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

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Budget Expanding Layout for O Gauge with Wide Curves

A giant O-31  /  O - 42 Layout you can expand at your leisure.

This layout is super for those who like trains that are just too long for 31" curves, or who prefer wide curves for a better-looking operation.  It expands gradually into a nice 4' by 8' layout.  If you choose to expand another 4' feet, placement of the original 42" sidings makes it easy.  The trick for the budget-minded hobbyists is to add switches gradually.  Today's siding can easily become next months passing track.  The last layout seems like a big jump, but remember that all items were added gradually.  By taking your time, you enjoy full train operations right now, and with each expansion.  You do not have to wait for the completed layout to enjoy your trains.

We start with two loops of O track.  The inner uses regular 31" O curves, the outer uses 42" curves.	A pair of O-31 switches connects the loops.
We add one 42" switch to make a siding, with an eye toward future expansion.	Now we add another one.  As switches can get expensive, you might want to add only one at a time.
Two switches in the lower right make a two-way connection to the inner loop.  If we add a switch inside the loop, we get a siding for our operating accessories.	Now we add 4' to the layout.  In this prelude to Variation 1, One more 42" switch and a loop of 42" curves makes for a reversing loop.  From here it is easy to add to the expanded section.  See next illustration below.

Variation 1

One switch added to the top left  allows more continuous running.  Two switches at the bottom add sidings.

Variation 2

Instead of expanding to a passing loop, we add two switches to make a complete loop.  A third switch inside the new loop provides a siding.

Variation 3

Here we first expanded to a long loop, then added two switches to the original (now inside) 42" loop.  These provide

sidings.  By adding a 42" switch to the bottom of the loop, you can connect and make a reversing track.  A 31" switch added in between provides a siding.  On top, add more switches to make more sidings.  

The end result looks like a small freight terminal and engine yard.

(First we added the switches for sidings.  Next we added the lower switch to make  the siding a reverse track.  

The 31" switch allowed us to make a new siding down there.   On top, we added switches at out leisure to make more sidings, expanding the original  single siding into a full yard.)

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