A O Gauge Layout that Grows

[handyandy]

My layout is just 39" x 80", but it has most of what you're looking for, two trains running, and reverse loops, but switching is just running the inner track as an oval or in a figure eight. Changing back and forth while the train is running adds a bit of excitement!

It's small, but it's fun.

[conrail1988]

A 5x8 layout may seem small, but you can add a immense amount of detail and story to it. Just like a good photographer's picture, it may look simple, yet it's the small details that you look for and story you hear that makes it larger than life. Do a small section at a time, as the layout builds into the story. I hope to see some pictures soon Technology seems simple but rather complicated at times... (Bring back them tubes) Cheers, Pauly

[lionelsoni]

Yes, it is around the walls, in a room about 10-by-20 feet.  I get into the room through a 2-foot gap spanned by a pair of much-extended bascule bridges.  The widest part of the layout is a 32-inch-wide 8-track yard between two main lines.

I designed the layout with all the complexity, like yard throats and turning loops, in the corners, which are joined by straight parallel track (like the main yard), in anticipation of two moves.  Streching or shrinking those straight sides adapts it to a new room.

[wallyworld]

lionelsoni

Did you consider going around the walls?  You get a lot more running distance in a small space if the people are in the mdidle and the trains are around the outside of the room.

The next redo I undertake which is inevitable  your suggestion will be a better strategy.

Is yours around the walls? Any photos?  I have not seen many... most are duck-unders or what have you. Some ( around the walls )are so wide they seem more like a table with a hole in the middle. The next one I do will have more room for visitors to roam.

[BigAl 956]

You can upload the image to a hosting site and add a link into posts from there.

[lionelsoni]

Did you consider going around the walls?  You get a lot more running distance in a small space if the people are in the mdidle and the trains are around the outside of the room.

[Mauka]

For my space this small, a 11x13 spare bedroom, this 5x8 has all the elements important to me.  Two trains running, reversing loop, and a some switching action.  Not too much room for scenery, that will have to wait until we can move into a larger home.

I choose MTH Realtrax because it's nickel-silver, an absolute must in the humid salt air environment of Hawaii.  I tried Fastrack with my last layout and rust and connectivity problems started early and could only be abated with 24 hour air conditioning.  I wanted to use Atlas nickel-silver track, but finding a dealer with reliable stock on hand is a problem. 

This view is from RR-Track version 4, which I used to redraw the online layout for planning purposes.  I will be placing one of the 5' ends against a wall, leaving ample access to all parts of the layout.  My last layout was also in a small room but I didn't leave enough room for easy access, not this time!

Oh wait - don't see a way to insert an image from my computer....  have to link from another site, too bad.

Anyway thanks for looking. Alan