Layout Plans Welcome

Pap,

Here are some of my plans that I've proposed to OGR forum members requesting plans.   They are all variations of a twisted dogbone.  The last one is about 12x24 with O72-O82 nested curves with and 250' of track.  I've designed and helped build four medium-large O-72 layouts with MTH Realtrax, Atlas and Lionel Fastrack.   Visit my Youtube channel to see some of these layouts in action.  PM me to let me know if I can help.

Ken

Obsidian my savior,Thanks for the response, I basically have a large open area to build in. Could be 8 x 30 along a wall, an L, 12 x 30 x 8 from either wall, also really like the designs you posted, have admired your work, which I am horrible at design plans. Would greatly appreciate your help and opinions. Would like multiple trains, and levels, action, features. Not really nailed down to specific track brand. Big curves for big trains, train storage and service areas. Enjoy a mix of Steam and Diesel not tied to specific era, like em all !!!!!

Thanks again for any and all help that is desperately needed,     Jays pap

Pap,

I'd really like to help you with your layout design.  My last project (The South Fork RR) has been operational for six months so I'm available to focus on your project.  I'm sure I can incorporate all of the elements you desire in the space you have.  Take a look at YouTubes of some of the layouts I've helped designed\build\sceniced :

 South Fork RR

Sleepy Hollow RR

The Bull Run RR

and of course my Harpers Ferry layout

Send me an email @ 99thobsidian@gmail.com and we can setup a chat to discuss your layout.

Obsidian, 

What size is the South Fork RR plan? How much space would one need to duplicate it or at least come close to it anyway. I think I really like that one, but still also studying your other links above. I have diesels only and don't need the large curves as one would for the big steamers. My current layout is Atlas O-63 and O-54 which serves me well, just needs to be expanded and made larger.

Not trying to slip in on Jay's Pap in any way here, but I might be interested in some assistance as well, once he has been satisfied and on his way to a nice layout.

RTR12,

Thanks for checking out some of my layout videos and I too really like the South Fork layout.   I worked with the owner (W&W) for months through many revisions before we had a plan that would meet all of his needs and wants.   Best of all we've become good friends.  Also, he's just an hour away and I get to run my trains on the South Fork.  His layout is about 26 x 14 and we used almost all of the space to create a triple line main with minimum O72 curves.  As you'll see in most of my layouts, the main lines maintain 4.5" (Atlas) to 6" (Lionel Fastrak) parallel spacing.   This yields very prototypical appearing main lines.  On my layout I use O-54 inner curves with a combination of O-72 and half O-54's on the outer curve to maintain 5" Realtrax spacing.

So, yes, I can design a O-63, O-54 nested curve twisted dogbone for you.  Note that I run scale MTH 4-8-4 Northerns and a couple of N&W articulated steamers on my min O-54 outer loop.  Yes, they overhang a lot but they don't derail.  That said, all scale engines look better on bigger (O-72+) curves.  After discovering the curve variety of Atlas I designed a O-63 for my furnace room (I've since decided to stick with my Harpers Ferry layout and eliminate the O-42 curves).  https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...t-single-room-layout   Let me know how much space you have and if this is something I can customize for you.

Ken

Thanks for the extra info. One of my problems is the space I have. We have a fair sized basement, but it is kind of cut up, stairs sort of in the middle, and no where near a plain old rectangle. The other problem is how much I really want to allocate to a layout. My wife has crafts and also wants some space. I currently have a 6'x16' layout, but that is not large enough. Needs to be at least double that size or a little more, I think.

I really have no desire to have any large steamers, my tastes have changed to more modern diesels and that is all I have. If I should ever decide to add a steamer, it won't be a large articulated one, but a smaller one like maybe a switcher. I also have no desire to have a turntable or roundhouse, but reversing loops would be good to have, I think. A more modern diesel shop would be more to my liking.

How about if I try to organize a list of things I would like to have and more clearly define a size in the next few days. I will email you at your address above when I get these things together and we can maybe go from there. Again, please tell me if you are busy working with the OP, Jay's Pap. I don't want to get in the way of his requests as this was his thread. Thanks again for your interest and I will be in touch.