L shaped layout

I like it!

I would move the switch at 4 blocks over, 17 down so it is not off the other switch - that would make for a longer siding.

I guess you could use the inner reversing loop at the to to reverse a train on the outside loop.  Trying to think about another way.

Ed

i attached the file, feel free to play with it and show us what your thinking

BadHorse,

A couple of questions:

1. What brand track are you using?

2. Do you mean you are using O-27 profile track (Lionel tubular?) with wider radius curves?

3. Will you be limiting engines and rolling stock to toy train/O-27 only?

The small inner reverse loop is a duplication and a bit of a waste. By adding the curved connection between the reverse loops, you now have a second complete inner loop, while maintaining the ability to change directions both ways.

I like that you have the crossovers to go between the inner and outer tracks.

I also drew in what Ed was suggesting. I agree, it gives you a much more useful track. Good place for accessories.

Just downloaded the file. Would you be opposed to AtlasO track, or are you firm with Lionel O-27 tubular?

Keep going gang !!! I really like it so far.  If there was a way to incorporate 054 curves for a christmas layout (for some big stuff )I'll be all set.  What about some 2 store stuff ie, second level  Just a thought.  regards, Lion Vic

im very firm with lionels O27, i have a butt load of it! i can start construction almost immediately! 

Yeah, I have a lot of it from my younger years too!    

Your outer loop consists of O-42 curves in O-27 profile. Do you have that track in stock, or is that a special purchase you will have to make? Keeping the O-42 curves will enable you to run larger engines on the outer loop, but they will be restricted from the inner loop.

Here is one rendition I have made. I moved the turnouts to enable trains to get to the reverse loops faster. I connected the inner loop for continuous running. I moved the yard tracks and kept the second reverse loop so you could make switching maneuvers while continously running trains. Also keep in mind, the distance from the back corner to the inside corner of the L will be roughly 5 1/2 feet. Think of ways to add access panels to the inside of the tunnel (underneath.)

i have a butt load of the 42" radius stuff and one step wider than that, i literally have everything to build this layout plus 2 ZW transformers. as far as access, im not really concerned. this layout is being built in an open loft (walls on two sides only) and access to the back side of the tunnels is not going to be an issue

you have given me some food for thought here, i think i like the way you switched it from the inner to the outer loops and the fact that the inner has a new choice for continuous running

Stewart, I like what you did with the crossovers. Nice easy access to the reverse loops. I still say that reverse loop that goes through the tunnel doesn't need to exist. The space would be better used as an industrial spur or two for more accessories.

two things, i like the loop with the tunnel, and i plan on giving my layout an old west/mining camp/ghost town type of theme. no industrial spurs

I did a similar thing as you, granted not as elaborate. My suggestions...

*Access to the tunnel interior is a MUST! When I built it, I said I wouldn't needed...guess how that wound up!

* Plan for more clearance than you think you'll need in the tunnel. 

*Think against using 0-27 switches with the large housing...again, another "guess how I found out" move. I still have 2 0-27 switches on sidings and aren't used that much and don't pose much of a problem. 

ive rebuilt/reworked all 25 or so of my O27 switches and they work great, im sticking with O27 because i have everything to make this layout, so its a zero cost. that and all my engines and rolling stock run on O27. i will have access to the tunnels from the back side.

sjc, that layout of yours is a beauty!

this doent work with O27, what did you use?

Badhorse He used 0-42 diameter in 0-27 profile, and 0-27 regular(? I think 0-27 because of only 4 pieces of track to do a 180 deg. turn)(O tubular also only needs 4, but it sits higher, so thats the need for 42" in O-27 profile) 0-27 has a different height, It sits lower to the table than full O. The next step finer in rivet counting, would be the "code" or height of rails only, not including sleepers(ties). Some trains have less wheel flange than others. Full O is taller, thicker pins, and normally heavier gauge metal. To mix tracks of many kinds, special step down pins are available, or with tubular you can "force" the issue, closing flairs, or narrowing pin holes with pliers. 

 ChessieFan, any chance you can upload that scarm file?

Here is the latest updated track plan with a parts list and scarm file included. The red dots indicate cut track pieces needed to fit the plan together correctly.

My concern about the plan is the distance between the parallel tracks on the bottom left right section of the layout. Since the tunnel will be exposed on the back side, and if you have remote control turnouts, I could play with the spacing by placing the turnouts inside the tunnel. This will require lighting on the control panel to indicate turnout direction.

poop! now i have to figure out how to use that file

got it figured! im just a taste slow in the morning before coffee

i have remote switches and access to the back of the tunnels, im not sure what you mean by the concerned about spacing of tracks on lower left

The lower half, on the right, the track looks very close. The width of your trains widest stock must considered, they may be to close and hit each other. Tight tracks might work out in the straights, but in curves you must consider your stocks worst overhang and kickout I.e. Curves need more space. Those pilots and cabs on steamers swing well outside the track. Long passenger cars cut a path well in side them, combined effectively providing  a need for more space. Always test worst case scene before committing. Unless working around issues by scheduling is appealing to you. 

yeah i get that on the right, but he said left

Adriatic is right, I meant to say lower right.

ah, ok! i tend to be to literal.

btw chessie, thanx for all the help so far!

Stewart, the latest plan is schematically different from previous versions. The reverse loop in the upper right has been lost. Once you go through either of the remaining reverse loops, you can't get back to the opposite direction. The plan needs that diagonal connection to restore it.

OK, here's another rendering (take 2) in which two pair of switches are located inside the tunnel. Quick pros: Able to change mainlines inside the tunnel, thus surprising your guests. You also get more space between tracks in the lower right portion of the layout. Trains can switch mainlines closer to entry points of the reverse loops.

I also added a little spur in this one to make more room for moving cars and staying off the inner main. This could also be used for say an operating coral or operating milk car drop.

Here is the track list:

The orange pieces of track are custom cut pieces.