I am trying to think of a layout plan that will work best for (2) 8x4 and (1) 4x4. The 8x4 are side by side and the 4x4 is attached to one end of the 8x4. So basically its a 12x4 layout with another 8x4 attached to the other 8x4, like a boot. I will begin to run my standard gauge in october and i am trying to think of the best way to lay my tracks and 4 switches. I have 2 left and 2 right automatic switches, #222. I have all brand new MTH track, lots of it, i have 1/2 sections, and all that. I need a design to run 3 locos at the same time. I have (2) Z transformers to run it all. This is what i thought…have a main line running the perimeter of the layout, then on the 8x8 portion of the layout have a loop running inside there, with another loop inside of that with 4 switches in the center loop. Sounds confusing. Is there a website i can get ideas from or design a layout for a gauge??? thanks.
I’m a bit confused. Is you’re benchwork going to be a table 8’ x 8’ with a 4’x4’ table attached somewhere? Or is it a big L shaped layout with the whole “L” being 4’ wide and 12’ long on either side of the L?
If it’s the 8x8 table, etc., version, I would thing getting 3 loops just on the 8 x 8 section would be no problem. Getting the outer loop into the 4x4 extention should work as well, though a small triangle filler section on the inside corner might be required. I don’t think either of the two other loops would make it onto that 4x4 table. Perhaps that’s a good place to set a station?
J White
Yes, correct, its an 8x8 with the 4x4 attached, like what you described first, and Yes, I have a triangle piece that is in the corner where all 3 tables meet at a point. Its there so i can cut a corner quicker with the track, so i dont have to squeeze everything onto the 4x4 section. I have laid all the track on the floor to dummy it up, without the tables set up. and it seems as if my plan will work. but, i would like ideas on other options that i might have. I want 3 loco running at 1 time. thanks.
Try the All Gauge page. http://www.thortrains.net/ They have a great collection of layouts of all sizes.
Kurt
Are you doing Standard Gauge or ‘O’ Gauge?
Standard Gauge layout.