Ultimate compact layout over 2 levels

[BrickBuff]

Finally, almost two years in the making, I proudly present what I think comes pretty close to the ultimate LEGO train layout with relatively modest dimensions. Built on a purpose made modular table, the layout contains almost 40 meters of rails over 2 levels. Over 300 pieces of track were used (details at the end of the video) and an endless amount of pillars and other parts for the upper level. Enjoy!

Details about the table and pieces used at the end of the video.

Edited November 12, 2014 by BrickBuff

[garethjellis]

thats a very neat, tidy and fun layout. looks great fun ! I noticed the PF switching mechanisms for the points. how are you controlling them? it would also be cool to see inside them.

[BricksMcgee]

Nice layout, looks great fun. Are you planning to add landscape/City around it?

[BrickBuff]

thats a very neat, tidy and fun layout. looks great fun ! I noticed the PF switching mechanisms for the points. how are you controlling them? it would also be cool to see inside them.

Thank you! For one scene I used the infrared receiver to control one of the PF switching mechanisms, but that was only a temporary solution to allow both the red and green train to run simultaneously for this video only.

The IR remote is not practical as there are only 8 channels available, so my 4 trains (including one unseen freight train) I could only control 4 switches.

One alternative which I have used to date is simply PF extension cables and PF switches, but you need a _lot_ of extension cables!

So... my permanent solution will be the SBrick (www.sbrick.com) of which I have ordered 4 through the Kickstarter campaign. But the mechanisms will remain the same. The SBricks should ship soon, so I will post an update on YouTube as soon as I got it working!

If you look carefully, you will also notice I have 4 pneumatic switches as well. These are actually my favourite because they are even more compact than the PF electric switches. Of course you need tubes for these, but these can very easily run underneath the elevated track. I had this all working in my previous set-up but I am redesigning the compressor. Again, when it's done I'll post a new video.

PS if you want I could send you the LDD files for the electric switches? I have these in 2 varieties, one for the regular switches (based on someone else's design, but can't find the reference at this moment!) and one for the crossing.

Nice layout, looks great fun. Are you planning to add landscape/City around it?

Thank you. Not sure I will do any landscaping anytime soon, and not much room left for buildings.

In fact, the reason why I started the elevated track was that that way LEGO train track can be better combined with a LEGO City. But as I went along, I found the play value of a train much greater, especially if I managed to design a layout that allows a train to travel between levels. I have a spacious basement but am still constraint for space, so in the end the buildings just had to go...

Next steps are to extend the layout a bit further to allow for a freight train, and to implement the upcoming SBrick (www.sbrick.com) for the remote controlled switches!

[leg01982]

i loved your track layout especially the switches! have given me some great ideas for when i finally have some room (or my own house) to set up my own scene and instead of taking over the kitchen table...

[ecmo47]

Very nice operating layout!

[Andy Glascott]

That's really impressive, really good use of the space to get maximum track into it. I've built several multi-level layouts and always struggled to get a working ramp between the them.

[snowvictim]

Two years?

[Man with a hat]

Nice layout. I like what you did with the different levels.

[dr_spock]

Nice layout. Pneumatic seems like a good solution to controlling switches.