Help with layout for Grandson

Hi Stan,

I am only into the O scale for about 4 years now, so I am still learning myself.  However, if you look at the MTH web site, go to the catelogs, and at the back of the catelogs they have some track plans for their realtrax.  Except for curve sizes, fastrack plans can mimic these plans.  Also, their is a book of Fastrack layouts on the market, sorry but can't think of the name.  Atlas has a good o guage track plan book out that you can get good ideas from and the Atlas O website has some sample plans that go from 4x8 to room size.  I looked at all of these when I got started.  Hope these help.

Chuck 

I'm using Lionel fastrack and if I had to give one piece of advice... fastrack 048 track requires about 54", so a 4 x8 sheet isn't quite big enough. The 8' is ok, but the 4' is a bit shy. There are some nice layouts for 048 and 036 combinations, otherwise you'll be pretty much limited to 036. Have fun!  JA 

Stan,

If you are absolutely limited to 4x8, and you're willing to push the track to the very outside of the board, you could build something like this:

If you can increase the width as JA has suggested to say 5x8, you'll end up with more space between the  inner and outer loop, and more space at the edges of the board:

Hope these designs help out.

-bruce

Thanks so much for the replies.

I really want to keep within the 4 X 8 boundaries to start.

Bruce, I think your design is exactly what I had in mind. I can add the sidings later and still be up and running pretty fast with an interesting layout!

Thanks again.

Stan

Try this site for layout plans for small layouts

http://www.thortrains.net/marx/48fastrack2.html

http://www.thortrains.net/marx/funlayo1.html

Mort

You're welcome Stan! If you need a parts breakdown, I can help you out with that.

Good luck, and have fun!

-bruce

Bruce:

If you can send me a parts list that would be a big help. See my email in my profile.

Thanks!

Stan

Stan,

Since Lionel is releasing 0-31 Fastrack Curves in July, I can post a design using 0-31 &

0-36 curves that will fit a 4x8 much better than my original design.

Not sure what your time line is, or when you hope to complete the initial build for your Grandson.

-bruce

Looks like a pretty steep 5-6% rise to get over/under on an 8' board.

An up and over with steep inclines might be problematic for a four yer old. Might be a lot of speed control issues and trains falling off track. I think a flat layout would be better for that age.

If green is a preference take a look at the MTH John Deere Railking trains, lots of detail and the tractors are always a favorite with kids (and adults). Layout design -- keep it simple, really simple. Our grandkids 3-4 just love a simply oval and have a ball using their imaginations. I've watched this now for a couple of years and it just delights me, Grandpa's huge layout doesn't hold a candle to the simple oval.

You could do something like this:

I have Fastrack 036 that comes with the starters will work with a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Lionel is coming out with 031 curves that can give you more options. I recommend a couple log dump cars, a couple gondolas and a coal dump car if you can handle the little black coal all over the place.   

Here is a thought,  Look at the MTH starter sets.  As much as I like Lionel,  if you can put a remote control and train sounds in the hands of these younger kids, it will keep their interest more.  I think this is one place lionel is making a mistake by not offering something similar.

-Ted

SoCalStu & Mike, I think you've got a good point, the grade would be quite steep & problematic, especially with the track so close to the edge of the board.

Stan, If you follow Mike's design, you could start with the figure 8 and add the bypass switches later.

Thanks everyone for their input, this is what makes OGR so great!

-bruce

Thanks all! I was thinking the same thing about the grade and how the trains could go flying!

I will return the trestle set I bought and keep the young man's layout nice and flat for now.

I bought the Lionel NS starter set and tested / lubed it last night. Runs nicely and has great sounds: horn, bell, engine sounds as well as some crew talk!

My son-in-law bought the plywood on Sunday, my daughter will put a couple of coats of green paint on it and I will build the table supports for Mason's height.  We are all on time and schedule (slightly over-budget) for Mason's birthday on April 16th!

Mike - I sent you an email asking for a copy of the RRT file.

Thanks to all for your help!

The RRT files have been sent. Good luck with your project. I'm sure your grandson will enjoy it.

Stan,

Sounds like a great plan to keep everything flat for now. Make sure to post some pictures when it's up & running

-bruce

Another thought: If you had a couple more switches creating a crossing between the figure 8 and the outside loop you would have a reversing loop. May make it more fun for Mason (and you, of course).

Good advice about keeping it flat for a starter layout. Here are some other ideas for you:

http://www.ogaugehobbyist.com/...ntributions-welcome/

http://www.thortrains.net/marx/48fastrack1.html

I am a CPA. Now that tax season is finally over I was able to build the 4 X 8 train table and install and wire the track and switch tracks for my grandson's birthday. He will be very surprised and I know he will enjoy running his own trains! Here are a few pictures on the final project - just the beginning for my grandson! Thanks for the great layout suggestions!

That is a great 4x8 track plan.  I'll have to remember this one!

That's a nice layout Stan.  The four year old will have lots of fun with it.  You also did the right thing going flat instead of elevated.  I have kids in that age range and believe me they're too young to trust with an elevated track.  In fact you have to watch (some of) them like a hawk to make sure they don't run it off a curve and thence to the floor.

to make sure they don't run it off a curve and thence to the floor

Some have added as simple "stopper" to the CW-80 throttle handle to block it from full throttle position.

Nice job! It looks good. I'm sure your grandson will have fun with it (probably you, too).

Stan,

Looks like you both will have a lot of fun with that! Thanks for sharing.

-bruce

Track list attached.