Toy train operating and collecting

It sounds like they need to redisign their switches...or I need to find a way to shorted the curved track so I can get them closer.  Thanks for the designs though.

Wes

Wes,
Here is an O-54 yard done with Atlas track. You would need a RealTrax adapter, then a 1/2 Gargraves or other tubular track, then the Atlas track can mate with that.

This is 14 inches by 8 feet. You get three spurs with this... not bad.



This one is with O-72, the length of the switch is what causes the extra space between the lines... I think I like the O-54 more, personally.

This is 16 inches by 8 feet.


The Atlas track would need to be ballasted, but you don't have to be particular about the sloping side of the ballast as this would be a yard and you could just make the ballast level (it typically is in a yard).

I just mocked up the same 3 track yard using MTH 0-42s, and they take up 12", plus whatever space you want to the outsides of the track.  Let's say 14" or so.  You loose the ability to park anything requiring big curves on anything but the straight, but the spurs are longer at close to 6' each. I'm not sure if it will be cheaper.  I guess it all depends what people want.  With limited space, I would really like to incorporate a train shed on the first two feet of the yard (bays) and build it into a hillside, and build something on top of the rest of the track.  I just want a place to park the trains.  I really don't care for an actual yard with trains just sitting there.  I have lots of stuff to think about.

Wes