Suggestions

It's a bit boring just going round and round--- since the L portion is 8x10, i'd put in 2 reverse loops--I'd modify your RRT file, but I don't have the Fastrack library. the mod would look like half of a figure 8--

Ken:

I can't open your file with my rrt software. Are you able to save the rrt file in an earlier version like 4.1?

Thanks

Joe

Better yet, why not export and post the bmp?

Her is the file as a .BMP

I'm not sure what you mean.  Are you asking us how we would redo your whole layout space?

.....

Dennis

seems over tracked to me.

Holy cats! Unless I'm missing something, that is some serious track with what appears to be significant access problems in case of inner track derailments, etc. I assume we're looking 3 or more levels of track. I'm not opposed to access problems, but then I like to learn the hard way. If the grid is 1', we're looking at reaching 5.5' to get to the black line tracks. One thing I notice right off is that while there is a way to get from the purple line to the green line, there is no way to get back without backing up. I'm not sure what else to comment on. Can I assume much of this will be passenger car trains?

I agree with DoubleDAZ...too much track, too little access. Plus, all you have is a bunch of loops.

 

With all that space, build your layout around the perimeter of the room, not on a table in the middle of the room. You'll end up with a much more interesting layout.

I like running 5 trains at one time but I would like a yard. I also run 3 streets cars on the 2 streets track.  The only derailment I have had in 4 years is the streets cars & I am able to reach them with an extended arm.  The L is my farm & coal area.  If someone has a better idea for the layout leaving the table as it is I would love too see it.

 

Thank You, Ken

Cool. I hesitate doing something like this because all the naysayers tell me it will be nothing but trouble. I've had 2 designs criticized on other forums for that reason and nothing else. However, if I run on track I can easily reach and don't have problems, why should a longer reach cause a problem, especially with O gauge? I could see problems if there were a of turnouts out of reach, but I just don't see it with plain ovals. I understood the criticism when the layouts involved N and HO.
I am a little confused though because I didn't realize this design was already in operation. Given that it is already in operation and assuming you want to retain your farmland, I would look at the tracks around the short spur on the upper portion. If those are on the same level, it kooks like it would be easy to join the green, yellow, dark green and light blue track into a yard while still allowing unattended through traffic. It's kind of hard to offer more ideas with knowing track elevations or what else is in the room. An obvious solution would be to add a leg on the right side to contain a yard, but I tend to think that is not open space.

BTW, are there any pictures of the layout posted anywhere?

OK, accepting that you like to run five trains simultaneously on mostly concentric ovals, and you want to keep the existing tables ...

 

You might consider building a second level over one end or corner of the big table, about 3'x 11' or 5'x 5', with the existing mainline tracks tunnelling under. Having the trains disappear into tunnels for a bit adds some interest. Plus, you could build a separate "mountain division" railroad with sharp curves and grades on that second level, as a counterpoint to the big flat ovals with long straights and wide curves.

 

Wondering what's in that space lower left? If it isn't already filled up with a village or permanent scenery, you could ...

 

1) Build a "mountain division" there, instead.

 

2) Reverse loops to turn mainline trains around for operating variety.

 

3) Yard tracks, possibly with a balloon track for turning trains.

 

4) Double-track junctions off the mains branching into multiple balloon or loop tracks where entire trains can be laid over.

 

My own preference for yard trackage is to have a few long double-ended tracks that entire trains can pull in and out of, with switching optional.

The lower left area is the farm, coal & tank farm, don't want to change but I am open, the only elevated section is the section on the right w/bridges.  What is a balloon track.

Balloon track, simply a reverse loop arrangement.