6 x 8 fast track layouts needed

[M. Mitchell Marmel]

Here's an adaptation of an 0-27 (top) layout for FastTrack (bottom).  I ran the 0-27 layout at several shows in '08 and '09, and it was quite popular...

An interesting feature if you build this one in O27:  If you use a manual 1022 switch and insulate the tracks leading to the crossing and Switch 2, you can use the antiderail feature of the switch to switch power from track to track and run two short trains/trolleys at one time.  Simply wire Switch 1 to Switch 2 such that, as one switch is straight ahead, the other one is set for the side.  That way, when the car comes to either switch, it's automatically set to go straight ahead and back to the AUTO switch to go back to the manual switch...  :-)

RailModeller generates a parts list, so here it is for the FasTrack:

008    6-12015    Curved Track 036 (45° Section)    Lionel    4.19 US $    18
009    6-12017    036 Manual Left Switch with 1/4 Curve (10" Straight)    Lionel    37.99 US $    3
010    6-12023    Quarter Curved Track 036 (11.25° Section)    Lionel    3.99 US $    4
011    6-12018    036 Manual Right Switch with 1/4 Curve (10" Straight)    Lionel    37.99 US $    1
012    6-12014    Straight Track (10")    Lionel    4.19 US $    4
013    6-12024    Half Straight Track (5")    Lionel    3.99 US $    7
014    6-12019    90 Degree Crossover (6")    Lionel    19.99 US $    2
015    6-12020    Uncoupling Track (2 X 5")    Lionel    35.99 US $    1
016    6-12027    Accessory Activator Extender (10")    Lionel    3.99 US $    2
017    6-12026    Straight track (1 3/4")    Lionel    3.99 US $    2
018    6-12032    Straight Track 4-Pack (10" each) (4 per Package)    Lionel    17.99 US $    1

Hope this helps!

Mitch

[Motorpig]

Wow thank you so much.  O-36 curves?  Is there a parts list?  Thank you so much I am sure you have better things to do.  Merry Christmas. 

[spankybird]

Hope this helps

[Motorpig]

Not sure if anyone will get this, it is so old.  Where can I get the plans for this layout. It is exactly what is in my head but I can't get it out of there. Thanks. 

[Motorpig]

First time doing this so here it goes.  Does anyone have the plans for this layout.  It is so cool and I cannot find anything on it and am not good enough yet to figure it out. 

[USNRol]

Here is a 6 x 8 layout that I built last year

Spanky, this is a GREAT layout!  Gonna build this into my RR Track software and save it for a rainy day.  Good Job.

Roland

[Wes Whitmore]

Boyd is right.  The Thor train website is a great reference.  Here's the link to it.

Thor Train website

Another consideration is whether or not you want two levels or one.  I run prewar trains and switches have always caused me headaches, so I avoided using them on my layout.  Although not quite a 6 x 8, here's my two level layout for three trains running on three separate tracks.

Sure wish I had seen this configuration before I did this years Christmas layout. This one lends itself, with a few changes, to have at least one bridge and several nice tunnels. Two of my grandson's favorite features.

 

I'm a big fan of this one too.  I started noticing a couple pictures of it pop up in SPF.  I'm really glad I got to see the whole thing.  I'd take more pictures if you have them!
Wes

[dougdagrump]

Boyd is right.  The Thor train website is a great reference.  Here's the link to it.

Thor Train website

Another consideration is whether or not you want two levels or one.  I run prewar trains and switches have always caused me headaches, so I avoided using them on my layout.  Although not quite a 6 x 8, here's my two level layout for three trains running on three separate tracks.

Sure wish I had seen this configuration before I did this years Christmas layout. This one lends itself, with a few changes, to have at least one bridge and several nice tunnels. Two of my grandson's favorite features.

[spankybird]

Here is a 6 x 8 layout that I built last year

 

[Geno]

JJ,

Are locked into a 6 x 8 configuration? I recently built a 5 x 10 layout for my nieces in Oregon, and I think it packs alot of action into a relatively tight space. It also allows two trains to run simultaneously on two separate loops. 

Geno

[PostwarMan07]

heres a link to a great site for the old lionel dealer display layouts.  they are usually around 4 x 8 feet.  hope this helps...

http://www.lionellines.com/displays.html

[jimhaleyscomet]

Trainlover,

O layouts are often close to HO in curve radius.  However, wiring reverse loops is more of a challenge in HO.  You will probably get much better advice by posting over on Model Railroader forum.

Good luck!

Jim H 

[train lover12]

im looking for the same thing johnjay is except in HO scale do you think you could help? 

any ideas would be very much appreciated!!!

[fifedog]

What an individual with a smaller layout needs to decide is: do I want my layout filled to the max with tracks, or do I want plenty of room for scenics? Since I enjoy "scenics" as a hobby in itself, and since I prefer passenger trains, I've opted for the "minimal" tracks on my 5x8 layout (2 loops, O36 and O48, with 1 siding). Most published layout plans I've seen take the "tracks to the max" approach. Joe

I'm right there with you.  A flowing trackplan, keep straight sections to a minimum, and lots of scenery.

[Joe Hohmann]

What an individual with a smaller layout needs to decide is: do I want my layout filled to the max with tracks, or do I want plenty of room for scenics? Since I enjoy "scenics" as a hobby in itself, and since I prefer passenger trains, I've opted for the "minimal" tracks on my 5x8 layout (2 loops, O36 and O48, with 1 siding). Most published layout plans I've seen take the "tracks to the max" approach. Joe

[envfocus]

Boyd is right.  The Thor train website is a great reference.  Here's the link to it.

Thor Train website

Another consideration is whether or not you want two levels or one.  I run prewar trains and switches have always caused me headaches, so I avoided using them on my layout.  Although not quite a 6 x 8, here's my two level layout for three trains running on three separate tracks.

[Boyd]

I think Thor trains still has a website with lots of diagrams for small layouts.

[USNRol]

Here's a couple 6X9's from the FasTrack examples in RR Track

You Could easily run two trains on the above layout... 
This layout 2 trains maybe with some collision avoidance circuitry...6X8 is tight for two trains... not many options except for concentric ovals.

Roland     

[gvdobler]

I have fun with this one.

 

 

[johnjay2]

Hello folks..

I have seen alot of 4x8 fast track layouts but im looking for ideas for a 6 x 8. Since I am building my first layout creativity is not coming easy. If anyone knows where I can go for information i wuold apprecaite it. I want to have a layout where i can run two trains.

Thanks

JJ