One last layout

I have heard only good things about Mianne from close friends.  You might want to consult one of the long standing reputable layout designers and builders for assistance with design and perhaps some of the build.  Rich Roman's East Coast Enterprises has a sterling reputation, as does TW Trainworx.   Certainly others are similar, but these are amongst the best known.

https://www.trainlayouts.com/about/

http://twtrainworx.com/index.html

There are a number of folks on the forum that do layouts using various software applications, usually for no charge.  You might look around, a professional layout company will be very expensive!

Hi Ken,

I love that 1957 layout!   You may want to reach out to Ken Hoganson,  he publishes track plans regularly in OGR and I believe posts regularly on the Forum as well.  You can do a members search for his contact info.  Also, I suggest that you remove your email from your post.  Assuming its in you member profile,  members can reach out to you directly, otherwise someone may try and scam you after seeing your email address in the post.  Good luck and keep us posted. 

Would you consider using Super "O"?  I've always loved the look of it.

Yes, super O is beautiful, but to purchase enough to build what I'd like would drastically reduce my operating capital. I have an excellent supply of vintage 0 track and all my 0-22 switches operate flawlessly. Like many of us, I'm now in a position to create what I once only drooled over. I just visited the house we are having built and my "train room" upstairs is a 12' x 22' blank canvas. I believe the 1957 layout can be modified to fit the room. I want to add a wider radius outer loop to accommodate passenger trains and I want to work in a beautiful 313 Bascule Bridge I acquired.

Hi Ken,

THe bascule bridge would be a great addition.  Would your additional loop be in addtion to the existing track plan, or are you thinking about modifying the outer loop on the existing track plan.  I am adding the the track plan which came out in the 1958 accessory catalog, 

One change I would make would be to the pair of switches on the left side of the layout. 

On page 22, they show a different layout with two additonal switches that allow for the inner and outer loops to run independently. 

here is the full picture of that track plan.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Dave

I do not know what Ken thinks about your idea of two more switches to give two train operation but the lack of a way to have two loops to run two trains was the first thing I noticed about the original track plan.  I love your idea.

Ken, if you plan to operate postwar conventional control you can add postwar style two trains on one track system by using blocked track sections and outside rail track sensors with a relay.  With relayed 2 trains on 1 track systems on each loop, by using Dave's above recommendation, you could run four trains total.

Another train running action missing in the 1957  track plan is a way to reverse trains.  Perhaps that action can be added when you add the extra outside loop you mentioned you would like.

You have a nice train area to work with and the great 1957 track plan to start and thinking about what you want the layout to be and working out the possibilities is great fun.

Charlie

You are now about ten years ahead of my starting point in 2012 for my "last layout." My home layout is now complete, thanks to  help from family, friends, hobby friends, and a helper. Like you, I favored Lionel tubular track and switches for its 1950s look -- which is when I started in the hobby as a boy.

Another hobbyist recommended Mianne benchwork,  and I "second that motion." You'll gain a year or more of precious time with that method; free of geometry challenges and sawdust infiltration. You'll be running trains much sooner.

My train room is L-shaped, and I fitted the 15x19 L-shaped layout into it; admittedly, with too-tight aisles around the perimeter. My max radius is O42, so some of my larger "shelf queen" locos can't negotiate those curves. My layout track plan for the two levels is attached; also some photos. I'm now 83, and the layout project was well worth that time and effort -- and money. I envy the space you have allocated to your new layout venture! Carry on ...

Mike Mottler   LCCA 12394
Octogenarian Hobbyist

Hi Charlie, Dave, and Mike!

Wow! the ideas the three of you have landed in my lap! Mike, you at 83 have given me the hope I need to move forward. I'm not yet in the house with my train room--won't be until mid-November--so I can't see myself starting until maybe February or late January. I'm convinced to go with Mianne for the benchwork to "put me a year ahead" as Mike said. Now, the modified plan Dave sent is nearly perfect! I like the independent loops, but it looks like I lose the yard on the right. Charlie is also wondering about reversing options. Since the revised plan fits a 5 x 9 area, it appears I have a lot of room to move to the right! Could I not put a yard in that area, off the now longer outer loop? Or, I could add an entirely new outer loop as well. I like the thinking going on here--thanks! One confession I must make: It's likely I do bnot have the "mechanical" expertise of the three odf you, so bear with me should I ask seemingly simple questions. I look forward to more input!!!

Ken