Does anyone happen to have a two-level layout for Fastrack that will fit in a 5’ by (?) space? The wife and I are wanting to build and mildly landscape a semi portable layout for under the Xmas tree. I was going to use a “twice around the tree” 5’x6’ layout I found on OGaugeWatch.com, but the wife thought it would be neat to have two levels if possible. I thought about using the Lionel graduated trestle system for Fastrack to make the incline and decline, but I don’t know how much linear space that requires. Anybody know that? Anybody got a better suggestion or perhaps even a layout plan I could use? We plan on putting the Xmas tree on the 2nd level so there needs to be about a 2’ square open area in that level somewhere. I have done collectible village scenes before and plan on using those landscape techniques and materials in the interest of time.
We would appreciate any suggestions or layout plans.
Hmmm, you might want to post this request over on the Classic Toy Trains forum. Most people on this form work with scale trains and mostly the smaller sizes HO & N.
I would guess you are going to need a minimum of 6" clearance for the one track to pass over another. Whether or not that is reasonable depends on what type of locomotive and how long of a train is being run. Some of the Lionel is made to handle really steep track, others not so much.
Sounds like a simple twice around layout would work. Didn’t look up the reference but I am guessing by simply replacing the crossing with straight tracks and elevating it would probably work.
Then for the layout itself you would need to decide if you want the two levels of track in the main viewing area or if you want the “bridge” to be the most viewable part.
Don’t forget the clearance from the track to the bottom of the lowest Christmas tree branch too. I did a way cool layout one year but the train couldn’t fit under the tree on the highest track … bummer. Had to redesign.
How about 2 separate loops and trains on the 2 levels? Lionel frequently did that in their display layouts. That way you can get the action of one train passing over another on the bridge(s) - and you can have the trains go in opposite directions.
I planned a similar layout using O on the lower level and HO or On30 on the upper. Never got around to building it, although the plan may resurrect itself when the current test HO/HOn3 layout is done with testing my locomotives.
This year my wife requested an under-the-tree train, but not on a platform. She wanted it straight on the floor. So I dug out some MTH track from a trolley set, and combined with my teenage son’s Lionel Circus set he received when he was a year old. Big surprise has been the son’s interest in playing with and setting up the set - previously he would have nothing to do with the trains. May have to sneak in an operating track and see if the old animation of dump cars holds any magic!
…you can have three continuous running trains with lots of observer action.
Double track the lower level – double track the upper level – and make the inner track on both levels the common track by using 2-3 spirals to climb from the lower level to the upper level. Thus, the outer track on each level is essentially an oval track with the common inner track a spiraling oval.
…it could an option for all three tracks to either be self-contained, or; you could use crossover turnouts on each level for greater flexibility. Tunnels are also optional, but be sure that you have access to hidden tracks.