork really stands out.  You're doing a terrific job on it and I look forward to seeing more pictures as you progress.  Thanks for sharing and I agree with P-51, always nice to see the 4 legged furry friends in the pictures.  Keep up the good work.

Chris,

You have been working hard and have quite a nice layout in the makings.  Thank you for sharing the photos.  I too will have to make some decisions once I get to building my next permanent layout as to how to bridge the gap of an opening to the center of the room.

Chris

You agonized,comprised and ultimately achieved your "druthers". Happy railroading--you're gonna enjoy it. 

Thank you for sharing your decision process, and documenting your construction!  I'm getting ready to build a similar-sized layout and am facing many of the same compromises. Your photos will serve as a nice reference.   If I end up using O42 and O54, I might have to go a little wider on track spacing, I'm glad 4.5" worked for you.  Thanks again and I hope you and your train buddies get several years of enjoyment out of your new layout!

Congrats on all the progress. Like the track plan and all your progress to date.

Gary

• Cheers from The Detroit and Mackinac Railway

Very nice looking layout.  I am building something similar myself.  What material is the red stone in the last picture?

Thanks

Al

Thanks everyone for all of the nice replies!  Al, those red rocks are pink foam boards built using a hot knife.  They still need to be detailed and painted, but will eventually be similar in appearance to the walls containing the stream.

Chris