5x10 Layout Idea's

[Jake W]

I am getting into Lionel trains with my Father who has done it for years.  I have limited space and my board is 5x10.  Anyone have any track plans for a 5x10 board they would like to share?  I would like to be able to run 2 trains at the same time.  Thanks for any help.

[rtraincollector]

Jake I have a great one but not a good drawer but will send you an email

[dsmith]

Jake, my layout is 5' x 9' and has 2 separate mainlines.  The inner loop is a modified figure 8 that goes up and over and down and under.  The outer is a simple loop.  I used 027 tubular track and switches with 27" diameter curves.  The 027 curves allow you to put more track in a tight space.

 

 

[Jake W]

David, thanks for sharing your layout.  You did a great job getting all that into a small space.  Thanks for some good idea's.

Jake

[rtraincollector]

Jake the one I sent you was also 5' X 9'

[Joe Hohmann]

First decide if you are interested in scenics (this can be a fulfilling hobby unto itself). Most plans for small layouts I have seen have every square inch crammed with tracks (this is supposed to keep you busy "operating"). My 5x8 layout has 2 loops with 2 sidings, and enough scenics to keep a visiter looking at stuff for 20 minutes.

[Jake W]

I am interested in doing some scenery but not real detailed.  I have several operating (milk car, cattle car, gateman) lionel accessories as well as serveral buildings.  

 

 

[Warburton]

Check out the website www.thortrains.com for lots of smaller layout ideas.

[alankay]

Hi I just unpacked several old trains that have been stored for 20 yrs .For my grandchildren to enjoy like your design very much have a grass covered ping pong table measures 59" x 107" .Do you think this size will work and can you give me the quantity of tracks you use .Thank you Alan

[Tom47]

My first American Flyer layout was constructed on a ping pong table it allowed room for two ovals with rail sidings, towns, a mountian.  I used it until I went to the service.  It was a great size because it continued to be a work in progress.

[WyoJoe]

Dave, I have been studying various layouts to help creat mine. I use 027 as you do to get as much in a small space as possible. For your layout how do you reach the corner if a train derails or of any other issue? Did you build the layout then place it in the corner? I have looked at may busy layouts. There is no room for a foot step. How do you place all tha parts without crushing something else. I think I saw Dearborn in the post, MI? I lived in Sterling Heights for 6 years working at Ford's Van *** plant for 5-1/2 yrs and 6 months in Lavonia before moving to CA. Now is Wyoming. Thanks Joe

[dsmith]

Joe, Here is how I reach the back of my 5' deep layout.  Instead of attaching legs to the layout, I built a base out of particle board that is 4' deep and is located 1' from the back wall.  The layout just sits on top of the base.  When I need access to the back, I just slide the layout away from the wall by about 1'.  That gives me just enough room to squeeze into the back to make scenery changes or in case of derailment.  A full article with photos on how I did this appeared in the February 2014  Classic Toy Train Magazine, titled Plan an easy access layout.  p. 58-59.

And, yes I live in Dearborn, MI (Home of Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village)

[Sturgeon-Phish]

When I had my layout it was 6 1/2 feet by 9 1/2 feet. It set into a corner. Check my avatar kind of give you an idea. It was build on castors and if I need to get to the back, I would roll it out as needed. If you go to last week or the week before Sunday Photo Fun you can see an another shot of the layout. Track wise it was very simple. There were a lot of operating accesories, and had multiple vinetts that would let your imagination wander.

Jim

[Christopher2035]

This was my old postwar style layout - which was 10x6 w/o that little extension part.  Sounds like this is the type of layout you were going for.