Copyright 2004 T. Sheil & A. Sheil  All Rights Reserved

All Gauge Model Railroading Page


3' by 5' Layouts

Track plans


The trend for most model railroaders is toward larger layouts.  Practical consideration dictate that for many, even a 4' by 8' railway is too big.  Either the person is constrained by a lack of space, or he has a need for portability.  The beauty of O Gauge is that it can be made to work in smaller areas than most other scales.  The classic O and O27 track geometry provides a tight curve which can be made to fit in small areas.

3' by 5' is a good area for a picayune pike.  It is not demanding of space, yet with good planning will allow an interesting layout.  Concessions must be made to allow such a small home railway.  Things can be done that would be unthinkable for a larger model railroad  At times, it might seem cramped.  However, by making the right concessions and using one's imagination, it is entirely possible to have a satisfying model railway in a small space.

The 3' by 5' area puts a layout in reach of those who are expanding upon a starter set.

The layouts shown here use the standard O Gauge track geometry with the 31" curve.  

Scenery is included mainly to illustrate the track plan as a layout.  You may alter, substitute or change scenery any way you want, since our example is only meant to illuminate the track plan.  


Click here for O27 Layouts

Click here for more O27 Layouts

Click for the third set of O27 Layouts

Click here for O Gauge (O-31) Layouts

Click here for more O-Gauge Layouts

Click here for MTH RealTrax Layouts

Click here for more MTH RealTrax Layouts

Click here for Atlas O Layouts

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