O GaugeWatch.com

The 5′ x 9′ Twice Around plan for Lionel FasTrack will fit nicely on a ping pong table or by extending a standard 4′ x ‘8 piece of plywood to 5′ x 9′.  This plan packs a lot of fun in a small space and making the train circle around itself before completing one lap gives the illusion of a larger track plan.

Continue to read O Gauge Layout Plans - 5' x 9' Twice Around for Lionel FasTrack

The 5′ x 9′ with Yard plan is yet another example of how elements of the Figure 8 Plus plan can be incorporated into a layout to create a double reverse loop enabling a train to easily change directions. Like the 5′ x 9′ Double Track Version 2 plan, this plan is a great choice for expanding the Figure 8 Plus plan.

The main attraction of 5′ x 9′ with Yard plan is the set of yard tracks in the lower half of the layout.  Two train operation is possible on this layout using one of Lionel’s Classic Command Control or Legacy systems or by powering the main line and yard area with two separate conventional transformers.

Continue to read O Gauge Layout Plans - 5' x 9' with Yard

The next track plans feaured in the OGaugeWatch.com Layout Plan series are a pair of double track layouts for a 5′ by 9′ space.  Both plans are a tight fit for a 5′ x 9′ train platform so a 5′6″ x 9′6″ platform is recommended.  Double track plans are great for two train operation using Lionel’s Classic Command Control or Legacy systems or by powering the inner and outer loops with two separate conventional transformers.

Continue to read O Gauge Layout Plans - 5' x 9' Double Track 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

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:

• Basic Figure 8 for 4′ x 8′ Lionel FasTrack
• Figure 8 Plus for 4′ x 8′ Lionel FasTrack

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

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.