o gauge layout

Not necessarily going to be an exact double because you don't necessarily need to double the length of the straights. Swagging it maybe 16x12. 

I'll bet one of the guys is working on Scarm right now doing a 072 version for you.

Size of hole depends on size of you.  I would think 18x18, or 24x24 would work fine.

Richie

OK, real basic here. Screw, don't nail your bench work. Since you already have the wood, I'll hold any recommendations there.

You might want to consider how I handled the problem.  I once had an O 72 layout with

inner and outer loops, but hated sitting inside watching the trains run around me.  The

configuration of my room did not allow an around the wall layout.

I switched to a plan where O54 is the widest diameter. The inner loop utilizes primarily O42 and is attached to the main line with Ross O-96 crossovers.  

The advantage of this plan is that I can reach everything from either one side or the other.  O54 fits perfectly with 5 foot wide board.  I use an L girder system for the 

benchwork with homasote (sp?) on top of the plywood. It is extraordinarily strong.

I can operate big power such as the MTH Premier Frisco 4-8-4, but I prefer to run

Right of Way 2-6-6-2s and 2-8-8-0s. Most of my trains are powered by F-3s or road switchers.  

So you don't necessarily need O72 unless you want to operate really big power like

the UP BigBoy or the Pennsy T-1 (My Right of Way version articulates, so I can run it

easily on O-54.)

My mentor told me to stick with tubular track and Ross Switches.  Although I am very happy with the Ross Crossover, I am less pleased with some of the other Ross Switches.

When I expanded the layout I switched to Lionel O72 (wish they made a straight tubular

054).

lewrail

hey 24:00,

It's 11' x 15' Gilly swagged. 2.9% grade to 6.5". The half-roadbed pieces are included with the switches when you look at the track count. Cut two access hatches in the center of the loops.

Nice work, Carl!

Welcome to the forum and best of luck with your new layout.

Thanks, Gilly. The track count be reduced with some custom cut straights. Those 072 switches make one want to use Ross and Gargraves. They need a lot of fitters due to the odd length.