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All Gauge Model Railroading Page

Fun S Layout for Kids

This all begins with a simple oval layout on a 5' by 9' surface, complete with sidings. It is simple, but full of action. The only complexity is a simple matter of wiring for a reverse loop. This involves insulating off the center siding in the middle of the center oval, and wiring it accordingly. (This is explained in basic manuals on American Flyer S Gauge). Complexity or not, the result is plenty of great train action. You can expand for two-train simultaneous operation, or keep it simple and focus on operating accessories.

The unusual 38" / 40" diameter curves of S Gauge and the 10" straight tracks make it more ponderous to lay out. S requires more room than O, HO and O27. Were an S system made using a minimum 27" diameter curve or even 31", it would undoubtedly gain in popularity.

This 9' by 5' plan is fine for a freight or passenger operation. It works great running a train and a motorized unit, such as a trolley. The S track systems require 8" or more diameter curves. The same layout would be 4' by 8' for O, O27 and HO. Naturally, you can substitute operating accessories for buildings here. Wiring will be straightforward.
ADVANCED Wiring: the siding cutting through the center oval must be wired as a reverse track! This is described in the basic American Flyer manuals.

(14) AF #700 straight
(19) AF #702 S-40 curve
(4) AF #720 remote left-hand turnout
(3) AF #720 remote right-hand turnout
(3) AF cut-to-length
(5) AF #701 half straight
(1) AF #730 lighted bumper
Total of 49 items

All you need do is lay out scenery, such as fake grass, and paint on roads before laying down track. Wiring is straightforward. Place your buildings, accessories and trees and you have a great layout in but a few hours.
(1) Plasticville 1402 switch tower
(1) Plasticville 1615 water tank
(4) Plasticville 1620 loading platform
(4) Plasticville 1407 watchman's shanty w/gate
(1) Plasticville 1616 suburban station
(1) Plasticville 1200 station platform
(1) Plasticville 1906 factory
(1) Plasticville 1700 two-story colonial house
(1) Plasticville #1908 split-level house
(4) Plasticville 1629 bungalow house
(1) Plasticville #1603 Ranch house
(1) Plasticville 1701 New England ranch home
(1) Plasticville #1502 Cape Cod house
(1) Plasticville #1622 dairy barn w/silo
(1) Plasticville #1408 windmill
(1) Plasticville #1617 storage shed
Total of 25 items costing

A longer siding on top allows for complete two-train operation.
ADVANCED Wiring: the siding cutting through the center oval must be wired as a reverse track! This is described in the basic American Flyer manuals.

(19) AF #700 straight
(19) AF #702 S-40 curve
(4) AF #720 remote left-hand turnout
(3) AF #720 remote right-hand turnout
(2) AF cut-to-length
(5) AF #701 half straight
(1) AF #730 lighted bumper
Total of 53 items

(1) Plasticville 1402 switch tower
(1) Plasticville 1615 water tank
(4) Plasticville 1620 loading platform
(4) Plasticville 1407 watchman's shanty w/gate
(1) Plasticville 1616 suburban station
(1) Plasticville 1200 station platform
(1) Plasticville 1906 factory
(1) Plasticville 1700 two-story colonial house
(1) Plasticville #1908 split-level house
(4) Plasticville 1629 bungalow house
(1) Plasticville #1603 Ranch house
(1) Plasticville 1701 New England ranch home
(1) Plasticville #1502 Cape Cod house
(1) Plasticville #1622 dairy barn w/silo
(1) Plasticville #1408 windmill
(1) Plasticville #1617 storage shed
Total of 25 items costing

An extended siding on the right increases the action.
ADVANCED Wiring: the siding cutting through the center oval must be wired as a reverse track! This is described in the basic American Flyer manuals.

(18) AF #700 straight
(23) AF #702 S-40 curve
(5) AF #720 remote left-hand turnout
(4) AF #720 remote right-hand turnout
(2) AF cut-to-length
(6) AF #701 half straight
(1) AF #730 lighted bumper
Total of 59 items

(1) Plasticville 1402 switch tower
(1) Plasticville 1615 water tank
(4) Plasticville 1620 loading platform
(4) Plasticville 1407 watchman's shanty w/gate
(1) Plasticville 1616 suburban station
(1) Plasticville 1200 station platform
(1) Plasticville 1906 factory
(1) Plasticville #1908 split-level house
(1) Plasticville #1603 Ranch house
(1) Plasticville 1701 New England ranch home
(3) Plasticville 1629 bungalow house
(1) Plasticville #1502 Cape Cod house
(1) Plasticville #1622 dairy barn w/silo
(1) Plasticville #1408 windmill
(1) Plasticville #1617 storage shed
(1) Plasticville 1700 two-story colonial house
Total of 24 items costing

Surprise! Now it is two loops, allowing independent simultaneous operation for two trains.
ADVANCED Wiring: the siding cutting through the center oval must be wired as a reverse track! This is described in the basic American Flyer manuals.

(18) AF #700 straight
(26) AF #702 S-40 curve
(6) AF #720 remote left-hand turnout
(5) AF #720 remote right-hand turnout
(2) AF cut-to-length
(9) AF #701 half straight
(1) AF #730 lighted bumper
Total of 67 items

(1) Plasticville 1402 switch tower
(1) Plasticville 1615 water tank
(4) Plasticville 1620 loading platform
(4) Plasticville 1407 watchman's shanty w/gate
(1) Plasticville 1616 suburban station
(1) Plasticville 1200 station platform
(1) Plasticville 1906 factory
(1) Plasticville #1908 split-level house
(1) Plasticville #1603 Ranch house
(1) Plasticville 1701 New England ranch home
(3) Plasticville 1629 bungalow house
(1) Plasticville #1502 Cape Cod house
(1) Plasticville #1622 dairy barn w/silo
(1) Plasticville 1700 two-story colonial house
(1) Plasticville #1408 windmill
(1) Plasticville #1617 chicken coop
(1) Plasticville #1303 log cabin
(1) Plasticville #1500 diner
Total of 26 items costing

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