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I want to build a light weight layout on 2 inch foamboard that sits over a twin bed and easily removable when a guest need to use the bed.  Going to cover the board with carpet to deaden the noise.  I want it simple, thus no switches.  So I'm looking for the longest flat layout that I can put on it that's interesting and potentially run two trains at the same time.  Here's what I have so far.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Florida BR 2 90X

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  • Florida BR 2 90X
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Thanks for the thoughts.  I'm using postwar tubular O27 and I thought the switches will be too heavy on foamboard.  I will have to turn it vertical to remove it from the bedroom when in use, thus wanting track only.

I only have a 1033 transformer so running two separate trains on separate tracks doesn't work.  I'm thinking a relay and sensing track would keep the collisions from happening.  But that will be step two after I get this up and running.

For a 4x6 layout I made recently I added a visual separator along the back portion of the loop.  (Look at the tree line.)  That's the thought I had for you - a visual separator in front of the back long return run may add interest to the layout.  I made the visual separator out of foam board - same as the backdrops.  (Photo attached as published in LOTS Switcher magazine this month.)View from above jungle gym

When I put this away after the season, the track, river, bridges, and signals stay - everything else gets pulled off.  No switches though - I had fun with a 4x6 foam layout with a loop.  Enjoy your trains!

View down Main StreetView from Church corner



Transport Mode: (I remove the truck also).  Note I have a 1x4 frame and 5/16 paneling - I trap the foam board backdrops between the paneling and the frame/foam top.

P12 Overall - Snow layer down and Ready for transport

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  • View from above jungle gym
  • View down Main Street
  • View from Church corner
  • P12 Overall - Snow layer down and Ready for transport
Last edited by Hannibal-St Joseph RR

The foam base on my 4x6 is actually on a 1/2" plywood base, framed by 1x4's.  So it isn't just foam but you probably only need plywood in the corners to keep the frame together.  There's also a great article on building a foam module in this month's LCCA magazine, where he highlights the lighter weight of just two ends 1x4 and the other 2 sides are 5/16" paneling glued to the foam, then overlapping the small end frames and glued.  Of course that's only a 30"x46" module.

That’s only because Lionel doesn’t make it anymore. 😉

Curious what the Original Poster decides and what others recommend on starting today with O27 track. My layout is complete with O27 track. I happen to like it's look better than the higher O profile but with O27 no longer manufactured, I'm wondering what to advise my two sons-in-law. Thus far, I've told them to go with Fastrack or O.

I started with O27 track because I still had some from the 50s and am doing a postwar look layout.  Just kept adding.  It is pretty easy to find and as you say its low profile makes it look better with postwar Lionel.  It works fine for me but its a little flimsy and easily distorts but I run prewar to modern (2023) Lionel on it.  The hard thing is finding the larger radius curves in that profile.  But O gauge may be a better choice if you add ballast which hides the higher profile IMO.

@TrainCzar posted:

I started with O27 track because I still had some from the 50s and am doing a postwar look layout.  Just kept adding.  It is pretty easy to find and as you say its low profile makes it look better with postwar Lionel.  It works fine for me but its a little flimsy and easily distorts but I run prewar to modern (2023) Lionel on it.  The hard thing is finding the larger radius curves in that profile.  But O gauge may be a better choice if you add ballast which hides the higher profile IMO.

The other challenge you'll have with O27 (as I've had) is availability of switches/turnouts. I know your topic says you won't have any, but if you expand your empire, it's a consideration.  There are PLENTY out there with 27" diameter but very few with wide diameter. To my knowledge, only Lionel and K-Line made 42" diameter switches unless  you go to Ross whose reportedly can mate with O27 track.

I squirreled away a bunch of O27 track and 42" switches in case of future need for my layout.

https://ogrforum.com/...8#182466531796001188

@raising4daughters - the key to using out of date track is getting it at swap meets, auctions, and estate sales - you mention you are hoarding some switches, so you probably already know this.  If your family just wants to move on and get building, stick with modern readily available track is my thought.  I personally like the lower profile of 027 tubular and the flexibility of Gargraves/Ross track as well.

@TrainCzar - I was pleasantly surprised to find Marx 034 track and switches in 027 style low profile.  They may be lesser known - I am using several on my layout, and you can still find some reasonably priced on eBay.  There is an excellent article on this Forum on how to add a non-derail rail onto the 034 switch to make it more reliable.  (Search Marx 034 switches).  I used Liquid Nails instead of soldering.

I was curious, so I weighed a modern O27 manual switch on our little food scale imageand compared it to track weight.  One switch is about 10.5oz, which is about equal to 6 pcs of O27 straight track.  Just in case you’re still thinking ‘what if I add one passing siding?’  With 94 pcs of track, you could replace some with a pair of manual switches and open some space for scenery or industry and be able to park a second train.  Just thinking!

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If the bed is used only every so often (once a month, every 6 months) , put the foam on the floor under it, and flip the bed (a twin bed?) up on its edge against a wall. You can enjoy the trains longer than someone can enjoy the bed! Just flip the frame and bed down over the foam and let them sleep with the trains under the bed! (this will only work for some beds...and some people) Sorry, can't help you with the track plan, I like a loop - but I think Rob has a great design.

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