14x24 Atlas-O Layout Plan. With 11x19 FasTrack Version. Short Video of Trains Running Added!

"In my experience, we all like to incorporate a variety  of available sidings for potential switching operations but activity frequently boils down to running trains. "

Very interesting. My experience has come to be just the opposite. The more varied and interesting I make switching operations the less absorbing I find looping trains to be. By now the only thing that loops on the Plywood Empire Route is the Royal Gorge because that is when I reminisce about riding  trains.

It truly is a matter of different strokes for different folks, isn't it?

Lew 

So, working on the idea of doing more at elevation:   a try at adding an On30 loop and route.   Yes, just a circle, for continuous running, but perhaps a back-and-forth could be worked out.   Bachmann On30.   I might think of this as an "operating accessory" that adds, motion, color, and more trains to see.   I am not yet convinced, but am interested.

I am thinking about this On30 idea, invest in an automation system, so the train backs out of the siding in the lower left, runs the circle twice, heads across the bridge and along the ridge, then back to the circle, around twice, and into the siding.   Press a button and the sequence starts, and then repeats after a delay interval.  Cool?

I was asked about a smaller version using Lionel FasTrack:  Less than 12 by 20:

A bit more work refining the On30 "operating accessory" on the left.   A back and forth run, with a short train staged on the siding, or perhaps two short trains taking turns, under automation.

I looked at using a "Y" rather than a circle at the lower left.   Not quite enough room for the "Y" legs, unfortunately.

It's a great looking plan, for sure!  Have you had any more thoughts on the building it will go in?

Just for fun, I thought to try this basic layout design/configuration in Z scale.  2' x 6'.  Using Rokuhan (Japan) track with integrated roadbed.

This track radius will run everything in Z, including the BigBoy and Challenger.   DCC is available in the locomotives!

Mark Boyce posted:

It's a great looking plan, for sure!  Have you had any more thoughts on the building it will go in?

Thanks Mark.   Still working on my health and retirement, so decision time is "on hold".  Unfortunately .   Well, retirement finances are fine, I wanted to last another year or two (I'm 62), but then my activity ability is not strong enough yet - getting better at a snail's pace.

I’m sorry to learn that, Ken!  Get yourself well.  Everyone has been telling me to take my knee replacement recovery slowly.  The older we get, the more we have to take care of ourselves.

Mark Boyce posted:

I’m sorry to learn that, Ken!  Get yourself well.  Everyone has been telling me to take my knee replacement recovery slowly.  The older we get, the more we have to take care of ourselves.

Yeah, I have heard that knee replacement is "not too bad", but then my sister and father-in-law had a time with it, long recovery.   If my sister can get well, I have promised her and her husband a trip out to Denver by rail, then ride the rails up the "front range" to the hot-springs resort town of Glenwood Springs.   A fantastic train ride!  Mountains, Colorado River.   Good motivation for her to get healed from the first knee, and then do the second.   Hoping she will be 100% by August of 2020.

That sounds like a great plan!  My wife has had both knees done.  Our surgeon says it takes a year for complete healing and strengthening.

Ken-Oscale posted:

I was asked about a smaller version using Lionel FasTrack:  Less than 12 by 20:

Ken, 

I have been following this thread, and love the thought of the FasTrack Route. 

do you happen to still have the plan and more importantly, list of required track?

thanks,

Steve

I liked this plan and followed its development closely.  When Ken published his 14' x 24' plan it intrigued me as being a candidate for the redesign of my current layout.  But my room is 24' x 28'.  How often does one have more space than what's required? 

I feel that the best use of the 4 feet is to increase the length of the yard.  An obvious use of the 4 feet.  I tried to enter Ken design into SCARM.  He used sectional track plus a couple pf pieces of flex.  I don't know what his max diameter curves were, but his minimum curve is O72.  All mainline switches were #5s.  He did have one O72/O54 curved switch which I eliminated.  My mainlines are O99/O108 the rest is O81 and O72.

If I adopt this plan, I will have to reflect this right to left.  I have my access door 6 feet from the lower right.

Jan

Ken

  Great track plan!

Looking forward to updates 

Al

Steve asked about the FasTrack version above.  Here is the AnyRail file.

Download the free trial version of AnyRail.  Download this AnyRail file, open it.  Use "Info" to see the list of track components.

are you going to use dcs or conventional or both.  Which track do you like best and why?  Thanks

I don't know how plausible this would be, but what if, to get some more over/under action, you extended the BNSF extension in front of the doorway (using a removable bridge), and then had it go down and reconnect just after the roundhouse turn? This would require going with the bathroom-less option and probably losing Deer Lodge and the On30. Basically, it's turning the BNSF Connection into the third main and making Three Forks the out-and-return switching short line. Just a suggestion. And please post any progress you've made over the quarantine!

Restroom? Isn't this near the house? I see you moved it to the corner, that is better. But why a restroom? That's a lot of plumbing and expense.

Nice plan Ken.

Took another look at the Atlas-O plan.  Updated minor issues, added elevation markers, clarified, and measure the engine house stalls (24") and the sidings at Cascade.   Still looks good to my eyes, no big issues to change or additions.