Seeking advice for upcoming X-Mas layout

I realized I left out some info.  I'm using fast track and I have 0-36 curves on both loops of this layout.  The bottom larger loop has a 90 degree crossover on the one side.  I have additional fast track I can use and I'm willing to buy a bit more if needed to accommodate the 3rd train.   I don't need to run all 3 trains at the same time as I realize that would complicate things a lot.   It would be best to alter the lower loop and have two trains in that one I'm guessing since it's bigger.    my engines are all Lionel and two have the Lion chief remote so I should be able to run them on the same track one at a time.   I hope I'm providing enough information please let me know if I'm leaving something out.   Thanks!   

I would add your 4x4 top to make your U shape for starters .  

Are both of your current tables 4x8 ?  

add some inexpensive lemax street light posts, they really add a lot to nighttime runs

I should have mentioned the size of the tables before.  Yes the current plan was set up on two pieces of 4x8 ply screwed to saw horses and put in an L shape.  In its current state I just don't have the track planning imagination to see the best way to alter the track to add a third train.  

Place the 4' x 4' in the corner two have an L that's 4' x 12' .

This idea keeps things simple, so you use everything from last year add some track.

Here are the track plans side by side. All 5", 10" or 30" and O36 curves. Figure 8 the left leg. Extend the lower loop on the right leg on to the new 4' x 4' area.

3 trains running simultaneously.

It should be 7 more curves and 4-6 straights ( maybe 6-10" or use up the 5" that you have) additional track.

I like the Christmas layout simple for anyone to play with or reliable running with no derails. More scenery than track.

Carl, Thanks for your reply and ideas!  

I'm with you completely on simplicity and I like the idea of just keeping separate tracks for the ease of operation and running 3 trains at once.  I do have one issue though and that's that I can't add any more length on the one side.  I either have to keep it how it is or I can add a 4x4 section to the opposite side of the current L to create a U shape.   That's the only extension my space will allow.  Extra track won't be a problem.  I have extra sitting around (0-36 curves and straights) and I'll get the additional pieces that make up the standard loop with the new starter set I'm getting for my kids.  Thanks again, it's greatly appreciated.  

Just to add some ideas, here's what I plan on doing for a small permanent Christmas layout. First photo is of the bottom level and second photo shows both levels. At one time I had the 4 turnouts configured in a quasi double-crossover so trains could do a Figure 8, but I decided it wasn't worth having to increase the width of the long leg of the "L" to 54" and having the turnouts on a seam. This version lets me cut two 4x8 sheets into 4 "U"s as shown for the sub-roadbed. This gives me some access from below and lets me construct the layout in 4 modules.

Thanks this is great!  The first layout I made combined ideas I got from a few different suggestions so it's always good to see what others have done with a similar amount of space.  I appreciate the reply.   

Here's a video of 8'x12' with 2 loops and a figure 8

here's the track plan using the two 4' x 8' s

I think I just need to keep practicing on the Scarm!!  Thanks so much.  This gives me some really good things to work with to put something together.  

Natty B&O posted:

I think I just need to keep practicing on the Scarm!!  Thanks so much.  This gives me some really good things to work with to put something together.  

I would not add the piece for the U. It would get in the way. maybe for a cool bunch of scenic items.  Post a photo or video when you get something up.

Will do thanks again.   

Thanks again for The layout ideas.   I used Moonman's layout plan and I'm very happy with the way it turned out.   It looks really cool with 3 trains running around it and it's all ready to go for my kids first train set that santa is bringing them for Xmas.   Thanks again.  Much respect to you guys with the realistic mountains and tunnels. It's hard enough to make unrealistic ones.     

I like where you put the transformers. Visitors don't have to look at the engineer's back and the engineer can see the whole layout without having to turn.

It looks like good fun. Michael's Craft and Sears have the bags of the trees on sale on 12/26. Buildings and other items too. Less than 1/2 price.

Thanks for posting the photos.