Newbie needs track plan help

Looks like a fun layout.  You have no crossovers from the inner to the outer loops, but there's plenty of room for one.

 

With some tweaking you could separate the smaller oval on the right from the oval on the left, which would allow you to run another train there independent of the big outer loop and the left inner loop.

 

-Mark

Hi again.  I meant to have this in my first post.  Here is the layout corner.  I just put down some 1" foam and some track to get a feel for the space and to run some trains while I plan.  You can just see the closet door on the left hand side, which is the reason for the narrow 4x8 section.  Off to the right is the basement steps, so I cannot go that direction much farther.  I will run conventional probably using MTH 1000 or 750 transformers. Thanks again for any and all comments. 

Thanks for the positive comments Mark.  I considered a inner to outer crossover but am concerned that I am getting too much track and not enough room for buildings, etc.  I have not ruled it out yet though.   I will take another look at the loop you mentioned.  Thanks!  Curtis

Curtis,

A good area to add a crossover from the inner loop to the outer would be between the figure 8 and the left access hatch. The space there looks minimal, maybe enough for a facade, so you won't have to worry about interfering with buildings.

I don't know if this will make sense but...on your inside loop on the left, youhave a really short siding near the middle of the layout below an access panel. If you turn that siding around and run it in between the inside and outside loop you couldhave a nice long siding. Just a thought, looks like a fuN layout.EnjoY!!!

I see in your photo you run wires around the railroad on the floor to feed it. That is a good start. Consider adding more in between the ones you have already. The more feeders, the easier it is on the engine.

 

Having something down and running is a good motivator and a visual aid to further planning.

Curtis, i downloaded your plan to see where I can work in crossovers if at all possible without major changes to your original. If I do manage it, i'll post it back here--

Curtis,

 Congratulations, You have achieved the double Wye, and can therefore turn any train that will fit on the rt side loop in either direction.

I agree, a crossover from inner to outer would be nice, but is not required.

however, without it the train on the inner loop must be short to turn around.

Pretty good design for a beginner. Keep up the good work.

Saw your layout and added one crossover..... with the reversing loops you only need one so that you never have to back down through the cross over....used 042 switches...  this may give you a bit more operability.

Thank you all for the comments, suggestions, and encouragement.  I hope to start benchwork in 2 weeks or so.  I am very excited to get going! 

I am still tweaking the track plan.  If I bump out the right side 6" or so I can add another storage track.  And, last night I was thinking about raising the inner track section with the x crossover up an inch or two inches thinking it might add interest.  But that would probably eliminate any crossover from inner to outer track.  Any thoughts?

Happy railroading! Thanks again!  Curtis

I would elevate the inner loop. Not very difficult without the bench work built. It will give more interest with the trains disappearing and reappearing. The inner loop already allows 2x reversing so no real need to connect to the outer loop.

 

On the outer loop where you have the double Y you can purchase circuitry to stop and start trains making 2 loops on the outside.

 

Your plan looks pretty good to me.

 

The layout on the floor restricts the length of the train to the short loop connecting the 90 degree crossover.

Thanks for the replies and great ideas. 

NumberOne: I tried your suggestion and just could not make it work quite right with Realtrax.  Great idea none the less.   

F&G RY:  How much elevation do you mean?  I was thinking of elevating the inside loop up a couple of inches, but your post lead me to think about raising it up higher so I can add to the outside loop and run it under the inner loop in tunnels.  I like it!  Thanks and Happy Railroading.   Curtis

Enough to hide the outer loop when it goes around the back. 6 to 8 inches. Look at reataining wall materials to get an idea of height. Mine is 8.5 inches.