3ftx3ft O-27 Layout Plan. Thouhts On This Track Plan??

Hi Khayden

Probably about the only change I would make is to make the oval a bit longer by adding two straight tracks on both sides. This would make it easier to run your father's 637 set as it is somewhat longer than the 229 set with its freight cars. Other than that, you are off to a good start.

It's a thought I might do that

 A few random thoughts:

If adding the straight tracks makes the track end up too close to the edges, you could add 1/2 straights instead, or full straights can be cut to length with a hacksaw.

For the corner(s), I think I would add a water tower to one of them. Those steam engines will get thirsty. A rotating beacon is another eye catching accessory that doesn't take up much space, and is a natural for a corner or edge of a layout, as it protects the people of the layout from falling off the end of the world.

If you are able to add a straight section as Keith suggested, you my be able to add a short bridge at the top side, and have a river "feed" the lake you have.

It looks fine as it is; these ideas may or may not make the layout more fun for you.

J White

I thought about it last night and I think I will add 1/2 straights instead of the full straights. As for the water tower I think I'll add one as for the rotating beacon I'll see if I can find one it sounds like a neat idea to add.

Great ideas I won't be getting buildings just yet however the idea of using half buildings in the corner is great

I am thinking about adapting your plan to fit under my Christmas tree this year. Good job!

Cool

Here's a good site for cardstock buildings, and lots of other gems as well:

http://www.bigindoortrains.com/

The guy that did a lot of those buildings used to post here; don't know if he still does.

J White

Thanks

What is the diameter of the circle of track?

Are you using 027?

That would mean that the circle is approximately 27" wide, so there would be 9" of table remaining, if it were mounted on a 3-foot square of table. That would seem to indicate that you would have 4.5" all around the circle.

How are you planning to get those sidings and switches arranged to use only 4.5" to a maximum of 9"?

Its O27

Mr. Bloom is right unfortunately. The track will barely fit (less than a half inch on each side) in the 3x3 area without the extra 1/2 sections suggested earlier. I assumed that the table was drawn to the same scale as the track. It's really more like 4x4 as pictured. I'm sorry I didn't notice that before.

J White

"Its O27."

"These drawings are rough ideas and are not to scale."

I would suggest that you take a circle of track, and place it on a piece of plywood or cardboard that is 3' by 3' and see what I am talking about.  Drawing them to scale is the only way that I can think of that will create a useful picture.

This little portable layout is 30" x 48" not 36" x 36" but it kind of gives an idea what you can do in 36" x 36". The half size straights may not fit either. 27" plus the 9" or so of the switch will be your 36" as mentioned above. If you can bump out your dimensions to 39" or 40" your track plan could work just fine.

I'm bumping the size up to 42" x 42" to help make everything fit a bit better but not be going into 4ft

I for one am glad you are not going to 'four feet' your dream.. 

Here's mine, yea I know there's no switches, but just to show people, you CAN run O in a small space

Not much of a fan of four feet by four feet, plus I have some space limits to keep in mind.