What about this O27 Plan?

Bob,

Is it Lionel 027 track?

I assume the darker yellow is elevated. If it's tied to the switch pair in the center, the grade may be too steep climbing that height in 5'-7' feet from the switch to loop.

There's enough switching operations to create a lot of play time.

I don't have Anyrail, so I can't help with the actual plan changes. I would try to move the crossovers (center top) to the curves on the ends. I don't think that would affect the yard and service operations.

Wow.............continuous running.... Switching and action accessories.....all in a relatively compact space......what's not to like!

good job!

Peter

My thought was to have the outer mainline be on 3/4" Foamboard Insulation.  The second line and anything inside of it (including the crossovers) will be on 2" foamboard, and the third line on the double dogbone that elevates would have about 8 feet on either side do make the climb from 2" to 8."  I am slightly concerned about the grade, but not too much, as the dual motor MP-15's that I have for that endeavor should be able to get the job done.  The reason for sticking the crossovers in the middle is that some of those locos need to have a running start at the Lionel O42 Switches.  However, I do think your idea to stick the crossovers further out needs a try.  Thanks for the feedback!

Here's my though for the crossovers on the ends. This is the two loops that have the 054 outside connected to the crossover for the climb to the elevation. Takes the wiggle out and may help with passing through more easily.

They are not the climb run switches.

However, moving these to the ends would let you spread the climb switches and have separate runs to the ends. But, then you lose the up and down loop to loop.

I agree, the dual motored engines should climb that. Just need an engineer manning the throttle.

More thought on the climb needed....ok as it is.

A 6+% grade is pretty steep.  I would do a mockup first and see how the trains run up the hill

Al

Hi Bob,

I tried to copy the plan in SCARM. I moved the 2" crossovers to the ends, one switch on the curve the other the last track on the straight. 65022 inner, 65121 outer.

OK there.

Next I put the crossover in the runs from 2" to 8" up to the elevated reverse loops. I get a 9.8% slope. I kept the switches at 2" and made the run from there. That made crossing from the 2" level, well...level.

I only have 7 full straights to the r-loop switch. That makes the math easy rise/run=slope 6"/59.5"= 9.8 or 10.

I can't see the detail of the two loops under the elevated, but I assume there some straights in there. Reducing or removing those on both the 3/4" and two 2" height runs would create space at the top.

That would permit one cross from 2" to the climb at one end and a second climb/descent from the other end. That would nearly double the length and achieve a workable 5% slope.

I have 042 for the outer loop and 027 for the inner on the 2" to 3/4". Is that correct?

I can make that change and illustrate with pics if you like.