Outer loop would be O gauge and inner stuff O27…
I think I’ll be able to reach to the middle area on each of these and on the 6x6 versions I would put a lake or something there… On the 4th one, I could have a couple small bridges on the left side with a river underneath and/or a road with double crossings. Also, could put a mountain in the upper left corner? Maybe have a lake as a cover for a small access hatch on the last 6x6?
Nice Plans! I would enjoy having any of them as my layout.[tup]
Jim…They are all good plans. If I had to choose one, I would pick # 2.
That’s just my opinion. Good luck.
Chuck
[#ditto]
i liked the last one…good job jim [tup]
what program did you use to design them? im using pencil and paper but i like the pc method actually…
Jim:
I think you would regret having only one reversing loop, as you will need to back into it to change direction once you make the first direction change.
NICE JIMBO, try it out first about a week or two before making anything permanent. Thats what I did and changed things about three times till I like it.
laz57
I agree, having the ability to reverse both directions gives for longer runs, and sessions. You might be able to incorporate a Y using the outer O track, also being able to have that added versatility will certainly be rewarding.
What space constraints do you have?
I found it very beneficial to make a listing of goals, I wanted to achieve;
Running 2 trains simultaneously
Reverse mainline train in both directions
Incorporate Saw Mill, Log loader, on dedicated siding, etc.
Hope you don’t mind my opinions, the 4 designs you show are full of fun, but one of the craxy things about this hobby is you never get it perfect. You will always find ways of improving something. Try not to get stuck in “analysis paralysis”. (You know all this already [:)]
Fortner - I’ma big fan of passing/industrial sidings, so I like what’s behind CURTAIN #3.
I like the main and branch combination, No. 1.
Kurt
Zeke - it’s RR Track. I bought the version with all the Lionel and MTH track and accessories as well as Gargraves (just in case I change to flex track in the future). http://www.rrtrack.com/
Thanks for any ideas guys. I’m basically looking at 6x6 max I think. I might be able to incorporate a fold-down extension/wing or two, for reverse loops, will have to look into it. If I do, I can guarantee I’ll wire it to only allow access if the wing is in the locked and upright position!
Right now I have some hobo stuff I can put in the corner/s and also some two sawmills and a barn with cows. I also have a mining set and I’m thinking of having a lower level that would reveal the mining handcars moving through some kind of crevasse or tunnel(s)? I can’t go too low, as Chewy would be delighted to play with my toys while I’m away!
I like #3 because it has space for buildings on the topside as pictured. Because of the switch machines it may not be possible to do but in one of the layouts it appears that one of the switches for the outside loop might fit on the left side as depicted so it would provide a longer siding. Just a thought. Good luck and please report back.
Jim,
I like #1 best because I am not a fan of single reversing loops. I do like the passing siding in #2. Keep us posted on what you decide.
Okay, here I’ve tried to incorporate some of the points above - connected interior and exterior tracks (mainline and industrial) and a double reversing loop and a long area for buildings with a (hidden?) siding.
I was showing to Char and she indicated she thinks 6x6 is too big, so more negotiating is requird…
Thanks for any ideas guys!
i like all of them but if i had to pick it would be 3.
Jim,
The plans all look very nice with quite a bit of running options for the space!
One thought came to me.
In plans 2, 3, 4, instead of using a reversing loop with a siding off of it, what about using a wye that ends in a siding?
Chris
Jim - I like it !!!
I like it too !!
Thanks, John
[#ditto]Very good, Jim. Lots of play value.
[#ditto]
And don’t go less than 6 X 6.
Thanks guys! We’re negotiating - apparently 6x6 requires new furniture in the living room???
Does anyone make a O27 wye? I know how to make one using 3 switches, but it seems like it would take up too much realestate. I’ll mess around with the idea, though, thanks!