O Gauge Layout Plans - Lionel FasTrack Figure 8 for 4′ x 8′
This is the second post in the O Gauge Layout Plan series.
The Figure 8 plan is a classic track configuration for small spaces. The Basic Figure 8 and Figure 8 Plus layout plans are great next step options for expanding your railroad empire.
The Basic Figure 8 plan for Lionel FasTrack is perfect for a 4′ x 8′ panel of wood and makes a great starting point for later expansion as larger layout plans will incorporate the Basic Figure 8 as a design element for reversing loops. Lionel offers a FasTrack Figure 8 Add-On Track Pack with everything needed to turn the oval of FasTrack included in Lionel starter sets into the Basic Figure 8. Use this plan as a Christmas Tree layout by placing the tree stand in the center of one of the loops.
The Figure 8 Plus plan for Lionel FasTrack builds upon the Basic Figure 8 plan by incorporating 4 O36 switches into the design turning a Figure 8 into a double reversing loop. While adding 4 switches (remote or manually controlled) adds significantly to the budget needed to build this plan, the added action will make running your trains much more interesting. Like the Basic Figure 8 this plan is a great base for future expansion. The double reversing loop is a design element found in many larger track plans.
Downloadable track plans:
Building your first Christmas layout? Be sure to check out these posts:
- How To Build A Train Platform
- Building Your First Christmas Layout - Part 1
- Building Your First Christmas Layout - Part 2
Related posts:
- An OGW Reader’s Figure 8 Plus Christmas Layout
- O Gauge Layout Plans - 5′ x 9′ Twice Around for Lionel FasTrack
- O Gauge Layout Plans - 5′ x 9′ with Yard
- O Gauge Layout Plans - 5′ x 9′ Double Track Plans for Lionel FasTrack
- O Gauge Layout Plans - 5′ x 8′ Plans for Lionel FasTrack
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4 Responses to “O Gauge Layout Plans - Lionel FasTrack Figure 8 for 4′ x 8′”
I sometimes used to walk home from Long Island City High School with a fellow that I liked named Paul Milazzo.If I remember correctly ,he lived on 21st st. near Astoria Blvd.
If you are him .I wish you well
Posted by: Ronald DiCicco | Nov 21, 2009 at 3:42 PM
I would like to build a basic 4′ x 8′ Lionel layout for my son and I to enjoy year round. We have limited space (garage) which is why we are restricted to 4′ x 8′. However, our train empire is growing and we would like to run at least two trains (one freight and one passenger). What layout do you recommend? Thanks for your help and thanks for this site, it is great.
Joe
Posted by: Joe Demalis | Nov 24, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Hi Joe, a double track configuration is what I run on my 4′ x 8′. With 2 loops of track each can be powered by a separate transformer so you can run 2 trains at the same time. I found that packing a lot of scenery and buildings onto the layout makes train operation more fun and interesting on small layouts. You can check out photos of my layout here. I don’t have a specific FasTrack plan for double track on 4′ x 8′ but you should be able to easily create the loops using O36 curves. Insert a 10″ straight in the middle of the outer loop curves to clear the inner loop. The one problem is that the outer loop will overhang the 4′ x 8′ platform by 1 inch so you will have to expand the width of your platform to at least 50 inches. You can build one of the Figure 8 plans as the inner loop. There are a bunch of 4′ x 8′ plans on the All Gauge Model Railroad site here but their design limits your ability to run 2 trains at the same time.
Posted by: dhartmann | Nov 25, 2009 at 7:31 AM
Dave,
Thanks for the information. I previously looked at the All Gauge site plans, and I was figuring on building a platform 54″ x 102″ to ensure I had enough room for the track and to be able to run two trains. I enjoyed the photos of your layout, and your layout photos really drive home how much well-placed scenery can enhance a layout, especially a smaller sized one. I’m thinking about a figure 8 for the inner loop which will be for my passenger train. The outer loop will be for my son’s freight train, and I would love to have at least one siding for him to have an operating car/scenery area. Once again, thanks for the help and the great site, I will be checking back daily.
Joe
Posted by: Joe Demalis | Dec 4, 2009 at 6:39 PM