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Here is a 4x10 foot layout for Fastrack for two trains.   The outside mainline is O44.5 (compound) diameter using O48 and small sections of O36.   The inside mainline is O36.   All other curves are O48 and wider diameter.   Mainline turnouts are generous O60 and O72 wye, with three O36 turnouts serving the industrial spurs, and two O48 turnouts at the bottom corners to create an optional connecting RR and a short interchange track.   There are cross-overs between mainlines with O60 turnout pairs, and the figure-8 route in the inside creates reverse-loops in both directions.   The minimum point mainline center rail separation is 4.25", which has been constructed and tested (discussed on another thread) and will run the SCALE Lionchief Plus SD60M, the LC+ Berkshire, and compressed RailKing MTH SD70.

The layout is for train running of conventional and LionChief/+/2.0 and MTH capable of running O36 (or the O44.5 compound).   But the layout also has some fun switching opportunities, and could even be run like John Allen's timesaver switching puzzle.

M410F-04_v2c

I have begun construction with the double-track mainlines, and have been running trains with the above mentioned locomotives, and also with Menards double-stack container cars (a set of five).   The double-track mainline looks particularly good to my eyes, and I have oriented the long straight section at the front for train viewing.   This puts the turnouts for the cross-overs at the top of the layout, usually less than ideal in practice due to the risk of derailments outside of convenient reach... but my construction rolls out . 

The layout is constructed with a 4x10 layout surface within an outside frame of 1X4s.   If constructed with 2" foam sheets as I have done, creates a lightweight and moveable, or even temporary layout.   Mine is on wheels to pull out for 360-degree access.

I have highlighted the O36 track sections in a rusty-red color.

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Last edited by Ken-Oscale
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Great layout, Ken.  You really checked all the boxes - relatively small space, double main, reversing, industry sidings, outside loop to inner loop and back, figure 8, crossings, etc.  It reminds me of some layout designs that are built in stages, i.e. starting with a starter set loop, adding the figure 8, then adding the outside loop, then adding the sidings, then adding crossover switches, etc.  Are you building this right now?

Bobby, I haven't done a tally of track section costs, as I have all the track and need I think, two turnouts.   Fastrack is not cheap, nor is Legacy, nor is....  Anyway, its a fair question but I don't have an answer, which of course also varies depending on vendor, and the shipping& tax.   And whether you are talking about manual/remote/command turnouts.   

I figure the turnouts are the major expense.   Tally that up an add 15% perhaps for a SWAG:  14 turnouts - if command control, around $100 each?   I mention that I have moved to track power for my turnouts and many accessories, and command control for the turnouts so I don't have to run wire for remotes, and can run everything from handhelds.

JD, yes, I am building this now.   Taking me forever to make progress, so much else to do, and I have health issues and a full-time job (retiring soon, yes, really, this time I mean it).   Its not that any of its hard, just that my best hours must be spent at work, and when I get home, I am about only good for streaming Netflix (I am going through "Longmire" for the second time, and enjoying it just as much as the first time around).

Last edited by Ken-Oscale

TM Terry, the testing was done more than a month ago with these locomotives and cars that I currently own.

Think about it this way:   if a SCALE SD60M works fine on the outside route pulling a set of double-stacks and clearing the other locos on the inside mainline, what could need more than that?   

Well, the LC2.0 BigBoy in the new catalog might have troubles, its O31 minimum and compressed LionMaster.   Not sure if I will be ordering.   I would have liked a smaller Challenger instead, but with the restoration of the BigBoy by UP, this is a smart marketing move.

Last edited by Ken-Oscale

TrainLover:  the leap to O54 sounds like a bridge too far -  O54 might not work well on O48, but this layout even has the short sections of O36, so I don't think a steamer would make it around.   If you plan on O54 I would think about a design with a minimum of O60 for one of the loops.   There are examples here on the forum.

Last edited by Ken-Oscale

The inside figure-8 curves (and forming the reverse loops) are O60 and O72 turnouts, with O60 curves.  Nice and gentle as trains ease around - less chance of locos and cars bumping off the rails over the crossings at speed, with only moderate force from the drag of a long train reversing direction because of these wide curves and turnouts (wide for O36 and smaller equipment anyway).

Last edited by Ken-Oscale

Slightly revised, replacing one O36 industry turnout with an O48, and adding OGR's Dot's Store and a water tank and coal loader for steamers.

Also the new Menards "Gamer and Thrones" structure is the same size as the Cabinet Factory, so is an option there.

M410F-04_v2d

Lionel operating accessories:  Bubbling Oil Derrick with "Nodding Donkey", Milk Can unloader, Yard Light, Work House w/Sound, Rotating Beacon, Coal Loader, Coal Unloader.   

Put an operating conveyor to lift coal from the unloader up into the loading bin with steam coal for the tenders.   I guess I can work in a diesel pipe and tank, and an ash pit to make a small loco servicing facility.

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Last edited by Ken-Oscale
Ken-Oscale posted:

Bobby, I haven't done a tally of track section costs, as I have all the track and need I think, two turnouts.   Fastrack is not cheap, nor is Legacy, nor is....  Anyway, its a fair question but I don't have an answer, which of course also varies depending on vendor, and the shipping& tax.   And whether you are talking about manual/remote/command turnouts.   

I figure the turnouts are the major expense.   Tally that up an add 15% perhaps for a SWAG:  14 turnouts - if command control, around $100 each?   I mention that I have moved to track power for my turnouts and many accessories, and command control for the turnouts so I don't have to run wire for remotes, and can run everything from handhelds.

Thanks Ken, I was just ball parking it. I have given sets with Fastrack to my friends with young families and one of them might be able to build this in their garage. I agree the command control turnouts are the way to go, and looking forward to your build!! 

BobbyD posted:
Ken-Oscale posted:

Bobby, I haven't done a tally of track section costs, as I have all the track and need I think, two turnouts.   Fastrack is not cheap, nor is Legacy, nor is....  Anyway, its a fair question but I don't have an answer, which of course also varies depending on vendor, and the shipping& tax.   And whether you are talking about manual/remote/command turnouts.   

I figure the turnouts are the major expense.   Tally that up an add 15% perhaps for a SWAG:  14 turnouts - if command control, around $100 each?   I mention that I have moved to track power for my turnouts and many accessories, and command control for the turnouts so I don't have to run wire for remotes, and can run everything from handhelds.

Thanks Ken, I was just ball parking it. I have given sets with Fastrack to my friends with young families and one of them might be able to build this in their garage. I agree the command control turnouts are the way to go, and looking forward to your build!! 

BobbyD, that is great that you are helping young folks and their families to get a start with Lionel trains.   I have thought of doing this myself - way to go!  I hope to follow your example!

What sets have been the most successful?   I am thinking that LionChief sets will be best, rather than conventional.   I have a bunch of conventional and track I could give away, but am not sure about the traditional transformer control with today's generation.

Last edited by Ken-Oscale
BobbyD posted:
Ken-Oscale posted:

Bobby, I haven't done a tally of track section costs, as I have all the track and need I think, two turnouts.   Fastrack is not cheap, nor is Legacy, nor is....  Anyway, its a fair question but I don't have an answer, which of course also varies depending on vendor, and the shipping& tax.   And whether you are talking about manual/remote/command turnouts.   

I figure the turnouts are the major expense.   Tally that up an add 15% perhaps for a SWAG:  14 turnouts - if command control, around $100 each?   I mention that I have moved to track power for my turnouts and many accessories, and command control for the turnouts so I don't have to run wire for remotes, and can run everything from handhelds.

Thanks Ken, I was just ball parking it. I have given sets with Fastrack to my friends with young families and one of them might be able to build this in their garage. I agree the command control turnouts are the way to go, and looking forward to your build!! 

BobbyD, I see that Nasau Hobbies has a very impressive sale on Fastrack, including the turnouts!!

  Forum Topic on Sale

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