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All Gauge Model Railroading Page

4' by 6' Layout Plans

for

Standard Gauge

The Standard gauge layouts shown here are for the small area of 4' by 6', proving that even those with space limitations can enjoy the 'big trains.'  There are four layouts on this page - the link near the bottom takes you to four more.  Each uses Standard gauge track along with currently-available reproduction Tinplate scenery and accessories, plus some of the Standard-sized items that are currently used in classic O gauge.  Between the two, you have more than enough to make an exciting and well-scened pike.  

My idea was to make Standard Gauge railways which, if they could be rendered to a scale, would range between 1/32 and 1/24.  You can add miniature people and vehicles within that range.  Diecast automobiles from several eras are currently available in 1/32, 1/24 and 1/25.  Miniature figures can be found via G Scale accessories, or popular holiday village figurines such as Lemax, St, Nicholas Square and Department 56. At least half of the holiday figurines can be used in non-winter / non-holiday scenes.  In fact, Lemax had a nice set of railroad porters, plus an engineer and conductor figure.

With railways this small, you get more appeal by concentrating more effort on scenery.  These days there is much available, from reproduction Standard gauge and Postwar equipment to holiday villaging accessories and G / #1 gauge products.

This is a basic plan that offers a few interesting moves. (12) Standard gauge curve, 42in (2) Standard gauge Lionel #210L turnout (2) Standard gauge Lionel #210R turnout (1) MTH #438 switch tower (1) MTH #437 switch tower (1) MTH #436 power house (1) MTH 10-1160 #165 magnet crane (1) MTH 30-1036 #69N warning bell (4) MTH 30-1099 #35 lamp	Here it is given a little scenery, for a hint of what is possible.  You can adapt scenery as you wish/
This plan has two short spurs  Of course, they can only handle the shortest Standard gauge cars. (10) Standard gauge curve, 42in (2) Standard gauge Lionel #210L turnout (2) Standard gauge Lionel #210R turnout (2) Standard gauge straight (1) Standard gauge half-straight (2) Standard gauge #25 illuminated bumper (1) Lionel® 12713 gate man and shed (1) Lionel® 12892 automatic gateman (1) Lionel® 2133 freight station (2) Lionel® 12943 illuminated station platform (1) MTH #437 switch tower (1) MTH 10-1160 #165 magnet crane (1) MTH #436 power house (1) MTH 30-1036 #69N warning bell	The Classic and Postwar large structures make this an interesting layout.
The long spur at bottom is a unique feature. (3) Standard gauge straight (13) Standard gauge curve, 42in (2) Standard gauge Lionel #210R turnout (1) Standard gauge Lionel #210L turnout (1) Standard gauge half-straight (1) Standard gauge #25 illuminated bumper (1) MTH #437 switch tower (1) MTH #840 power station (1) MTH #438 switch tower (1) MTH 10-1160 #165 magnet crane (1) MTH 30-1036 #69N warning bell (2) MTH 10-1095 #67 lamp post	Our example uses the Powerhouse, an apt centerpiece of this classic tinplate pike.
Longer loops allow more cars on a train.  The shortest spur is good only for the shortest cars. It is more for appearances than practical operations. (8) Standard gauge curve, 42in (4) Standard gauge half-straight (2) Standard gauge Lionel #210R turnout (1) Standard gauge straight (3) Standard gauge medium-straight (2) Standard gauge #25 illuminated bumper (2) Standard gauge Lionel #210L turnout (1) Lionel® 2129 freight station (1) Lionel® 12713 gate man and shed (1) Lionel® 14152 #133 station (2) Lionel® 12748 illuminated station platform (2) Lionel® 12760 automatic hiway flasher (2) Lionel® 14147 station clock (2) Lionel® 22947 automatic crossing gate (1) Lionel® 6-2162 crossing gate w/signal (1) MTH #437 switch tower	A little scenery goes a long way to make this track plan come to life.

Click here for the remaining set of 4' by 6' Standard Gauge layouts

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