Help me out! Thoughts on how to add second level?

Not sure what you want on the second level?  Would it be another loop for continuous running or just track with back and forth operation?  No matter what you decide you would be able to access all the track you have on the first level except possibly the straight sections you show at the top of the plan.  You do not mention having access on that side of the layout.  If that is the case, then reaching that area might be difficult if you have to reach down over track on the upper level.  On the other hand the track on the upper level could be over that track.  You could just leave the area open underneath it, to access the lower level, or have the lower tracks inside a "mountain" that you can open at the front to access when needed.  Hope this makes sense.

Maybe add what you are thinking for an upper level and ask for comments.

@MainLine Steam posted:

Not sure what you want on the second level?  Would it be another loop for continuous running or just track with back and forth operation?  No matter what you decide you would be able to access all the track you have on the first level except possibly the straight sections you show at the top of the plan.  You do not mention having access on that side of the layout.  If that is the case, then reaching that area might be difficult if you have to reach down over track on the upper level.  On the other hand the track on the upper level could be over that track.  You could just leave the area open underneath it, to access the lower level, or have the lower tracks inside a "mountain" that you can open at the front to access when needed.  Hope this makes sense.

Maybe add what you are thinking for an upper level and ask for comments.

Thanks for the quick response! I left 2 feet to the left and right of the track plan/table for access in addition to the grey area. My intent is to have tow levels ith trains running on the lower level with 072 and 054 curves. I'm not sure if the plan above offers me the flexibility to have an over under with a trestle and bridge or elevated sections on both sides with bridge and trestles connecting the two...I was thinking the two eleveated sactions would be mountains with portals for the trains on the lower level to go through...trying to think about how I add some depth and fun to the layout besides just around the layout circles. I may have to go back to the drawing board...just looking for some ideas. Hope this helps.

Thanks again!

Sunrise

So could do something like this.  Red is the upper track.  Green is mountains and tunnel portals.  Yellow is 2 swing-out section of mountain, one for single upper track, one for both lower tracks.  On the upper track the long straight is in the mountain the shorter part is in front of the mountain.  The mountains are tall on both ends to hide track so it doesn't look like a circle.

The suggested upper level (in red) could be made a bit more interesting by adding two opposite-facing switches (LH and RH) at the narrows. That would enable reversing the direction of a train for visual variety.  if the switches have a built-in anti-derailing feature, the reversing action would be automatic -- and fool-proof.

Carry on, regardless ...

Mike Mottler     LCCA 12394

If you really have the urge to run a 3rd train simultaneously, an "upper level" such as the loop MainLine drew in red is one way to do it.  Personally, I would have more "fun" by filling in the space on the lower level with realistic scenery, a crossover between the two existing mainlines, and especially some industry sidings to give your trains a sense of purpose.  You can have hills, mountains, tunnels, etc., even if you start with a flat table and one level of track.  It comes down to what you like.  I've never had an abundance of space for mountains, and I happen to prefer a more elaborate town or industrial scene.  O gauge railroading is a type of art and there's no wrong way to do it as long as you're having fun!

@Ted S posted:

If you really have the urge to run a 3rd train simultaneously, an "upper level" such as the loop MainLine drew in red is one way to do it.  Personally, I would have more "fun" by filling in the space on the lower level with realistic scenery, a crossover between the two existing mainlines, and especially some industry sidings to give your trains a sense of purpose.  You can have hills, mountains, tunnels, etc., even if you start with a flat table and one level of track.  It comes down to what you like.  I've never had an abundance of space for mountains, and I happen to prefer a more elaborate town or industrial scene.  O gauge railroading is a type of art and there's no wrong way to do it as long as you're having fun!

Good idea Ted.  The reason I sketched what I did is; I was following the thread title the OP had posted.