Just thought I would share the track plan of the layout I working on.
My challenges:
Basement room with three doorways means layout had to be L shaped in a corner against the wall
I run some Marx fat wheel locos, so I wanted turnouts that could accommodate these. I chose the older style Marx turnouts so that meant O27 type tubular track
Not enough running length for grades to do an over and under layout, so I will have a lower level and a separate loop of track as an upper level
Good stuff:
Mix of radiuses on curves- some O27, O34 and O42
Two reverse loops
11 track blocks for control of trains using traditional wiring methods
Upper level to be S gauge so I have a reason to buy more trains (American Flyer)
I had room for 13 feet of length. Plywood is 4x8, so butting the two pieces together to make my “L” would be 12 feet. I left a gap, which gives me slightly more length and also a convient “gorge” for a river feature and excuse to use a couple of bridges.
I wanted some sidings, but this makes things crowded, so the left side of the layout is left mostly open in order that I can have a “town” and some other stuff besides the railyard industrial items that will be on the right side.
Matt, looks like a good plan. Just for information, you could easily add an outside grade to a second level if you really wanted one. Use the short siding in the upper right as the start of an outside grade. It could be hidden in a hillside along the wall at the top. It would cross the lower track at the bottom left of the layout and follow the red lines. The upper track could be configured as a long reverse loop so the train would go back down the same grade track. There would be 240" of track to climb 6", a 2.5% grade. I have several 2.5% grades with 90 degree curves on my S gauge layout and engines will pull 20 cars up them with no problem. The S gauge track could still be used as planned, it would be at +12" elevation rather than at +6" elevation.
I would also consider moving the inside track loop to the left side of the river so the sidings could be longer, but that depends on how you plan to use those sidings.
I think you will be glad you have those 11 track blocks.
Maybe others will share soon, too, when they have time. I had to develop my own plan because every one I saw in magazines or books was just never suitable for the room I have. I am happy to have a room, but the three doorways make a little challenge. I guess each space has it’s unique features.
Matt, I am not sure how familiar you are with Gilbert track. I see you are using O34 track on the lower part of the left side of the layout. The diameter of Gilbert track is 40", so if placed above the Lionel track it will be 6" wider and a potential view block of the O gauge items below it.
That was a concern of mine. I was raised from a child as a three-railer, and had little familiarity with this. I had to do some research and settled on Pikemaster track because of the radius. I think it will work for my simple loop. I just won’t be running any big locos. Thanks for the heads up and looking out for me!
Pikemaster track is 15"R, so it will fit within the 34" diameter of the O gauge track below it. The downside is most Gilbert items will not work on it. Freight cars work.
When purchasing it be sure all the rail joiners are present and that there is no rust on the rails.
Here is a picture of a layout using Pikemaster track. Atlantics, some of the Pacifics and Docksiders will run on Pikemaster. Only specially made “short step” GP9 diesels will work. I have not tested Baldwins or PA/PB’s.
Matt, since you are operating Gilbert engines have you looked at the plans in the Gilbert instruction manuals? They are all online at www.americanflyerexpress.com.
Over the years I have freelanced many two train Gilbert track layouts for 5’x8’ layouts and for 6’x10’ layouts. I never drew a track plan for any of them but I do have pictures that kind of show the track arrangement if there is interest.
I have track plans for my current layout but I doubt it will help. The layout fills a 17’x21’ room with 700’ of track.
This is the current track plan for my O gauge windup layout as rendered in SCARM. It uses track with O27 profile rail, including switches & straight sections of Marx 2-rail track, and Lionel straight, O42 and O54 3-rail track with the center rails removed to match the Marx 2-rail track. I also have some extra straight sections in between the yard leads in a few places that aren’t shown on the track plan. They aren’t connected to with switches, but they give me a place to display more trains and blend in since they are in yard areas. There are some pieces that had to be cut to fit. The layout could easily be duplicated with all 3-rail track, assuming you can find the Lionel O42 & O54 curves (O27 profile rail versions).
Good point about the 027 profile 042 and 054. I have long-since stocked up on them as well as Marx 034 and K-line 072. Someday, I may have a tubular pike again, or my sons might.
I have said before that Marx 034 is the undiscovered secret weapon of 027-profile pikes. The flexibility those curves, longer straights, and bigger diamonds gives is remarkable. But I should shut up because, every time I say so, the prices go up
I used Marx O34 on my old layout as well as in the first version of this current layout. I re-did the track plan a couple of years ago and eliminated most of the O34 (by happenstance, not by design). I agree, it is a great addition/alternative to O27. Wish Marx would have made O34 turnouts in the old metal design… the plastic O34 turnouts leave a lot to be desired IMHO.
