Advice needed on making a 4' X 8' Tin Plate Standard and “O” trains.

You have the right idea Ron. If you don’t have the room to go out then go up! I would go with standard gauge on the bottom level and your O gauge 2 separate levels up. The figure 8 is a great idea but it takes up a lot of real estate and you might want to go with another straight loop on top but of course that’s up to you. 

On the middle track, I would replace the full straight on the ends with a half straight, looks like you are too close to out side oval of standard gauge...

Marty

What Marty said...looks good but the center loop is a little tight to the standard line A custom cut 7" seems to be the sweet spot.

SCARM file attached

See how the tinplate runs on the O27 track and switches. Some Tinplate has deep flanges and will hit the cross ties. O27 has a lower profile rails.

Thanks you all for the great advise, planning is fun!

The Prewar engine that I have are the 150 series/248/250 and 253. Will these engines have a problem with the switches as there are no "E" units on them?

I will be using Prewar and postwar "O" on the center loop.

The standard gauge loop loco's will be Lionel's #8, #10, #33 and a McCoy 4-4-4. Will these engines be OK on this loop?

Hi Ron, 

I just tested my 150 and 248 on O27 loop with Marx metal switches and had no issues. Those switches handle the geared wheels with no problem. They can found easily and they are inexpensive. Hope this helps,

Bob

CP BOB posted:

Hi Ron, 

I just tested my 150 and 248 on O27 loop with Marx metal switches and had no issues. Those switches handle the geared wheels with no problem. They can found easily and they are inexpensive. Hope this helps,

Bob

Thank you for the input.

And to all, "Merry Christmas"

Like Bob indicated, Marx metal 027 switches will work with most anything. Very reliable.

Steve

Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

Like Bob indicated, Marx metal 027 switches will work with most anything. Very reliable.

Steve

Hi Steve, thanks for the input.

I have two pair of Lionel 1122 electric 027 switches. The box states non-derailing. Will these be OK?