I'll have a play around sometime to tonight. Any other requirements or wishes for it? 2 levels etc?

I will need to know what track system you're wanting to use. C / K / M

Daniell

Sorry just measured Make that 5 Feet long and 3.5 feet wide.
Thanks,
Daniel

Hi Daniel,
That was beautiful thanks alot!
Daniel

Hello,

You may try XTrkCAD. It's free software.

If you don't need 3D view, it will fit most of your needs.

Have a look there: http://www.xtrkcad.org/Wikka/HomePage

Cheers
Fabrice

HI:

- You do NOT need two transformers to run two trains at the same time.

- Assuming you are using a digital system, one controller will run both trains.
---------- You do need to be on the look out that the train behind does not hit the one in the front
---------- The way you do that is by having the faster train in the front and making sure you leave a safe distance
---------- The smaller the space the bit more tricky this becomes, however - but completely doable

- If you are using an analogue system (but also using a digital system), you can have one oval inside the other connected by four turn outs and each train is completely independent of the other

- For any layout, but especially a small one (about the same size as mine) having one part of the track go UP, even if parallel, adds a tremendous amount of fun to the play; I know because I just did it (again) - using Marklin pieces to do this may be VERY expensive however (about CAD $ 450. with taxes).

- I don't understand what the attraction of a turntable is - seriously - can someone explain it to me? I love to have complete trains parked and then see them go at my pleasure without having to put a train together every time; but just choosing a loco does not seem to help.

I love this topic because I always look for ideas for my small layout.

You can of course run more than one locomotive in analogue, and you CAN run them at different speeds on DIFFERENT SECTIONS of track. Only with digital can you run multiple locos on the same section of track at independent speeds.

Most obvious example is a loop of parallel tracks. With one controller connected to the outer track and another connected to the inner track. All you need to do is put a fold of paper or piece of electrical tape over the middle rail contact tongue at the turnouts between inner and outer sections such that they have isolated middle rails.

I shall be building my layout with both analogue and digital with a multipole switch to completely disconnect the analogue transformers and connect the digital control box. I'll be using 3 analogue transformers, outer mainline track, inner mainline track and the third one for the maintenance area.

:-)

With the size of the layout plan above, it's probably OTT to use more than one analogue transformer, but you can still divide up the track and use block switches to have trains parked etc.

JoyofMarklin, my 2 cents' worth:

1. I have had my treasured FS424 fall off the (then) Marklin elevated track a bit like yours at slow speed for no apparent reason. So you may want NOT to leave the upper level unprotected. It may be expensive to protect it, however. Marklin has bridges with protective railings, but going around the curved portion and a bit of straight run may cost you CAD $450.00. However, if you are good with your hands, you could make a wooden support that would look very nice, protect the trains and cost much less. Do NOT saw anything on your own if you are not used to doing this; you could lose a finger or two.

1.1 My present 2 rail elevated part is is more steady than my previous one (I was using plastic Lego-like pillars...) but is still subject to derailment and ONCE my Ice Train head loco did derail. It was my fault; the train was going much too fast! Surprisingly, it happened going UP the ramp and not DOWN the rump. Go figure.

2. If you use the popular green carpet, the layout will look MUCH better. It is not too expensive.

3. Any reason you are still using M tracks? C track is better.

4. You have space to do a better layout and WITHOUT computer assistance. Just layout the track and see what happens. That is what I do. I leave fancy computer planning to those who have a lot more space to play with.

5. If you have a bit of space, you may want to put a protected bridge between your present table and another table, maybe just for a parking siding. That is what I am planning on doing. I saw one on a YouTube video and I liked it.

Let us know your progress.

Dear friend or friends,
good afternoon from thessaloniki, hellas

The old turntables 7186 are used normally with M track. They can also be connected with C track as follows :
7186, 24951, 24188, 24171 etc.
They also can be connected with K tracks as follows : 7186, 2291, 2290, 2200 etc
The new turntables 7286/7686 are connected with C tracks as follows :
7286, 7287, 2201, 24922, 24188, 24171 etc
These also can be connected with M track as follows :
7286, 7287, 2291, 5106, 5107 etc.

The transfer tables 7294 and 72941 are both for use with M tracks. The alternative use can be done as follows :
7294, 2291, 2200, 2201, 2232 etc
or 7294, 24951, 24171, 24188, 24229 etc.

my best greetings,
christos stratopoulos, christos563.

I think it would be awesome if this thread could be a center for layout design help!

I'm going to try and construct all of these layout with the left over C-Track I have from my main layout. I can't wait!