The 1952 Lionel Catalog layout, 6 1/2' by 11 1/2'

More developed layout:  adding another cross-over which creates the layout's only passing track, the figure-eight with return loops, a "mini-yard" and ballasting to emphasize a double-track main.

Now room to re-orient the O60 turnout at the top right to more closely match the original:

Looks to be fun for two-train operation.

Extending the top spur to make a connection with another RR to interchange loads.   And a spur in the lower right.

Lighted FasTrack bumpers on all the spurs.

Here, I have pushed the outside loop to all O36 (from O31).  Not much changed, not a lot of value besides the principle that wider is better.  There may be something that requires O36, not sure.

Redoing the layout in O36 FasTrack (three O60 turnouts) changes the character of the layout.  It now seems a different layout (not bad in any way, and arguably better in a number of ways) from the original.

Playing with some structures:

Smoothing curves where possible:

One reverse-curve is in the lower yard track that crosses, its an O60 turnout into short straights, and O48 curves with straights in between, so its not bad at all for O36 equipment.

The other reverse curve is feeding the loco service track, all O36 curves.  I might look at that again.

I was able to put a 1 3/4" section between the two turnouts.

The original layout was designed in the classic "Toy Train" style, assuming all-around access or folks climbing on the train table.   If pushed into a corner, access will be a problem, but this is just small enough to work on a large rolling table to pull out for access.

Thanks Ken - that was my original post but it was removed as being copyrighted elsewhere. You might want to delete my original too.

I downloaded it as a paid subscriber of the other magazine but I shouldn't have posted it.

I should have just traced it and posted the sketch.

Are any of your track plans in fastrack?

These are all in FasTrack.  Thanks for the note, I will see what I can do about the illustration.

@Ken-Oscale posted:

Redoing the layout in O36 FasTrack (three O60 turnouts) changes the character of the layout.  It now seems a different layout (not bad in any way, and arguably better in a number of ways) from the original.

Thanks - I like this plan in fastrack. I may not put in all of the center siding as I want some room for a small town. I do like the center crossover idea.

Great job!

@Ken-Oscale posted:

These are all in FasTrack.  Thanks for the note, I will see what I can do about the illustration.

Thanks, I just realized that they are all fastrack.

Sean, here is my vision of a town center, with a road and parking.

I have attached the AnyRail file for this track plan.  Have fun!

@Ken-Oscale posted:

Sean, here is my vision of a town center, with a road and parking.

That works - what I may do is hold off on the center section until phase two or phase three.

Phase one will be to get the tables done. I want to build them in three pieces for easy moving in a few years. Most scenery will get done after we move.

Thanks for your help on this - much appreciated!

@Sean007 posted:

That works - what I may do is hold off on the center section until phase two or phase three.

Phase one will be to get the tables done. I want to build them in three pieces for easy moving in a few years. Most scenery will get done after we move.

Thanks for your help on this - much appreciated!

Sounds good !  You are very welcome!

I think this layout plan is now good enough to be someone's O-Gauge Empire, in 6.5' by 11.5':

• Minimum curves and turnouts are FasTrack O36 - an upgrade from O31
• Two separate loops for train running
• Supports two operators running trains
• Cross-overs between the two loops
• A passing track
• The inside oval has a figure-eight inside, which creates two return loops for reversing trains
• Using the connecting tracks, trains can run a "twice-around" route
• There is a small 3-track yard
• Connection with another RR for interchanging cars in and out, and perhaps staging a train on the long siding
• Curves are widened when possible
• The two reverse-curves have been "conditioned", so they will be fine for O36 equipment.  These are both on spurs, there are no reverse curves on the mainlines.
• A number of industries for switching
• A town center, with stores, station, animated freight station, cattle pen and milk can unloader
• A steam locomotive service track
• Just small enough to go on a rolling table, to pull-out for access if placed in a corner
• Can work in a 12x12 foot bedroom, depending on the doorways, with access on two or three sides.  Maybe and depending on the room layout.  The layout can be squeezed down to 6.5' by 11'.

I may do more with the scenery at some point.

Minor mod and tweeks:

I realized I could re-locate the steam loco service facility, to be more accessible from the yard.  Its an O48 turnout off the main, no reverse curve.

I forgot the town's water tower!

Does this layout need a mountain with tunnels?