Layouts using O-48

[Deeker]

 Does anyone have any layouts for a 5x9 using O-48 curves.  I have been to the yahoo fastrack group and have searched there as well.  I also have purchased both fastrack books from lionel and have not seen much in there to help me out.  I am looking for something to just play around with while i get my bearings with the scale.  I have to go with the O-48 because I have on order that GE hybrid engine from lionel.  Thanks for any help. Derek

[8ntruck]

I'm currently set up on a ping pong table with basically three ovals.  The inner oval is O27 track, the next oval is O40 Fastrack and the outer oval is O60 Fastrack with a passing siding. 

The O60 loop with a passing siding really does not fit on the ping pong table.  I've added an extension to one side of the table and, since I'm set up in the attic, a shelf suspended from the rafters to support the passing siding.

It is nothing special, but it gives me a place to run trains.

You won't be qble to fit anything too complicated into that space with the O48 curves that your new GE Hybrid requires.  I think that you will be looking at a basic oval with a spur to the inside, a reversing loop, or some variation on a figure 8.

 Good luck.  Remember it is your railroad, so build what makes you happy.  Making changes to find that happiness is part of the fun of this hobby.

[Captaincog]

I have a little bit larger layout now, but I started out with a 5x9 and used O48 as the outside loop with O36 on the inside loop/figure8. I used O60 turnouts and these might let you have a siding.

[Berk 8624]

I am using 0-48 curves and 0-72 switches.  I started with a base layout I found in the Big Book of Lionel found on page 37 its called plans for 0-72 switches there is another layout on page 36.  The layout is for 5X9 and is using 0-42 radius and 0-72 switches. As I mentioned earlier I use Fastrak 0-48 curves on a 6X11.5 layout.   That said I think there some possibilities.  My outside loop uses 0-48 curves with one 10”  straight and one 1.5” in the middle.  My inside loop is also 0-48.  On a 5X9 you might consider using a 0-42 in Lionel o gauge track if your locomotives will handle an 0-42.  Or if you have room for another foot in width expanding to 6X9 Otherwise I think with some creativity you can come up with some ways to use 0-48. Let me know if you would like specific dimensions from my plan and I would be happy to get those for you.