I moved this to the proper forum due to the main title of the topic.

@TrainNewby posted:

To all:

I am new to this hobby and am planning my first layout. I have what I consider a good layout and there will be hills. The advice I am looking for will be two fold. The answer to the first question will affect the answer to the second. First let me tell you a bit about my equipment. For the most part all is from the 1950's. I have 3 steam locomotives which 2 basically work but needs tuning and cleaning. A third would need at least an E-switch and who knows what else. I am presently getting a diesal from that era tuned and cleaned. I have lots of 031 and 027 track plus some switches that surprisingly still work. I have two power sources that are relatively new, meaning within the last 10 years. They are Lionel 80 watt and a 40 watt transformers. I have bought some new tubular and Gargraves track in various sharpness of curves to see how much room they take up. The question is: would it just be better to put my money into new locomotives and a new updated system instead of going with what I have and possibly updating everything later anyway? I have a smaller layout and am planning on using blocks to isolate certain loops in the setup.It looks like blocks take a lot of wiring for the present power system I have. I realize you can't tell me what to do but would appreciate any information to help me make my own decision.

You say you have new track and I'm assuming the transformers work properly. Personally, I see no reason at this point to invest in new locomotives and a new system of track and power. I think you'd be better off getting the older stuff running properly and adding some circuit protection to the existing system and see if you enjoy how everything performs.

Other than command control, most of the new locomotives are backwards compatible with what you already have and you can always add new equipment later on if you desire.

Yes, wiring for block construction takes some extra work, effort and wiring, but is helpful in the long run. 

The answers really depend on what you're trying to accomplish.  Realism?  Classic toy train vibe?  Loop running or operations?  Digital sound or basic bell/horn/whistle?  Budget?  That just scratches the surface.

Digital control systems for O gauge are in a state of flux right now - equipment is expensive and can be hard to find, and there's a learning curve as there are challenges associated with running Lionel or MTH trains with the other company's digital system.  IMO, it's best to clarify your objectives before spending a lot of money.

I agree with @Richie C.'s advice above.  When you can provide more details, I'm sure that people will chime in with suggestions.

Thanks for forcing me to think about where I want to take things. I will never be able to do the deluxe setups that most of you have. I simply do not have the room. I may not also want to have such sophistication in my layout. I am planning on a mountainous terrain with tunnels and bridges as needed. I figure I have to go vertical to make best use of space. Loop running on several layers is a possibility along with several loops so I can run multiple trains at once. This is why I am talking about needing to do something like blocks. I will not have any towns, maybe just some smaller stations. I would like to do some realism on the mountainous country. Locomotives with smokers would be nice. Budget is realistic. I won't be able to plow large amounts of cash into this at this time. So something much simpler than what the rest of you have is realistic. Some of what I may be looking for is the challenge of taking the blank surfaces of the benchwork and turning it into a nice mountain scene with some trains maneuvering the valleys and mountains with tunnels and/or bridges. A lot to accomplish in such a small space which is why I have spent so much time planning.

You could buy a postwar transformer (80+ watts- OR a new one of 80+ watts.)  These will run any layout from "small"to "medium" sized.    Add quick-acting curcuit protection if an old transformer.

Buy a Lion Chief set which will get you command control to try for less than $300.  WITH a flat track (no grades) the low-power motors of the LC engines will not be a problem pulling maybe 10-15 cars.  The postwar transformer WILL run the LC engines and better that the set-included wall-mount DC transfomer.  (The engines all run on AC- converted to DC IN  the engine) or on DC.)

@TrainNewby posted:

Thanks for forcing me to think about where I want to take things. I will never be able to do the deluxe setups that most of you have. I simply do not have the room.  Lots of folks have fun layouts in limited spaces.  OGR frequently runs track plans for smaller spaces.

I may not also want to have such sophistication in my layout. I am planning on a mountainous terrain with tunnels and bridges as needed. I figure I have to go vertical to make best use of space. Loop running on several layers is a possibility along with several loops so I can run multiple trains at once. This is why I am talking about needing to do something like blocks.  Independent loops generally don't need to be blocked - on a small layout, as a general rule blocking is only needed if you have sidings where you want to park one train while running another using conventional control.  Use a separate transformer for each loop - transformer size and type depends on the type of engines that will run on those loops.  IMO, a good way to save money is to use the O-27 track on the smallest loops and use O-gauge tubular on the larger loops.

I will not have any towns, maybe just some smaller stations. I would like to do some realism on the mountainous country. Locomotives with smokers would be nice. Budget is realistic. I won't be able to plow large amounts of cash into this at this time.   A budget alternative for running smoking locos on grades is to look for die-cast postwar steamers with magnetraction - really nice ones can be found under $150, and repairable ones are available for far less.  Postwar and MPC equipment is simple and inexpensive, and most of it works well on sharper curves.  So something much simpler than what the rest of you have is realistic. Some of what I may be looking for is the challenge of taking the blank surfaces of the benchwork and turning it into a nice mountain scene with some trains maneuvering the valleys and mountains with tunnels and/or bridges. A lot to accomplish in such a small space which is why I have spent so much time planning.

see above

Let me clarify some things from an earlier post. I do plan on several loops, but they will have crossovers. I am leaving things open so if I want to run 1 train on all or run several trains on their own loop. I will have 1 small siding though. I am planning on upgrading the track to Gargraves and Ross switches. This will be done as need, money, and time allow. I do have a diesel from the 1950's era that is presently getting fixed up and supposedly had Magna Traction to begin with. I hear that locomotives can lose this function. All of this old train items sat in a hot and cold attic for several decades.

It had not ocurred to me that terrain and number of cars can greatly dictate the kind and age of equipment. Learning is taking place. I like the idea of getting a beginner set of something like a Lion Chief set to test things out. I am a beginner so I guess that makes sense.

To give advice on power and need for blocks, a rough idea of the size of layout (length x width) you planning on would help, and, if you have a rough track plan, sharing that would enable better advice.  As mentioned, you may not need any blocks at all, saving some time in wiring, not to mention expense.

TrainNewby

You have lots of desires or ideas on what you want.  Sounds like you need to find out what can be done and what is involved in doing it.  Therefore you may need to look at some simpler starter track plans and get informed as to what train gear there is and its costs and including the new constant 18 volt gear can cost $1000 per engine and up.  They can run several trains on one loop but will cost a lot.

The below link is to my conventual controlled layout and its construction using 027, loops, blocks, one level and multi trains and 1950s train engines and has about the lowest cost you will see.  Check it out then search other layouts that are newer and the latest and decide how committed you are.  You can start with a one level layout and plan to add additional levels later.

https://ogrforum.com/...ra-027-layout?page=1

Table of Contents at end of Post 1 on page 1.

Charlie

Choo Choo Charlie, you summed it up perfectly. I do have big plans. I read from the beginning that you should have a plan before you start. I am trying to think everything through so as to limit the problems later, and I know there will be plenty of snags. What you said is why I am asking so many questions and doing plenty of research. I will be just starting out with a single loop, but I feel that some expansion plans would be best planned for. Thanks for the link, I will be studying it.

Many people, including me, have started with a simple layout on a piece of plywood. You can put some track down and see if you enjoy loop running or point to point, or some of both. You can then modify your track configuration several times until you find something you enjoy. Most of us have several iterations before we're happy with layout based on room constraints. As far as cheaper power, it's hard to beat a lionel PW ZW transformer with a quick fuse or breaker.

@TrainNewby posted:

I will have 1 small siding though.

I will suggest you plan on more than one small siding.  I started my layout and had three yard track and a maintenance track, the rest was operating track or access to the turntable. It turned out that three sidings were woefully inadequate, and I hastily added more.

It didn't take long to realize that I wanted WAY more yard tracks!  Truthfully, I'd like still more, but I ran out of space to put them.

Start out simple. I have lots' of experience but kept it simple with a 4x8 027 (space restrictions) with block control. Power is from a refurbished KW transformer.
I've since added command control and newer loco's but only after getting some fresh experience under my belt.

You can't go wrong with postwar stuff. Lot's available on the market. They are easy to maintain if you are so inclined as well.

The Linochief + 2.0 line is great. Engines are bluetooth enabled and can be controlled via the Lionchief app. Handheld remotes are included with each set.

Post a track plan and you will get more advice than you know what to do with....

Welcome to the adventure.

Bob

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I will institute the KISS acronym. I do believe in a basic plan for keeping room enough for expansion, but I was probably over thinking things. I will start off with a basic loop and work on the wiring aspect of getting power to the track. Even though I can probably get by with the track that I have, I think that if switches are needed then an upgrade with those to Ross will probably be needed. I am still working on finding a good post war locomotive repair place. There is someone local, but he is not a Lionel service center and I have yet to see the quality of work. I am hoping to find a service center closer without sending my locomotives 3000 miles east. Once again, thanks for all the advice.