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Door Layouts for Atlas O Track

Four 30 inch by 77 inch track plans

The popular Atlas track system is gaining popularity among hi-rail and scale model operators. It is also fun for use on a doorway layout. These plans make optimum use of the Atlas 27" curves. Smaller car and locomotive types do best here.

Atlas' system is a confusing one. Making the layouts requires a blend of their 27" and 36" curves while accommodating the smallest switch they make, the O-36 size. You have to wiggle and fudge to make some track fit perfectly. It is a small effort that brings big results, for these layouts are the best in their class. You get the benefit of the scale track in the smallest possible space.

Unfortunately, these smallest of O railways cannot easily accommodate most of the Atlas locomotives and rolling stock. If you are an Atlas purist, you need to use shorter cars like the old-style gondolas and 36" boxcars. Locomotives which fit best are their SW series. Those who run trains from several brands will have an easier time finding the small locomotives and cars that work best. Items like the Williams 44 tonner, MTH Docksider and K-Line Alco FA can do wonders. Don't forget trolleys and other motorized units, too. Marx train operators will find that all of their locomotives and cars are sized just right to make the best of these small layouts.

Buildings shown here are only examples. Use what you like, or replace them with operating trackside accessories. After all, model railways made this small don't need to look "scale". The focus is on fun, so enjoy them!

A nice little plan with a loop. You can do small freight shunting and run a motorized unit (such as a trolley).
(10) Atlas 6043 O27 45° curve
(6) Atlas 6050 10.0 inch straight
(3) Atlas (6076) righthand O-36 turnout
(3) Atlas 6052 1.75 inch straight
(7) Atlas 6051 4.50 inch straight
(4) Atlas (6075) lefthand O-36 turnout
(1) Atlas 6066 O36 30° curve
(2) Atlas 6053 5.5 inch straight
(3) Atlas 6040 snap-on bumper
Total of 39 items

(1) Plasticville 1200 station platform
(2) Plasticville 1620 loading platform
(2) Plasticville 1407 watchman's shanty w/gate
(1) Plasticville 1907 apartment house
(1) Plasticville 1701 New England ranch home
(1) Plasticville 1625 railroad work car
(1) Berkshire Valley #802 brick freight house
(1) Buildings Unlimited B501 flag stop

This unusual plan is great for freight and trolley operations. Here the crossover spur is a small engine facility.
(9) Atlas 6043 O27 45° curve
(10) Atlas 6050 10.0 inch straight
(5) Atlas (6076) righthand O-36 turnout
(2) Atlas 6052 1.75 inch straight
(3) Atlas 6051 4.50 inch straight
(3) Atlas (6075) lefthand O-36 turnout
(2) Atlas 6066 O36 30° curve
(3) Atlas 6053 5.5 inch straight
(4) Atlas 6040 snap-on bumper
(1) Atlas 6068 O36 7.5° curve
(1) Atlas 6084 30° cross
Total of 43 items

(1) Plasticville 1200 station platform
(4) Plasticville 1620 loading platform
(2) Plasticville 1407 watchman's shanty w/gate
(1) Plasticville 1907 apartment house
(1) Plasticville 1625 railroad work car
(1) Plasticville 1616 suburban station
(1) Plasticville 1615 water tank
(1) Buildings Unlimited B501 flag stop

Just for fun, we have a spur that can reverse an engine like a wye. Great for small interurban and trolleys, or for small freight locomotives.
(8) Atlas 6043 O27 45° curve
(8) Atlas 6050 10.0 inch straight
(5) Atlas (6076) righthand O-36 turnout
(3) Atlas 6052 1.75 inch straight
(4) Atlas 6051 4.50 inch straight
(4) Atlas (6075) lefthand O-36 turnout
(3) Atlas 6066 O36 30° curve
(4) Atlas 6053 5.5 inch straight
(3) Atlas 6040 snap-on bumper
(1) Atlas 6084 30° cross
(1) Atlas 6068 O36 7.5° curve
(1) Atlas 6044 O27 22.5° curve
Total of 45 items

(4) Plasticville 1200 station platform
(3) Plasticville 1620 loading platform
(1) Plasticville 1625 railroad work car
(2) Plasticville 1615 water tank
(1) Buildings Unlimited B501 flag stop
(1) LaserKit 485 yard office

This layout allows for freight shunting. It works for full-sized trains capable of handling 27" curves.
(9) Atlas 6043 O27 45° curve
(7) Atlas (6076) righthand O-36 turnout
(8) Atlas 6050 10.0 inch straight
(3) Atlas 6052 1.75 inch straight
(4) Atlas 6051 4.50 inch straight
(2) Atlas (6075) lefthand O-36 turnout
(2) Atlas 6066 O36 30° curve
(3) Atlas 6053 5.5 inch straight
(3) Atlas 6040 snap-on bumper
(1) Atlas 6068 O36 7.5° curve
Total of 42 items

(1) Plasticville 1200 station platform
(3) Plasticville 1620 loading platform
(2) Plasticville 1407 watchman's shanty w/gate
(1) Plasticville 1907 apartment house
(1) Plasticville 1625 railroad work car
(1) Plasticville 1616 suburban station
(1) Plasticville 1615 water tank
(1) Plasticville 1906 factory
(1) Buildings Unlimited B501 flag stop

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