Copyright 2002 T. Sheil & A. Sheil All Rights Reserved

All Gauge Model Railroading Page

4' by 6' O Gauge Layout Plans

for

Atlas O Track

The O Gauge track system by Atlas is gaining popularity because of its realistic appearance, resistance to corrosion and greater conductivity. Atlas O is an O Gauge track, but with distinct differences. The geometry of Atlas O varies from classic O and O27 significantly. Rather than the common 27", 31" and 42" curves used in 4' by 6' layouts, Atlas presents us with 27", 36" and 45". They make a BIG difference in track planning. You cannot figure an Atlas O layout the way you would with other systems.

That said, the Atlas O system is extremely versatile for work in the 4' by 6' size layouts. Though it lacks a 27" switch, the 36" and 45" switches combined with good track work allows plenty of action in limited space. These examples show just what you can do with Atlas O. Pay careful attention to the parts lists, as we use various sized curves rather than limiting ourselves to a basic 27" or 36". You can see the results.

Note that in a few instances, you will have to fudge and nudge track into place. Also, though the Atlas switch machines are small, they may overhang slightly. They can be replaced by under-the-table switch machines. I would recommend that for the person who wants better scenery. Indeed. Atlas O track gives you the effect for scale scenery within the confines of 4' by 6'.

A basic circular layout for continuous running.
(4) Atlas 6050 10.0 inch straight
(13) Atlas 6045 O45 30° curve
(3) Atlas (6076) righthand O-36 turnout
(1) Atlas (6075) lefthand O-36 turnout
(14) Atlas 6066 O36 30° curve
(2) Atlas 6040 snap-on bumper
(1) Atlas 6051 4.50 inch straight
(1) MTH 30-9012 Corner Drug store
(1) MTH 30-9035 Jewelry store
(1) MTH 30-9056 Auto Parts store
(1) MTH 30-9085 Train store
(1) MTH 30-9077 6 floor office bldg
(1) MTH 30-9082 hotel
(14) MTH 30-1062 O-scale hexagonal lamp
(1) MTH 30-11012 operating crossing gate w/signal
(3) MTH 30-11014 hiway crossing signal w/sound
(1) Plasticville 1620 loading platform
(2) Plasticville 1200 station platform
(1) Plasticville #1602 post office
(1) Plasticville #1611 hardware store
(1) Plasticville SM-6 small super market
(1) Plasticville #1502 Cape Cod house
(2) Plasticville 1701 New England ranch home
(1) Plasticville 1629 bungalow house
(1) Plasticville 1907 apartment house
(1) Plasticville #1603 Ranch house

Like many suburban towns, the shopping district is in the middle, with homes to the edges of town.

Here's a pike that is just right for the freight operator.
(5) Atlas 6050 10.0 inch straight
(18) Atlas 6066 O36 30° curve
(10) Atlas 6045 O45 30° curve
(4) Atlas (6076) righthand O-36 turnout
(1) Atlas 6053 5.5 inch straight
(1) Atlas (6075) lefthand O-36 turnout
(2) Atlas 6068 O36 7.5° curve
(3) Atlas 6051 4.50 inch straight
(3) Atlas 6040 snap-on bumper
(2) Atlas 6085 O45 lefthand turnout
(4) Atlas 6052 1.75 inch straight
(1) Atlas 6059 uncoupling track
(1) MTH 30-9063 milk platform
(1) MTH 30-9001 RailKing farm house
(2) MTH 30-50002 13" fence
(1) MTH 30-50002 16" fence w/gate
(1) MTH 30-50002 16" fence
(1) MTH 30-90001 outhouse
(1) MTH 30-90002 telephone shanty
(1) Atlas O #6903B trackside shanty
(1) Lionel® 9224 horse car platform
(2) Plasticville #1622 dairy barn
(4) Plasticville dairy barn silo
(1) Plasticville #1617 corn crib
(1) Plasticville #1617 chicken coop
(1) Plasticville #1617 dog house
(1) Plasticville #1408 windmill
(1) Plasticville #1303 log cabin

The rural motif allows for mountains, farms and related accessories.

Here is a railway with plenty of switching, shunting and room for operating accessories. There is also a bumper-to-bumper trolley line at the top edge!
(4) Atlas 6045 O45 30° curve
(11) Atlas 6066 O36 30° curve
(6) Atlas 6051 4.50 inch straight
(7) Atlas 6052 1.75 inch straight
(6) Atlas (6075) lefthand O-36 turnout
(1) Atlas 6085 O45 lefthand turnout
(11) Atlas 6050 10.0 inch straight
(10) Atlas 6040 snap-on bumper
(2) Atlas (6076) righthand O-36 turnout
(1) Atlas 6070 O54 left-hand turnout
(1) Atlas 6071 O54 right-hand turnout
(1) Atlas 6086 O45 righthand turnout
(1) Atlas 6053 5.5 inch straight
(1) MTH 30-9122 AF #796 sawmill
(1) MTH 30-9119 AF #787 log loader
(1) MTH 30-9063 milk platform
(1) MTH 30-9012 Corner Drug store
(1) MTH 30-9018 hardware store
(1) MTH 30-9077 6 floor office bldg
(1) MTH 30-9082 hotel
(1) MTH 30-9056 Auto Parts store
(6) MTH 30-1062 O-scale hexagonal lamp
(2) MTH 30-11014 hiway crossing signal w/sound
(2) MTH 30-11012 operating crossing gate w/signal
(1) Lionel® 2300 oil drum loader
(3) Plasticville 1200 station platform
(1) Plasticville 1402 switch tower
(1) Plasticville 1620 loading platform

Both freight and commuter service are combined in this pike, which here shows the edge of town abutting the freight yards.

This dream layout combines it all: sidings for freight and room for commuter trains.
(6) Atlas 6045 O45 30° curve
(10) Atlas 6043 O27 45° curve
(8) Atlas 6066 O36 30° curve
(6) Atlas 6046 O45 7.5° curve
(6) Atlas 6051 4.50 inch straight
(10) Atlas 6052 1.75 inch straight
(5) Atlas (6075) lefthand O-36 turnout
(2) Atlas (6076) righthand O-36 turnout
(6) Atlas 6050 10.0 inch straight
(2) Atlas 6044 O27 22.5° curve
(1) Atlas 6053 5.5 inch straight
(4) Atlas 6040 snap-on bumper
(1) Atlas 6085 O45 lefthand turnout
(1) Atlas 6059 uncoupling track
(9) MTH 30-1062 O-scale hexagonal lamp
(2) MTH 30-11014 hiway crossing signal w/sound
(1) MTH 30-11012 operating crossing gate w/signal
(1) MTH 30-9025 #395 floodlight (yellow)
1) Lionel® 22997 #2300 oil drum loader
(1) Lionel® 9220 milk car platfrom
(1) Plasticville 1800 large gas station
(1) Plasticville 1800 gas station pumps
(1) Plasticville #1611 hardware store
(1) Plasticville #1602 post office
(1) Plasticville #1612 5 & 10 store
(1) Plasticville 1701 New England ranch home
(1) Plasticville #1502 Cape Cod house
(1) Plasticville 1629 bungalow house
(2) Plasticville 1620 loading platform
(2) Plasticville 1200 station platform
(1) Plasticville 1618 TV transmitter station
(1) Plasticville 1907 apartment house
(1) Plasticville SM-6 small super market
(1) Plasticville #1500 diner
(1) Plasticville 1402 switch tower
(1) Plasticville 1625 railroad work car

The scenery is reminiscent of towns along the roads of northern and western New Jersey.

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