Lionel 1957 Catalog Layout

 Here you go.  You may be interested in the link below:  

 

https://ogrforum.com/t...85#38314880983408685

 

The Dec 2008 issue of CTT has an article on making a classic version of this layout.  I know that there are a couple issues with the plan such as the trestle pier in the middle of the track and accessories that don't fit well or at all. I believe the article addresses these issues and improves on it.

 

Peter

Rob you can also check out the Yahoo Super O users group. They have a wealth of info on this great layout. I forget his name but the moderator is on here.

 

Bill

NSBill; Is that Gunrunner John?

I believe Mike Spanier runs the SuperO group.......you know, I have never thought about it this way, but I guess it could be built with Atlas O track simulating Super O.

 

 

Peter

Hi Postwar Trainman,

Here's my offering on converting to Lionel O using 031 curves on two 4 x 8 sheets. I think you'll lose the space for buildings\accessories, but the track plan is very close.

The small pieces of straight are 301x-S or 2" and there are two cut straights to custom length. Switches are 4062 & 4063.

 

Two sets of grade trestles and one set of elevated trestles are used. The grayed track is a bridge effect for 3D purposes only to show the supports.

 

If you would like the SCARM file, email me.

Thanks for all the info

 

Looks like the Layout is actually 2 5X9's and made with Super O.

 

My spare bedroom is 9X13, so maybe I could get away with 1 5X9 and 1 5X8, shortening the length of the track plan accordingly.

 

I'm still looking to use O-31.  I have boxes and boxes of the stuff!  I guess I'll just have to start laying some track on the floor to see what I end up with prior to making any decision or building my benchwork.

 

Anyway, if anyone has anything else to offer please keep the ideas and input coming

 

Thanks again!

Super-O is a beast unto itself. The straight lengths and curves don't match anything else. You're just following a track plan when you convert to another track.

 

Going to 5' wide will definitely help and allow for the buildings and accessories. The length is not as critical.

 

It's a nice plan, but it doesn't have a reverse loop built in to it. Counter-clockwise running only.

If you use O-31 I wonder if you could possibly build this on two 4X8 tables, which would measure 12 feet on the longest side (top). There looks to be two lines that don't add much operation-wise. What might be deemed as "Track 2" -- running between the small loop and the graduated piers on the bottom, and the curve running nearest the 445 Switch Tower on the side -- could be eliminated and the line that loops under the bigger yard on the bottom could tie directly into the small loop (if necessary).

Joe,

Click on the track plan attached above.

Yes, this was a great layout.  It would need two 5x9 tables, not 4x8.  The layout in CTT was owned by Steve Garofalo, who also built an amazing Lionel Showroom layout.

I believe a few guys on the forum know him.  I think if you are considering building the layout, that article is a must. The track plan that ReadingFan posted is the other missing piece.  Personally, I would add another pair of switches in the lower left corner to allow for three independent loops. 

Dave

HI Guys,  My post was delayed in getting posted.  Steve G's layout used O-gauge track for this layout,  I realized that the layout that ReadingFan posted was the super-o version. The O-gauge version was published in the "Lionel Accessory Catalog"  from 1958.  I will try and post that later.  It says that for O-gauge track the layout requires two 5 by 9 tables, for 0-27, it would be two 4 by 8 tables.  Perhaps you could modify the layout a bit to fit into your space.

Ah yes I remember that catalog and that not too long ago with a few changes someone did turn it into a working layout.

Well, if you are going to do this then instead of a bunch of compromises how about trying to be the first who builds that layout with absolute fidelity to the prototype? Be the first to put the elevated support where it belongs - right in the middle of the track!

This is the first layout I've seen that has the tunnel at the top of a grade!

 

Nathan

This layout does appear to have a lot of potential.  I've actually considered it for a future layout, myself.

Does anyone else think that the elevated track in the foreground looks like power lines at first glance?

I seem to remember that earlier this year TCC did an article on this catalog cover. It stated some of the problems with the drawing.

 

Yes, it is Mike Spanier. Peter I never did it, but back when they made their solid steel line of track I always thought it would be so cool to make some of the display layouts. I say the steel track only because of the compatability with magnetraction. There was a website I saw where there was plans showing Atlas O recreations of display layouts. I want to say it is Thor something, not sure.

 

Bill

Here is the layout from the 1958 Lionel Accessory Catalog.  I also included the layout on page 22 which shows how the layout could be adjusted in the lower left corner to allow for three train operation.  however, to make that happen, you would need to adjust where the switches would be located.  

Brewman,

Thanks for the plans.

 

If you look at the attachment above, I fit O onto two 4 x 8's. Like I said, no building space.

Excellent Brewman!  Picture 1 is exactly what I was looking for ... The O Gauge version

 

Even better is the extra info for 3 train operation

 

I suppose a block system would have to be created on either the outer or 2 inner loops for 3 train operation (depending on where that third train would run) right?

 

I believe that in TM's Toy Train Revue that reported on the TCA National Convention in York PA ( I think 1994), there was a glimpse of the Super O version that was built as a convention display. I believe it was in the Black Hall. I remember seeing there. ( Sadly, that's the only convention I have ever been able to make)

 

Peter

Amazing looking layout plan and great artwork to boot.

 

Am I right in Super O is O 36 for curves with 9 inch straights? Making the track geometry different from other forms. It should fit on a table made of two 4x8 sheets adjusted accordingly since 36 inches is narrower than 48, a few custom bridge piers and vola it works.

 

scratch that, it would take o 31 to make it work, probably or a mix of both.