Copyright 2001 T. Sheil & A. Sheil  All Rights Reserved

All Gauge Model Railroading Page

Building Layouts Gradually Part 2

Plans for a 4' by 8' that grows into a 4' by 10' with double the action

Using O27 and regular O Track

Using O27 track from a starter set, this simple layout expands to include O-31 track. O track is in gray, O27 in brown.  The layout allows you to run small trains and larger ones that might not handle tight O27 curves easily.  You can expand into several sidings for operating accessories, and if you wish, add 2' to the layout for an extension.

One thing: when combining O27 with O track, never force O pins into the smaller O27 track.  Instead, connect with the thinner O27 pins, and then crimp the O track with a pliers so there is a tight fit.  You might have to shim up some of the O27 track. You can use thin cardboard or wood to do this.

Our Basic Oval of track on a 4' by 8' board	You can extend the oval one switch at a time, gradually growing to this small, fun layout which is great for small switching operations and trackside operating accessories.  This layout is great for those who like freight operations.
By adding one O27 and one O-31 switch and track, we get this layout.  Here we wanted to accommodate both O27 trains and those that require a 30" curve.  Gray track at right and left is O-31.	From 4' by 8" to 4' by 10'.  To the right, we have added 3 O-31 switches and enough track for an extended loop and two sidings.

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