Start A New Layout Not

Looks like a good starter layout plan!  Double mainline to run 2 trains, plus some switching.  If you want it looks like you have room to do an outer loop or long siding(s) across the bottom/front of the layout, though it might clutter things a bit, too.  If the squares on the picture are 1' each, though, I'm counting a roughly 9' by 15' layout. 

 

One challenge I've encountered in designing my (future - hopefully) layout is ensuring access to the parts of the layout that butt up against walls. Depending on how this may be situated in the basement area, you might want to figure an access panel into the layout design. 

 

Good luck, and have fun!

 

- Neal

If you don't mind climbing on your table, it's a fine plan.  I would move the crossover on the left to across the table.  You get more functionality when the crossovers are separated.  That does open yourself to climbing if you derail at the switch across the table.  Ross switches are great and will help with that, but set it up for derailing both directions in case you cheese out, which you will, and that switch is turned the wrong way.  The plan is good.  The only problem is access.  Eight feet is pretty wide.

Matt,

 

If at all possible, I recommend adding a complementary reversing loop; for once you have reversed a train, you would have to back it up to 'un-reverse' it, and many times this is rather inconvenient.

 

Just my 2¢

Alex

My opinion and suggestions:

 

1. Delete the two sidings in the lower right hand corner.

 

2. Drop the two ovals closer to the front so that you can add a switch to the right hand at the upper right corner of the outside oval.

 

3. Run the track off that switch up a gradual incline (closest to the top table edge) toward a reversing loop on an upper level in the lower left hand corner.  Put your remaining switches in there for a small industrial area or storage.

 

4. Finally, move the left crossover at the bottom to the left side of the top two oval tracks to increase the length of the siding their use creates.

 

Now you can run reverse loop to reverse loop or loop-the-loop (round and round) as you choose with some variety planned into the fun.  Also, consider narrowing the table on all sides slightly for better access to trouble spots.

 

Good luck,

Chuck

Wow - thanks everyone this is great - 

PRR1950 - since I am new not quite following with the ovals can I attached the RR Software plan maybe you can mark it up for me 

Thanks again for all the help and input 

Matt,

 

Sorry, but I don't own RRT, so I can't even access the file you provided.  Maybe someone who owns RRT can take your file and modify as suggested.

 

Chuck

I realize turnouts are a requirement in layouts designed for opperation. Just because you can fit them in and create more tracks isn't always a good thing. I see a few that after clearances only offer about a foot of usable track. Seems like a lot of expense just to park one car. If your parking 2 engines it will work but they need to be longer. Never mind the hassle of getting to them when something goes wrong. If you mentioned what your planning as far as buildings and operation and such it might help. The 2 sidings in the lower right corner. Only offer about one foot to park anything. I'd forget the second turnout and model an industry. Without the turnout you can model something that can still handle 2 cars.

 

 

 

 

 

Chuck - thank you - I will try to make the changes and see if that makes sense 

I noticed that your minimum radius at the reversing loop was O-54, but everywhere else on the layout was O-72, if I'm reading the diagram correctly.  This reduction could significantly decrease the number of locomotives you could run should you want to have larger, scale locos (or large rolling stock) in the future. Probably not a big deal if you're only interested in the more traditional O gauge/O-27, but since you're using O-72 everywhere else you might as well keep your options open.  I don't have your software, so I recreated your layout in SCARM using O-72 minimum radius curves.

 

I made the baseboard 8x16, as in your original text, but the diagram in your original post appears to be 9x15. I added an additional foot for a 9x16 layout, if desired.  I used Ross switches (& curves, as they measured better w/the switches than the GarGraves) and GarGraves track & flex track.   I switched the switch crossovers to a Ross 11 deg. double crossover piece for simplicity, and included a second one on the back of the layout for fun (but really just to help me ensure spacing between the lines).  I put an optional "outer loop" siding on the expansion baseboard in place of the short sub-siding that you initially had in the lower right.  This would be more functional, as you could put one or more industries and/or a passenger station here, or just park a train, while keeping both main lines open.

 

I agree with the suggestion of an "un-reversing" loop, though I'm not sure I know how to fit one in here, at least w/out making a second level, as another poster has suggested.  For entertainment value, I've also attached the SCARM file for Phase 1 of the layout I'm working on, which can be seen in the "New Layout Idea - Thoughts? Suggestions?" thread in this forum. It's a 12' x 18' area, but could possibly be modified to serve 9x16.  Good luck!

Everyone thank you for all the recommendations and help - its help to have good people that are willing to share knowledge - I hope to grow the hobby by introducing my little guy to the hobby, like my father did years ago 

No problem, & you're very welcome!  I've been slammed this week at work, but I thought of an alt. option w/a double rev. loop in the middle & moving the yard to basically a triple (or poss. quadruple) siding where the outer loop is in my above SCARM design.  I'll try amending my initial design if I can ever get out from under all my paperwork....  Ugh.  #RatherBeSCARMing 

Here's the alternate version of the layout I mentioned yesterday.

Fridge56

This is awesome

i like the three straight runs and I like the yard work in the previous 

decision, decision

both are great designs I can see spending lots of time in the basement with my son

i sympathized on the paperwork I feel the same I am hoping, by getting back into this hobby I get more active, especially with benchwork.

You could use the 3 straight runs as a mini-yard (could put a 4th in, potentially, if you can squeeze out some more table/room space).  You could also do a double track & have room for some industry or commercial space between the rails.  But, as you said: decicions, decisions....

Fridge56Vet 

Thanks I think I am going to go with the first alternative, I like that a lot - thanks for all the help 

Thanks everyone for the help and thanks Fridge56Vet for the layouts greatly appreciated

 

Matt 

Congrats!  One final thought I had - you may want to put uncouplers at the ends of the 3 straight sidings, esp. if you plan on doing switching or yard work w/them.  Other than that, good luck!  Hope to see some work-in-progress pictures, as well as of the finished product!