Just catching up on your last couple of vids. Track design and assembly is a fun part of the hobby. Suggestion …. You might want to swap out the 060 switches for 072 switches. Even if you have a smaller layout and don’t have larger engines that require 072, the 072 geometry is a bit more “narrow”, especially for crossovers. They work well with Fastrack geometry. You’ll be able to use 054 curves on the inner loop and the inner/outer loops will line up with 6 inch centers all the way around. 👍🏼

Hey Ray! For protection you could use plexie glass screwed to the side so if the train would derail it wouldn't fall of the layout.

Thats a good start, good job

The MTH Z4000 would be a great choice. I run mainly post war trains, so I'm good with the old-school ZW, however I have the Z4000 for when I plan to upgrade and grow and need the additional wattage. Also run jumpers to feed your track in multiple zones. Run a main feed wire and branch off from the feeder. Also Size matters when you have the room and finances lol.

1 of those smaller 80 watt power bricks should be enough for that layout along with your transformer

I would take out the last switch and replace it with a straight piece. A used Lionel Cab 1 remote is a great option and still can be bought for a reasonable price. But you have to understand that the Cab 1 is a TMCC remote and while it would work Legacy engines you would not get all of the features. You may want to look at the Cab 1L which is a legacy remote instead of TMCC but would work TMCC and Legacy locomotives. There is a difference between the cab 1 and the cab 1L. I'm not a fan of that transformer. My advice when it comes to transformers stick to modern ones meant for newer electronics such as the MTH Z750 or MTH Z4000. Even a MTH Z750 would be a step up from that starter pack transformer. Hope this helps. On another note if that Lionel Conrail box car is too big for you I'll take it lol.

Hi Ray, nice work with the layout. I just found your channel and subscribed. Everything looks great! 😀

I think you should stick to semi scale trains. Your track is too narrow in radius for a lot of scale cars. I would suggest sticking to vintage style 40 foot boxcars and other such rolling stock of the steam era in scale, or just stick to semi scale. Steam era cars will work just fine on o36 and I personally like them more. By the way, you should get some more steam locomotives while you’re at it! Lionel steam engines are really fun, especially with the smoke😃👍🚂

I lucked out and was gifted a modern ZW with the twin 180 power bricks, I just have three loops and a 4x8 with lion chief I had 5 trains running with a bit of bump and go.

The design is very impressive I'd get one 72 curve for the yard on the outside the three in the middle are OK

I'd also recommend not using the last switch in your yard, Uncertain if each spur provides enough room to place any cars. Have fun with it!!!!!

When I did my layout, it’s actually not much different from what you have planned, I used smaller radius curves for my two ovals. I wish I had the width you’re working with. I have some suggestions for you as far as track design in a small area. The first is that you may want to consider a different approach to the yard. Let’s talk or message. I’m on Facebook. I’m a moderator on the TMCC Legacy group.

Ray, I just watched the video and what I was afraid of was going to happen with those scale cars on the right side curves did happen. Is there ANY WAY you can move the right hand curve of the inner loop in by using shorter straight track sections? I can't see everything but it looks to me that shorter straights on the switches would be enough to tighten that inner loop up, I wouldn't extend the outer one. (Damn, I wish I was there looking ove your shoulder!) As far as wiring is concerned I'd run two leads off the transformer, one short one and one long to the far side of the track so you don't have a voltage drop-off. And color code your wires, color out and another returning so you don't confuse the two. Hate to say it but scale cars may be a bit much for that layout, some of them anyway.

I forgot to mention I have two loops of fastrack, I have switches iam not using, maybe they will find a home, iam on my retirement railroad, so iam not going to build another one, if I do get another railroad I will get Lopez to build me one

Get u a zw!

Get the cab 3 before they skyrocket up in price

Does look small but it can be changed in the future.

If you're going to be 25 feet longer then you need a power brick

Try 2 engines that transformer should power the whole thing I hav the wall transformer that comes with the John Deere set I can run 2 trains my layout is pretty good size I only use one Of those wall plugs Check mine out I make videos & shorts every day

Make the layout a little more bigger

You should be realistic and figure out how fast a real train could negotiate the curves and then not exceed that for your scale.

Ray you have an awesome pace going building the layout !