Plan my Layout!

Hi Jack,

The first test shows that the table is not wide enough. 80"-84" would better. The O72 curve is right to the edge. While you turn in and away from the edge with a straight that would be somewhat limiting.

Next, do you want a one year project or a 5 year project?

You have late steam era stuff. Got the same trains? 

In general, for a long narrow space, I see a center scenic divider to take advantage of the walk around. This would provide the openness of a Disneyland like scenery approach - one can travel to different places on the same side and on opposite sides.

See the TWTrainworx BNSF corporate layout for the concept. Warren likes it a lot.

lets see where this takes things...

Moonman... I like the concept in the pictures...wish I could see an overhead photo though.

  76" is the limit..I need the open space behind the front edge.

 So 1st compromise...let's make the last curved pieces on each end of the 072 half circles 054. That should work. 

Gonna have to adjust that in my original post.

I did sell some of my engines.Don't expect to buy a big boy or anything that needs 072.

Looking for a 1yr or less project. Since I have many buildings ready to just place one the layout...

jackd posted:

Moonman... I like the concept in the pictures...wish I could see an overhead photo though.

  76" is the limit..I need the open space behind the front edge.

 So 1st compromise...let's make the last curved pieces on each end of the 072 half circles 054. That should work. 

Gonna have to adjust that in my original post.

I did sell some of my engines.Don't expect to buy a big boy or anything that needs 072.

Looking for a 1yr or less project. Since I have many buildings ready to just place one the layout...

 

Well, lay some track on the floor. Measure it exactly. The track on the last curve and perhaps a straight for a little distance will have the outside tie very close to edge of the table. The roadbed (if any) could be an issue hanging over and many don't like having the track out on the edge.

I would want that much table without an O72 run. But, it is yours.

A good video of the BNSF on display and running and some good build pictures are taken down or moved. They have from California to the mid-west and many of the large industries served by BNSF on the layout. It breaks down and packs in crates.

Understand that using the scenic divide is one way. They kept loop running for the simplicity of the traveling display. One could create a more interesting track plan as well as use multiple scenic divides and some open spaces.

A walk-around table opens up some many opportunities. The scenery doesn't have to be in view all at once, like a 4 x 8. It will keep the table visually interesting no matter where you stand. That also creates a challenge having to always consider that.

Here's a compromise.  O72 is in 22.5° sections O54 is in 30° sections. geometry issues for the half circle. Place two pieces of O64 (°22.5 sections) in the center of the half circles. Now it fits with edge clearance and there's a good shot that the large steamers won't complain.

More later...

take a look at the bear Holmes layout on the Atlas O site in the gallery. Long table 8 x 35. may give you some ideas.

Moonman, That bear Holmes in nice..wish I had 35'!  I see what you mean about the track on the edges. Perhaps it would be best if the outer loop was all 064? I could live with that.

jackd posted:

Moonman, That bear Holmes in nice..wish I had 35'!  I see what you mean about the track on the edges. Perhaps it would be best if the outer loop was all 064? I could live with that.

using the 2 - O64 in the middle of the half-circle provides a 2 1/2" clearance from the ties to the table edge in the oval example.  So, it's personal preference.

That's enough space for me. I'd rather see at least a mostly O-72 run.

Also, you may not want to racetrack the entire straight. That would move it away from the edge with some shaping.

Just another decision to make in planning.

What you need to observe in the Bear Holmes layout is how the visual lines were broken up without a high divide. The viewer sees different scenes from where they stand by using the angles of the scenes, trees, the height of structures, the type of structures and the location of the track.

Working from your Givens & Druthers in your original post, think about grouping your structures. Country, town, city, city industrial area. I like a runner layout, but you have enough space to combine some mild operations. Places to pick and deliver materials.

Kind of a shaped double main around the perimeter, perhaps an elevation change, a service/branch line/lines more in the center. Just some early thoughts.

Moonman,

            Thank you for your ideas! Very appreciated!

OK..I will go with the 064 pieces within the half circle.

 Yes,since I have that nice Ross crossover,I was thinking Double Track main. Perhaps the inner main would be the shaped one.Shaping one side of the outer would be OK. Was already figuring on grouping structures. Yes Pick up/Deliver is exactly what I want. I want to be able to use that coaling tower, Ice platform,grain elevator etc.