hello,
i would like to convert an HO plan from the MR Track Plan Database to an O scale track plan. Don't have an idea how to do it. Any help is much appreciated.
thank You
I just got done doing this for someone (except that I was going from HO to N). While you could do it by simply copying it at the appropriate size ratio between the scales, I discovered (the hard way) that the plans in the MR database are more "inspirational sketches" than "build ready designs".
My advice to you would be to get some layout design software (I used Anyrail) and just lay out the track plan in the larger scale. Make sure you check the availability of pieces you intend to use, because manufacturers may have changed their product lines since the original plan was drawn, plus some pieces which are made in HO may not be available in other scales.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
Hi
I agree with the above reply, remember is you just double the track plan in size, you double table widths, presenting reach issues, and double all ready adequate aisle widths, wasting space.
Dave
O scale is 1.8 times the size of HO (87/48). But as it's already been said, it's not always so simple to convert. A 2-foot shelf layout in HO becomes nearly 4 feet wide in O.
Steve S
The easiest approach is to just double all the dimensions - width, length, curves, heights. Not the turnout size number. This is a little more than is needed, but will give you some leeway when actually building.
Consider this a starting point.
Adjust the plan to allow for adequate access. Generally you want everything within 30" or less. Turnouts within 24" or less. This may require pop hatches, new along the wall aisles, narrowing the benchwork, etc.
You may be able to reduce some aisle widths.
If this is for a 3 rail O gauge layout, existing brands of track use mostly curved radius turnouts (although Atlas has a #5 and #7.5). HO plans use mostly #4's, and #6's, sometimes #5's and/or #8's. So adjustments will be needed.
Scale O has very little track available, Atlas makes scale #5 and #7.5, and flex track. Atlas Curved sections may be in short supply still. Peco also makes some turnouts and flex track. Micro Engineering makes flex track. Otherwise you have to use custom builders. But note that Atlas scale O is code 148 while Peco is code 125. Do not try to use Atlas 3 rail for 2 rail - it's code 220 and the turnouts have the outer rails electrically connected. Again adjustments will be needed.
Good luck
Paul
For a basic enlargement of the track plan, use a ratio of the scales. My calculator says that an enlargement of 181% should do the trick (87.1/48=1.81). Just watch those minimum radii.
If the original HO plan has a minimum radius of 18" and you want to run truely scale O (but not fine scale) equipment, the resulting minimum radius of 32.5" may not be enough. I believe that most scale O equipment is recommended for 36" radius or larger. If this is the case, use a ratio of the desired minimum radii instead of a ratio of the scales. For example, if the original track plan has an 18" minimum radius and you want a 36" minimum radius, you should enlarge the plan by 200% (36/18=2).
S&S
Modeling the Pennsy and loving it!
Thanks for your help. I'll try andk get a 181%enlargement done and then measure out the actual dimensions to get in the ball park.
Patrick1544I'll try andk get a 181%enlargement done and then measure out the actual dimensions to get in the ball park.
Just a suggestion, but before you go to that cost and trouble, you might find it useful to mention here the published plan you are looking at and the space you have available. Then some of the helpful folks on the forum might be able to give you an idea of the issues that you might encounter.
A pure ratio scale-up from HO to O is not very likely to result in the optimal layout for your space.
Are you using O Scale (typically two-rail) or O Gauge (typically three-rail)? There are significant differences in the way track components are designed, as others have noted.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I've attached a link to the plan I would like to build. I am running 3 rail O scale. My space available in my attic is 16 x 19. I know it seems a liitle off for this plan, but I could just make it shorter to fit my space. By the calculations, the converted curves appear to be 072 for O scale. WHich is fine, as I dont have anything largwe than a K Line Allegheny which was designed to run on 031, I think.
http://mrr.trains.com/-/media/Files/PDF/trackplans/2013/03/East%20Berkshire%20Branch.pdf
Best of luck with your layout.
I'll side with Byron on this one. You can't just take a layout plan in a different scale and ratio it up or down. Everything changes.
As soon as you say "I'll just trim a little bit here to make the space right," you're headed for trouble. If it doesn't fit, then it doesn't changing the size by even a little could greatly change the geometry.
You will be much better off just using that one for inspiration and designing your own.
I've started using SCARM for a new design. I placed the actual measurements in the program, so I'll know the limits of my space.