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

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Doorway layouts for HO

Six track plans for a 36" by 77" area

The problem with conventional HO track is that its smallest common radius is 18", resulting in a 36" diameter arc that makes it unusable for doorway layouts.  Atlas makes a 15" curve which fits in the area, however.  Combined with the Atlas #50 and #51 switches, it is possible to make interesting, small HO layouts.  These are best used with medium and smaller sized cars and locomotives.  (I envisioned their use with the END F units and GP series, and ALCO FA diesels and RS1 - RSD5 road switchers.)  They are a natural for switchers!  Fans of mining, logging, dockside and industrial railways can have their fill of fun.

Simple oval with two passing sidings and spurs. (9) Atlas 9.0 in straight (14) Atlas R-15 30° curve (3) Atlas #50 R-18 left-hand turnout (4) Atlas #51 R-18 right-hand turnout (8) Atlas R-18 10° curve (3) Atlas #43 track bumper (2) Atlas 6.0 in straight Total of 43 items

The top siding replaced with a spur.  Use of bridges adds interest. (8) Atlas 9.0 in straight (14) Atlas R-15 30° curve (3) Atlas #50 R-18 left-hand turnout (3) Atlas #51 R-18 right-hand turnout (6) Atlas R-18 10° curve (4) Atlas #43 track bumper (4) Atlas 6.0 in straight (3) Atlas #82 pier girder bridge Total of 45 items

Expansion to the right ends in two sidings, one curved and one straight. (8) Atlas 9.0 in straight (19) Atlas R-15 30° curve (3) Atlas #50 R-18 left-hand turnout (4) Atlas #51 R-18 right-hand turnout (6) Atlas R-18 10° curve (5) Atlas #43 track bumper (4) Atlas 6.0 in straight (3) Atlas #82 pier girder bridge (1) Atlas 3.0 in straight (1) Atlas 2.00 in straight Total of 54 items

Layout with a passing "short cut" siding and two spurs.  Again, bridges make it more interesting. (18) Atlas R-15 30° curve (1) Atlas #51 R-18 right-hand turnout (3) Atlas #50 R-18 left-hand turnout (3) Atlas 9.0 in straight (2) Atlas #82 pier girder bridge (1) Atlas 6.0 in straight (2) Atlas #43 track bumper (1) Atlas R-18 15° curve (1) Atlas #85 plate girder bridge (2) Atlas 3.0 in straight (1) Atlas #83 Warren truss bridge Total of 35 items

Loop with passing short cut siding and plenty of spurs for freight operations. (24) Atlas R-15 30° curve (6) Atlas #51 R-18 right-hand turnout (2) Atlas #50 R-18 left-hand turnout (7) Atlas 9.0 in straight (6) Atlas #43 track bumper (1) Atlas R-18 15° curve (4) Atlas 3.0 in straight (1) Atlas 6.0 in straight Total of 51 items

Curved shape like a dogbone with sidings - great for freight operations. Advanced Wiring Notice - the reverse line bisecting the center of the layout needs to be wired as a reverse loop.  The Atlas Controller is suggested. (21) Atlas R-15 30° curve (13) Atlas 9.0 in straight (6) Atlas #43 track bumper (2) Atlas #50 R-18 left-hand turnout (6) Atlas #51 R-18 right-hand turnout (1) Atlas 3.0 in straight (3) Atlas 6.0 in straight (4) Atlas R-15 15° curve (1) Atlas 1.00 in straight (2) Atlas R-18 10° curve Total of 59 items

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