Plans for Atlas O and table design.

Mike CT posted:

Keep in mind  that Atlas track can be cut to custom lengths using an add on end piece (6057).

Some custom fit pieces on my layout.

 

Awesome!! Thanks for the heads up!!

Can't thank everyone enough for their help, ideas and comments!!!

Here's what I have going so far.

The table will be 8x21.  I am going to fill in the middle as needed as the layout grows to the finish.  I don't plan on screwing it in and putting down trackbed until i start the outer loop.

Stages

Here is another great method for connecting power to Atlas track developed by forum member Ingeniero No1. This post has all the info needed. Really easy to do and works very well. There are more detailed pictures here. There is also a link to Ingeniero No1's build thread at the bottom of the last linked post. He has some good info and tips on working with Atlas track and he also has a really nice layout. It's well worth a read if you have time.

UP SD70 posted:

 Thanks Dave. Sorry, I forgot to mention I don't have a PC. I use a Mac. 

Sorry, late to this, but wanted to share this bit of info with you as I run SCARM on my Mac.  I use PlayOnMac, which is also free, to run SCARM.  You don't get the 3D view, but it will get you going so you can take what moonman and the others have shared with you and try some of your own planning.

Here's the fitment on your tables to allow for layout completion, displaying the outlines for the decking, except for the diagonals. 3- 4 x 8 and 1-4 x 5.

I still think that if you float it off of the wall, at least 3' for an aisle, you'll be happier in the long run.

You may have also wanted to make the tables separate and bolted together with carriage bolts for the unknown future need to move it or reconfigure it.

Bore some holes for wire pulling in the cross members before you put the decking on it.

Moonman posted:

Here's the fitment on your tables to allow for layout completion, displaying the outlines for the decking, except for the diagonals. 3- 4 x 8 and 1-4 x 5.

I still think that if you float it off of the wall, at least 3' for an aisle, you'll be happier in the long run.

You may have also wanted to make the tables separate and bolted together with carriage bolts for the unknown future need to move it or reconfigure it.

Bore some holes for wire pulling in the cross members before you put the decking on it.

Thanks!! yeah.. I have the measurements already.  

The only side that is against the wall is the very far end in the picture.  The other side is about 2' from the wall.. It may look like it's flush with the wall but it's not.  None of the tables are connected yet.  I plan to bolt them together.  I already am thinking of moving it to a different part of the basement.  It's kind of crammed in there.   Not sure though.

Quick update.  

Got most of the table put together.  Still need to do a little more.  Just painted it.. I'm not loving the color, but by the time i lay the track, ballast it, put up structures, and grass, etc... it should blend in.  

By the way.. I got all my Atlas track at http://discount-train.com.  They have the best prices (from the comparing I did), and were very very quick on the shipping.  They ship FedEx with tracking.  I'd recommend them for sure.  The shipping wasn't bad, but I didn't have to pay tax, which would have been much more.  

UP SD70 posted:

Quick update.  

Got most of the table put together.  Still need to do a little more.  Just painted it.. I'm not loving the color, but by the time i lay the track, ballast it, put up structures, and grass, etc... it should blend in.  

By the way.. I got all my Atlas track at http://discount-train.com.  They have the best prices (from the comparing I did), and were very very quick on the shipping.  They ship FedEx with tracking.  I'd recommend them for sure.  The shipping wasn't bad, but I didn't have to pay tax, which would have been much more.  

paint some random area with Behr "Buff" or Benjamin More Cocoa Sand

here's a layout where the base color was applied somewhat randomly because that's what they had - three colors

You will be far better off with your 21' length than had you limited yourself with 12' x 12'.

A great start for sure!  

Just got back to the train layout in almost 10 months, and finally got the inner loop together with the roadbed installed.  Next step will be the cross track in the middle with 4 turn outs connected to it.  I hope to get the butter loop finished before the year ends.

Good to hear from you. I hope all is well.

Now you can run a train. That always makes the building process more fun!

Moonman posted:

Good to hear from you. I hope all is well.

Now you can run a train. That always makes the building process more fun!

NO QUESTION.. I think it sat there for so long because I knew the work involved to glue the trackbed down, and get the track screwed in.  I learned the hard way by gluing the trackbed down as I put the track together.  When I was about 2/3 done, the tracks weren't meeting together.  I didn't realize how much give there is on Atlas O track. A stream of 5-6 straight or curved tracks can bend quite a ways.  I was used to Fastrack where there is no give at all.    I had to scrap up a bunch of glued down track bed.  and redo both the semi-circles on each end.  Now that it's running.. I'm a lot more into it as far as wanting to get the rest put together.. get some more locomotives and cars.  I think I may pull the trigger on a DCS Remote with TIU.  I only have 2 locos right now, so debating on getting a new loco or the DCS/TIU setup.  Can't do both ( Man Atlas Trac really adds up.  Especially those stinking O-72 Track Switches.. I think there's a total of 19-20 switches on this layout (if I complete it).   

Just getting back in the basement for 2018.  Hope to get alot done this year.  

This is the first I have seen of your topic.  I'll keep watching and hope you and I both get to spend a lot of time building our layouts this winter!!