Tinplate action on a modified CTT plan. Looking for critiques.

Two thoughts come to mind.

1.  Looks like a clearance issue between the curve on the upper right coming off the X crossing. Seems too close to the inner double track.

2. Are you sure you want no connections between each main line, or the main line (s) and the inner tracks You might get tired seeing the trains going round and round on the main lines.  Use Lionel cross overs with the Marx, not Ross (like I have).  Here are some  shots of my layout that may give you some ideas. My layout occupies roughly the same space as yours.

Thanks for the input Lew. I really like your layout- very unique shape and lots of action! Is that a Darstaed engine house I see back there? Love those!

I agree on the clearance issue. I think there's enough space to tweak the arrangement and make more clearance in that location.

I gave some thought to the lack of reversing loops and crossovers, but for me it's not a big issue.  I think, at this point anyway, I prefer simplicity and reliability. This will be a place to watch them run and occasionally switch out some cars and operate accessories on the inner loops.

I would eliminate the straights in the curves and use a wider radius and keep the curves symmetric.

The curve at the inside corner needs to be cleaned up.

Lack of switches is not a bad thing. 5 loops is a lot of action. 

Good idea Jim C. I'll be using O-27 tubular track so I need to use O-34, O-42, O-54, and if I can find it, K-line O-72. I'll rework it and resubmit. In the submitted plan, I was following the CTT plan, but I think I can improve it. I'm attaching the RR-Track file here. Feel free to fiddle with it everyone!

Thanks for the input! 

Hi Rick A1

The engine house is an original Hornby from the 1930s.  Daerstead has made a beautiful copy. You might note that my major diameter constraints are 054 on the outer main line and 042 on the inner loop. I had to do all sorts of track cutting to put it all together and even included a couple of sections of 072 to literally "make ends meet".  The key to the layout is the 45 degree crossover.  For many more photos you might want to check out my site at www.lewrail.com

lewrail

I like it! Lots of action!

I agree with Lew about connecting the mains, it would allow for more operational flexibility.

One other thing, what types of Marx will you be running and what switches do you plan to use? As far as I know, the "fatwheels" on Marx single reduction motors tend to disagree with most any non-Marx switch.

Again, nice plan,

To go along with the switches and Marx motors, Marx never made a 45 degree crossing. Mr. Smith (Doug?) modified a Lionel o27 one to work. I think he posted how he did it, but I can't recall if it was on this forum or another one or possibly even Youtube.

J White

j white posted:

To go along with the switches and Marx motors, Marx never made a 45 degree crossing. Mr. Smith (Doug?) modified a Lionel o27 one to work. I think he posted how he did it, but I can't recall if it was on this forum or another one or possibly even Youtube.

 

J White

 

I remembered seeing that. After a quick forum search:

 https://ogrforum.com/t...se-with-marx-engines

Looks like the filing off the offending guard rails is all that is necessary.

I'll be running pretty much everything from early pre-war to my first set, a Marx Big Rail Work Train which still runs like a top. I will also be running MTH and Lionel traditional locomotives. I'll probably modify a Lionel, or K-Line 45º crossing. I plan to make at least some of the switches myself. I have a book of plans I've been wanting to try out. I'm gonna play around with connecting the loops and see if I can keep the plan close to the same arrangement.

Thanks for the input guys!

There you go.  I would keep the straights in.  I hope you build it.