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3' by 4' Layouts for MTh RealTrax O Track

Track plans

MTH RealTrax is difficult when working in close spaces because of the extra track width due to plastic roadbed. It takes more finesse, and yet is quite versatile, as these layouts illustrate. The following layouts are basic track p[lans for tight spaces. They can also be used as display layouts, extensions to an existing layout, or a basis from which to expand a layout. Several are "concept layouts" illustrating a few ideas that can be used elsewhere.

Note that in these tight spaces, trackwork and everything else is fit tightly. There is little "wiggle room". Concessions must be made so that a layout can fit a 3' by 4' space.

Most layouts show several operating track sections. These are shown for those who might wish to use them. You can substitute a regular straight for an uncoupler / operating track if you wish. Feel free to adapt and alter the plans as you desire.

Scenery is shown as an example of what can be done in such a small space. It is an example, and you should feel free to change scenery as you wish. Our examples are limited to what is included in the accessory libraries. Substitute, change and adapt layouts at will.

The best trains for these layouts are either smaller models, such as the smaller O27 types, or models of such short cars and locomotives. Short types include ore cars, bobber cabooses, docksider steam locomotives and "critter" gas or diesel switcher engines. You can also use short trolleys or other motorized units.

This layout can run as a loop or as a point-to-point railway. Our example includes an urban area and a pierfront scene.
(2) MTH 40-1001 10 inch straight
(5) MTH 40-1002 O-31 curve
(2) MTH 40-1004 O31 righthand switch
(1) MTH 40-1016 5.0 in straight
(3) MTH 40-1024 track bumper
(1) MTH 40-1005 O31 lefthand switch
(2) MTH 40-1018 3.5 in straight
(3) MTH 40-1008 uncoupling track

(1) MTH 30-90092 Bicycle Shop(ocnr)
(1) MTH 30-9012 Corner Drug store
(1) MTH 30-90023 Soda Fountain crnr
(1) MTH 30-90035 Forbes Tower
(1) MTH 30-90019 Lombardi's Pizza
(2) MTH 30-9006 passenger station platform
(1) MTH 30-9033 #494 rotary beacon
(6) MTH 30-1078 O-scale round lamp

This layout can work well with bumper-activated motorized units, or serve as a freight shunting pike for short cars. We have a pierfront in our scenery example.
(2) MTH 40-1001 10 inch straight
(6) MTH 40-1002 O-31 curve
(2) MTH 40-1004 O31 righthand switch
(1) MTH 40-1016 5.0 in straight
(3) MTH 40-1024 track bumper
(1) MTH 40-1005 O31 lefthand switch
(2) MTH 40-1018 3.5 in straight
(2) MTH 40-1008 uncoupling track
(1) MTH 40-1022 O-31 half curve

(1) MTH 30-9012 Corner Drug store
(1) MTH 30-90092 Bicycle Shop(ocnr)
(1) MTH 30-90019 Lombardi's Pizza
(1) MTH 30-90035 Forbes Tower
(1) MTH 30-9006 passenger station platform
(1) MTH 30-9063 milk platform
(5) MTH 30-1078 O-scale round lamp
(1) MTH 30-11051 AF#23772 water tower

Classic extended loop with one siding. urban scenes are depicted here.
(9) MTH 40-1002 O-31 curve
(2) MTH 40-1004 O31 righthand switch
(3) MTH 40-1018 3.5 in straight
(1) MTH 40-1005 O31 lefthand switch
(2) MTH 40-1016 5.0 in straight
(1) MTH 40-1001 10 inch straight
(1) MTH 40-1024 track bumper

(1) MTH 30-90070 Camera Shop(crnr)
(1) MTH 30-90092 Bicycle Shop(ocnr)
(1) MTH 30-9085 Train store
(1) MTH 30-90023 Soda Fountain crnr
(1) MTH 30-9006 passenger station platform
(1) MTH 30-9033 #494 rotary beacon
(3) MTH 30-11012 operating crossing gate w/signal
(8) MTH 30-1078 O-scale round lamp
(1) MTH 30-1089-1 traffic signal
(2) MTH 30-11014 hiway crossing signal w/sound

Classic extended loop, good for continuous running. Our example scenery implies a trolley / commuter pike.
(10) MTH 40-1002 O-31 curve
(1) MTH 40-1005 O31 lefthand switch
(1) MTH 40-1004 O31 righthand switch
(2) MTH 40-1012 5.5 inch half straight

(1) MTH 30-9006 passenger station platform
(1) MTH 30-90017 Feather & Sons factory
(1) MTH 30-9096 CJ's Textile factory
(1) MTH 30-90035 Forbes Tower
(1) MTH 30-90096 Antique Shop
(6) MTH 30-1078 O-scale round lamp
(1) MTH 30-11012 operating crossing gate w/signal
(1) MTH 30-90006 yard tower

Extended loop with siding. Our scenery example is an urban area served by a trolley / commuter line.
(9) MTH 40-1002 O-31 curve
(2) MTH 40-1005 O31 lefthand switch
(1) MTH 40-1004 O31 righthand switch
(2) MTH 40-1012 5.5 inch half straight
(1) MTH 40-1001 10 inch straight
(1) MTH 40-1024 track bumper

(2) MTH 30-9006 passenger station platform
(1) MTH 30-90006 yard tower
(2) MTH 30-11012 operating crossing gate w/signal
(1) MTH 30-90092 Bicycle Shop(ocnr)
(1) MTH 30-90035 Forbes Tower
(1) MTH 30-90019 Lombardi's Pizza
(3) MTH 30-1078 O-scale round lamp

Loop with long sidings. This is great for use with operating accessories.
(8) MTH 40-1002 O-31 curve
(2) MTH 40-1004 O31 righthand switch
(3) MTH 40-1024 track bumper
(1) MTH 40-1005 O31 lefthand switch
(2) MTH 40-1018 3.5 in straight
(3) MTH 40-1008 uncoupling track
(1) MTH 40-1022 O-31 half curve

(1) MTH 30-9119 AF #787 log loader
(1) MTH 30-9122 AF #796 sawmill
(1) MTH 30-9006 passenger station platform
(1) MTH 30-11012 operating crossing gate w/signal
(1) MTH 30-90008 work house 1
(1) MTH 30-9033 #494 rotary beacon
(1) MTH 30-11027 yard switch tower

Extended loop with siding. Switch machine (in red circle) needs to be moved. Our setting is urban with a hint of the outskirts of town.
(9) MTH 40-1002 O-31 curve
(1) MTH 40-1005 O31 lefthand switch
(2) MTH 40-1004 O31 righthand switch
(1) MTH 40-1024 track bumper
(3) MTH 40-1017 4.25 in straight
(1) MTH 40-1001 10 inch straight

(1) MTH 30-11014 hiway crossing signal w/sound
(1) MTH 30-9033 #494 rotary beacon
(1) MTH 30-90006 yard tower
(5) MTH 30-1062 O-scale hexagonal lamp
(1) MTH 30-11012 operating crossing gate w/signal
(4) MTH 30-9079 townhouse 2
(4) MTH 30-9078 townhouse 1
(2) MTH 30-9080 townhouse 3

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