First stab at 5x9 FasTrack layout

A switch inside a tunnel can be a source of problems.

Fastrack Switches are said to be very good so that reduces the issue.

Make sure the anti-derail is working and make a hatch to access the switch area if you have too.

Thanks. I was thinking about going with regular O gauge track but decided to stick with FasTrack due to the anti-derail switches. Just seems like a smart idea for a layout the kids will be playing with. With multiple switches it would be easy to forget if one is in the wrong position. Might also cut the tunnel back so I don't have to bother with cutting an access panel. The more I toy with it the simpler I end up making it. This is my original plan which had one of the reverse loops as an elevated dog leg. Problem is I need to lean the layout vertically against a wall when not in use an a two level layout would stick out too much.

 

You could leave the back sides of the tunnels exposed and not worry about a hatch. The kids might even enjoy being able to see them in the tunnel.

This is a good plan

Good plan, easy to use.

Idea for a single-level 5'x 9' FasTrack plan. Optional switches allow easy two-train operation.

 

SeattleSUP,

   I really do like your layout, however with the young kids running the trains I am with Ace on this one, consider his layout design.  Having switches inside a tunnel with young children running the trains is just asking for trouble, even with FasTrack switches.  Your layout is something special, I recommend you save it till the kids get older.

PCRR/Dave

 

     

Your original plan is pretty good, but I was thinking that 5'x 9' is kinda big for a layout that you need to stand up against a wall for storage. A layout that has to be put up is less accessible for play on short notice, and kind of a hassle to put all the trains and buildings away. You might want to consider a long narrow plan against a wall that can stay in place and not take up a lot of floorspace, and still have enough track mileage to be fun. I have some ideas for long narrow plans here: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/d...nt/10440673242762760

I was thinking about going with regular O gauge track but decided to stick with FasTrack due to the anti-derail switches. Just seems like a smart idea for a layout the kids will be playing with.

 

You can get non-derailing switches for conventional track. O27 or O31 curves might give possibilities for a long narrow layout that wouldn't have to fold up.

I've moved beyond this set up. I went with the double crossover plan of yours which includes an O72 outer loop. The wife agreed to let me build a 5'x10' table so I don't have to worry about portability. This weekend I started adding an elevated return loop. Mostly just so I can have a second level. The loop will sit on a plateau and I'll be able to access the inside of that long O72 tunnel through a hatch in the back. Unfortunately my plans were thwarted when I realized my local shop is closed on Sundays and they're the only ones in the area who have the O31 curves. Doh.

 

I've been following this discussion and it looks like I'm leaning toward trying basically the same plan once I see how it looks in ScaleTrax after I upgrade my RR-Track software later next month (I'm on a road trip until then). So obviously I think you're making the right decision.

FWIW, I'm at the stage where I've built a 6x11 table. However, I made mine portable by constructing a 4x8 frame out of 2x4s and the 1x4 grid tabletop simply sits on that. I'll need to move mine to the garage twice a year for Easter and Thanksgiving thru Christmas. Fortunately, I only have one oversized front door to go through and we're able to manage it quite easily with the aid of a furniture dolly. I'm going to make it even easier by adding some handles.

Since I'm using this layout to learn various techniques, my plan is for all elevated landscaping, including the plateau itself, to be on removable bases. I haven't quite worked out the details for the plateau yet, but I'll do it using the same techniques I'll need if I decide to use a lift-out on my permanent layout in a few years.  And I'm going to try to replace the 031 curves with something larger. ScaleTrax doesn't have 042, but it does have flextrack, so I might be able to fit something between 031 and 054. Tracks will be attached with screws because eventually they will be used on a permanent 10x21 bedroom layout.

Not sure how far I'll get or how it will all work, but that's why it's a test layout. I've already scrapped plans for a sectional 11x11 layout and I may find some other ideas won't work either, but it will be fun trying and learning. 

My plateau is just stacked and carved sheets of pink foam. I'm glad I went this route as I'd carved a smaller plateau already and now that I'm adding an elevated return loop I've decided to expand that to the right in order to support the left hand switch. Originally my tunnels only covered ~2 track lengths. With the new expansion it will cover 4 1/2 lengths of O72 (yes, there will be an access hatch from behind). Since the original tunnel was all pink foam and not permanently mounted it was easy to add the extension. 

Hi Ace,

 

Old thread I know but I happened upon this layout and thought it would be a perfect one for my annual layout (each year gets slightly larger).  I'm relatively new to this but starting to become pretty involved (alas too many hobbies).  I'm wondering if you happen to also have a full parts list for this beyond what you have on the pic itself.  I believe I have almost all the track but not sure if my o36 sections are the right length, etc.  Also I have 3 036 switches but one right hand is an 072 which I figured if used for the switch at the top could still work.

 

thoughts?