The layout I am building (1st one)

[daan]

It's a good shot that you started on 042 switches and 031 curves. The 022 switches and 027 curves are a bit harsh for most machines to get through, you'll have a good run from the beginning with that track.
Enjoy the building..

[Dave Farquhar]

There are plenty of sources of cheap accessories. If you happen to have any 1/43 scale cars in the house (the larger of the Matchbox-type cars), they'll fit right in. If not, I've seen 1/43s at dollar stores for $1. Better ones are available at other stores.

Lots of other dollar store-type toys are sized close enough for O gauge. An O gauge male figure will stand about 1.5 inches tall, so using that as a guide, anything that would be sized right for a figure that height is fine for O gauge. For cheap figures, the Homies-type figures sold in a lot of vending machines for 50 cents are just a smidge tall for O gauge, but they work. If you want something a little more traditional looking, the knockoff holiday village figures that are sold 5 or so to a pack for a dollar at dollar stores are about right.

[jonadel]

Pirata--

You are going to have a great weekend, just playing. You realize of course that this is just the beginning of a wonderful experience, sure it will have it's ups and downs but the total experience of building a layout and being the King of you Empire is just the best.

Have FUN!

Jon

[Anonymous]

I will be getting my train and track today via fedex.
I ordered everything from Charles ro, they were real nice and helped me out select the track, the pins, everything I needed.

I am getting a southern diesel starter set. (I won't be using the fastrack so I will probably just sell it on ebay)

I am getting 28 pieces of curved O31 gargraves and 12 37" flex gargraves for the straights.

2 gargraves O42 remote switches

1 Atlas O 90 degrees crossing.
1 Track bumper
1 Track uncompler gargraves
1 Lionel train station (cheap one)

I will be working on a 4x8 layout, I hope everything fits.

I bought a 4x8 1/4 Pine plywood for $12 at homedepot and bought a bunch of 2"x1"

Since the 1/4 plywood was kinda soft I am creating a Frame for it with the 2x1. I am not done with the frame, but the 4x8 already feels more ridgid, without having to go with a 3/4 plywood which is really heavy.

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this is kinda what the bottom of the plywood will look like when I am done. It will be strong, yet light.

Let me know what you guys think about it. I will be working on the layout this weeked and maybe take some pictures. I don't have more decorations, just have a set of farm and cows, I need to fin cheap decorations since I went way out of my budget to get this layout for my kid and I.