Video Added: Lionel Extended Truss Lift-Out Bridges on a 6' by 16' Fastrack Layout Plan

Modified to use four of Lionel's 10" plate girder bridges on the approach from each side of the truss bridges:

Just for fun, a short video of three trains running.   A fourth train is in a siding, and a siding space is open to allow one of the currently running trains to swap with the passenger train in the siding.

Call me a "stick in the mud" but if we'e to run one set of trains in the opposite direction.....your crossover will show itself to be a MAJOR PROBLEMO!

You will have Gomez Addams head-n collisions.....that said I do like the crossover, but only if all trains run at one direction.

I like the plan very much, but same as redjimmy1955 , I would want to run an opposite train. I'm having same issue with a plan I'm working on, but if you take out the crossover then you have a completely different plan. 

Guys, if you want to run two trains in the opposite direction, simply run one train on the outer loop one direction, and the inner train on the return-loop-to-loop route in the other direction.  No collisions!   

Even more interesting is to allow the inner train to reverse direction automatically as it traverses each return loop, so the inner route train will alternate direction of travel. 

In general, a single-track loop route will need TWO passing tracks to allow two trains to pass each other in the opposite direction.   However, a layout with two return loops and a long length of track between, could get by with just one passing track between the loops where trains can meet.

This layout is cool in that it allows lots of different running routes and combinations.

Adding two more turnouts creates an inner loop route without using the reverse-loops, for two trains in the opposite direction on the inner and outer loops.

By moving the passing siding to the top of the layout from the bottom, another operating plan is possible for two opposing trains, both using the crossing, controlled by two "on the ball" engineers.   [Train lengths are important as is switching "on the fly".]  Operating signals protecting the crossing would be great!

The turnouts at the top of the diagram will be hard to reach for maintenance, so access on both sides and one end would be ideal.

I'm really interested in this design.  My area to work with is a max of 7' deep, but plenty of length.  I could fit that and have access from both ends and along the front.  Back would have to be against the wall.  Design has enough options to keep it interesting.

already have plenty of 060 Fastrack and one lift out bridge. Short on the 048 and switches.  Also ended up with a loop of 072 and 084, but that will be harder to use with the space limitations.

JStraw - cool, this would work in your space, with the corners at the top trimmed, you could then reach the turnouts at the top!

Would you like a list of track components?  -Ken

Ken-  a list of track components would be great.  The proper switches to buy can be confusing for a first attempt at a layout.

Are all the turnouts 072 in this design?  I'm planning on using your design for the basis of my layout and thinking of taking advantage of sales this weekend to accumulate some key pieces.

Jstraw, here is a layout plan with turnouts labeled, I hope that helps you.   

With a larger space, it would be possible to do all O-72 turnouts, but would require some track plan revision work.  You mention your space is also deeper, you might try for a larger center operating and access area.   If you would like for me to create a revised layout plan and labeled track plan for a larger space, send me an email, and we can work something out.

Thank you for the information.  That will give me enough info to order a few this weekend.  I will take some more measurements this weekend and email you.  I have 060 and 072 trck, but not much 048, so I would like to explore the idea of a little bigger.  I do not have any engines that require 072, so it's not essential.

Great, I look forward to your email.  Perhaps we can consider a plan with O-60 minimum.   That would have the advantage of being able to operate equipment that requires O-54, in case you might like larger/scale at some time in the future (this current plan allows O-54 on the outside loop and passing tracks).  -Ken

Really like your last plan Ken. I am designing our new layout and have been looking at around the wall design,  then I seen this last layout you designed.    You mentioned that this layout  can be done in O72 curves.  I have the space to make it a island style layout . Or one end against the wall either left or right side with a length of 21 feet. Would that be hard to adjust the layout you drew up with larger curves and a 21ft longe table.  Thanks for input.  I do enjoy all your different designs.  Nick T.

T8A, your space should be easy to work with.   I believe that a version with O-72 for the outside loop and O-60 for the inside loop could be done in about 7' x 18.5'.   A version with O-72 minimum (O-84 around the outside loop) would take about 8' x 20.5', with O-72 turnouts.

With a large table against the wall, you need to consider access for construction and maintenance.   A sturdy table you can crawl on top of is one answer (doesn't work for me personally).   Perhaps a plan with access hatches or removable scenery would work for you.   

This size table might be beyond the limit of a movable table on casters, but I would give it a try, and if moving something that large and heavy turned out to be difficult, you are no worse off than if you had not made the attempt.   Using lightweight construction techniques will help, based on 2" thick foam sheets for the surface.