O Gauge Layout Plans - 5′ x 8′ Plans for Lionel FasTrack
In this the 3rd post of the OGaugeWatch Layout plan series 2 variations of a Lionel FasTrack plan for a 5′ x 8′ space are presented as good examples of how a lot of operating action can be packed into a relatively small space. 5′ x 8′ plans are perfect for a ping pong table or a train platform built by adding a 1′ extension to a 4′ x 8′ piece of plywood.
The Lionel FasTrack 5′ x 8′ Version 1 plan packs a lot of operating action into a small space by incorporating into the design 2 yard tracks, a reverse loop and a passing siding.
Bring this plan to life with the addition of an industry to the upper left section near the sidings, a small town or tunnel in the upper right area and a passenger platform along the main-line or passing siding at the bottom of the plan. A Christmas tree stand will may fit within the reversing loop making this layout a candidate for placement under the Christmas tree.
Continue to read O Gauge Layout Plans - 5' x 8' Plans for Lionel FasTrack
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
O Gauge Layout Plans - Twice Around the Tree
This is the first track plan in the OGaugeWatch.com O Gauge Layout Plan series.
The Twice Around the Tree plan is a popular layout for small spaces and as the name implies a great layout that fits nicely around a Christmas tree. At 5X6, it has no turnouts and low cost. It’s extremely low maintenance, great for being placed on the floor if you use Lionel FasTrack or MTH Realtrax and the perfect next step for expanding the single loop of track included with O Gauge starter sets. The addition of a few Lemax or Department 56 buildings and accessories will make this layout come to life.
Twice Around the Tree is available for all the popular O Gauge track systems. If you’re on a tight budget try the Lionel O31 (O Gauge) or Lionel O27 tubular track plans. Tubular track is less expensive but you may find you need to mount it on a platform, especially the Lionel O27 track. Choose a plan below and get working on placing this classic O Gauge layout under the Christmas tree.
- Twice Around the Tree - Lionel FasTrack
- Twice Around the Tree - MTH Realtrax
- Twice Around the Tree - Lionel O31
- Twice Around the Tree - Lionel O27
For more info on the popular types of O Gauge track for small layouts check out the Track section of Building Your First Christmas Layout - Part 2.
How To Build a Train Platform
There’s a nice how-to article posted at www.doityourself.com about building a small train platform. The article states the platform is for HO scale trains but the basic technique can be used to build a bit larger platform for O Gauge. Check out the article here.
Related posts:
Building Your First Christmas Layout - Part 1
Building Your First Christmas Layout - Part 2
Removing 0-27 Track Pins
O Gauge Track Plans
Building Your First Christmas Layout - Part 2
In Part 2 (view Part 1 here) of Building Your First Christmas Layout I offer up some suggestions about starter sets with a few short video clips of some sets I own and touch on layout and scenery design. When all is said and done you should be ready to take on your first Christmas layout project.
Click on the link below to read on
Continue to read Building Your First Christmas Layout - Part 2
Building Your First Christmas Layout - Part 1
You remember the Lionel trains from your youth and the fun you had playing with them under the Christmas tree. You’re all grown up now and the trains are probably long gone but the memories remain and now you’re ready to build a layout for yourself or your children to rekindle the tradition of a train under the Christmas tree. Whatever the reason for building a Christmas layout, you’re ready to get started but not quite sure where to begin. If you’re a regular reader of the OGaugeWatch blog and a seasoned enthusiast this post will probably invoke memories of your first Christmas layout building experience. If your a beginner and came upon this blog post while searching for some free Christmas layout advice on the Internet than this post will help get you started down the path to building a successful layout. Building Your First Christmas Layout will be a 2 part series.
Click on the link below to read on
Continue to read Building Your First Christmas Layout - Part 1