O-36 Fastrack 4 by 8 foot layouts
Here is a very basic 4 foot by 8 foot layout that uses O-36 Lionel Fastrack. All turnouts are O-36. Two different layouts are shown.
Attachments
Images (2)
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Pro Hobby,
I would get rid of the 2 inside sidings, add a couple switches, engineering a reverse loop and still keep the 036 if that is what you want, you might still have room for a small siding also.
PCRR/Dave
The one with the reverse loop has a pretty sharp "S" curve, plus will only allow trains to reverse one direction. I'd be tempted to use 4 switches with tracks crossing in the middle like a figure 8. That way you could run around the outside oval, through the figure 8, and you could reverse direction of trains going any direction.
Absolutely fix so trains can "reverse" in either direction!
Originally Posted by John C.:
Absolutely fix so trains can "reverse" in either direction!
This is about the only way to reverse a train when limited to a 4 x 8 table. The O-36 curves would limit the use to small O-27 cars and engines.
You can get more space for track and building, etc. if you could consider a 5' X 9' ping pong size table.
Also you can lay way more track if you could do 027 track. You could then put a figure 8 in the center loop that would allow reversing in both directions. This makes a very operator friendly system.
Charlie
Not entirely true. I'm running a MTH SD45 which is 17" long and it handles O36 curves just fine. Also have several pieces of scale size rolling stock that work fine. Admittedly, the engine does look at bit funny when one set of wheels hangs out over the curve (the wheels closest to the center of the engines have no flanges). You also need to be much more careful about scenery placement. I learned this the hard way. When I built my layout I only had MTH and Lionel locomotives from starter sets. First time I ran the SD45 and it went through a curve it took out several trees!
Originally Posted by pro hobby:
Originally Posted by John C.:
Absolutely fix so trains can "reverse" in either direction!
This is about the only way to reverse a train when limited to a 4 x 8 table. The O-36 curves would limit the use to small O-27 cars and engines.
Originally Posted by John C.:
Absolutely fix so trains can "reverse" in either direction!
Oval around the outside perimeter
Figure "8" in the middle
Use 8 turnouts to connect figure 8 to oval at each corner...
You can reverse either way...
I think this is the "best" design for an 8 x 4.
Guys, you need to remember that Pro Hobby isn't posting for help on designing his layout, he just makes and posts layouts. Not sure why he does it, but it is good in a sense that those new to the hobby can see them and perhaps get their own ideas.
sinclair,
I do realize what pro hobby does many of his layout designs I really like, rather than tell him that IMO the layout had problems, I advised of the specific re-design I would do to make the layout acceptable for constant running.
PCRR/Dave
