Took me a few days, but here is an Atlas version of my original Picture Gorge and Western.
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Had to make several changes due to the length of the Atlas turnouts, as compared to my version with handlaid track. In particular, I had to eliminate a spur that came off at the right end of the bridge, crossed the pier spur, and served some water side industries. I couldn't get a commercial crossing of the correct angle, and the turnouts are all too long. The length of Atlas turnouts also shortened the passsing track by a car length or 2 (wasn't very long to begin with). In the plan show, the passing siding and main use flex track to avoid small fitter pieces; flex track would be better on all the spurs, too.
Other 4x6 layouts that I admire are these:
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It is in several layout books (Atlas and Model Railroader) as the Morgan Valley. Warning: track does NOT fit as per diagram without several kinks; flex track will be needed for several spots.
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This is also an Atlas design called "Simplicity and Great Plains". I recommend changing this plan so all spurs do not face the same direction. Otherwise, switching the industries is too easy for a train going clock-wise. I know, I had this layout as a teenager. This is most easily done by adding a turnout and a switchback spur to the top spur, and shortening the other 2 spurs so they don't intefere. The other problem with this plan is that it violates my rule of all track at least 2" from the table edge; at top and bottom track comes within 1.5" of edge. I had never had a train masquerade as a floor-seeking missle, but it could happen. Advantage of this plan is the 2 passing tracks instead of 1.
All 3 of these layouts fit in 4x6 using Atlas sectional track, but will NOT fit using Atlas TrueTrack or Bachmann EZ track. I picked them for several reasons:
- sides of oval are not parallel to the table edge
- decent switching opportunities with a continuous run capability
- achievable without custom or shortened trackwork
Anyway, I hope this gives some ideas and starting points to modify for your layout.
my thoughts, your choices