Standard Gauge at the VMT. I need a track plan.

Scott, attached is a fairly accurate schematic of my standard gauge layout. No switches. The 45deg crossing handles rollers very well, sliding pick-ups so-so. The crossing will handle big gear original Lionel engines - occasionally with minor arcing. All curves are STD42. It is shown on a 12" grid.

Been running it for about 15 years without any problems. I had a 400E for a while, but it overwhelmed the layout. Large Flyer steam engines and Lionel 402E look okay.

400E's definitely run better on 72" diameter curves. Owen: will you be in Nashville for the show?

I would go with smaller engines and rolling stock. 390E,384E,8E electric and 500 series rolling stock. American Flyer wide gauge has a slimmer profile.   I did this with my layout as a 400E and 200 series rolling stock overwhelmed the space I have available.   Smaller looks better depending on how much real estate you have to work with. 

Owen,

I can't see the image.

Chris,

The club won't be buying engines; I will have to bring them from home.

Scott Smith

Scott, thanks for telling me. I seem to always have trouble with this - I'll try again.

Scott, I second what Chris said about rolling stock options. Let me know if attachment came through.

Art, I will be at Nashville, look forward to seeing you.

Scott,

Having that limited space the O72 loop barely fits. An O57 will fit inside on 7.5" centers. Win86's inner loop of O42 looks good for a two train runner.

I would work more on the scenic theme, perhaps railroads in the area circa 1900 -1920 when STD gauge toys were the thing. That would permit you differentiate your layout from the others. Keep in the turn of century era. Visitors only see toy trains, but they will notice different time/era type scenery.

Perhaps find some major change to Roanoke or the area at that time frame.

I see that the other layouts have the "no-touch" shields after looking at the museum's photos on the web site.

STD 57 & STD 42 would permit an interesting track plan for two trains or an O72 loop and lots of scenery for a roundy round presentation.