Copyright 2004 T. Sheil & A. Sheil All Rights Reserved

All Gauge Model Railroading Page

Micro Layouts for O Track

40 by 42 inch Track plans

The 40 - by 42 inch series of Micro Layouts was inspired by a request. Having done the 3' by 5' layouts, we were asked to try making one to fit someone's closet shelf. The challenge was made facetiously, but we saw it as a chance to try something new. The goal was to make interesting layouts in a very small space, with a variety of possible rail operations.

These O Gauge layouts use traditional tubular track and 31" diameter curves. The classic O track is less versatile than O27 or MTH Realtrax for small spaces. Nonetheless, it can be given a good fit to provide an interesting layout. The best trains for these Micro-pikes are smaller locomotives, cars and motorized units. The smaller of the O27 are superb, as are short vehicles such as Docksider locomotives, "Beeps," ore cars, bobber cabooses and short trolleys. Keep in mind that at this size, everything is tight and concessions must be made to the small space.

Note that we show the use of operating tracks, in case you wish to use them. You can forego them and use a regular O straight track in their place, if you wish.

A simple railway, here given urban scenery. Nice for simple runs. This makes a nice trolley / commuter railway.
(12) Lionel® O27 O-27 curve 45°
(3) Lionel® O27 single straight
(3) Lionel® O27 O-27 lefthand turnout
(1) Lionel® O27 O-27 righthand turnout
(2) Lionel® O27 track bumper
(3) Lionel® O27 operating uncoupling track
(3) Lionel® O27 half straight

(1) Lionel® 14157 #397 coal loader
(1) Lionel® 9220 milk car platform
(2) Lionel® 2152 crossing gate
(1) Lionel® 12966 rotary beacon
(1) Plasticville 1620 loading platform
(1) Plasticville 1200 station platform

This diminutive railroad has room for operating accessories, making it excellent for the young O Gauge railfan. Both sidings are long enough for classic accessories like the Milk Platform, Horse Corral (shown) and Horse / Cattle loader(shown). There is free space for play.
(10) Lionel® O O-31 curve 45°
(4) Lionel® O half straight
(2) Lionel® O O-31 modern righthand turnout
(2) Lionel® O uncoupling track
(2) Lionel® #260 track bumper

(1) Lionel® 14004 #397 coal loader
(1) Lionel® 9224 horse car platform
(1) Lionel® 22946 automatic X-ing gate & signal
(1) Lionel® 14149 banjo signal
(1) Lionel® 12917 operating switch tower
(1) Lionel® 12886 flood light tower

Here is a nice little railway that can handle trolley / commuter operations, freight shunting, or both. Operating tracks are shown on sidings, for those who want to use operating cars. Our scenery example is for trolley / commuter work.
(8) Lionel® O O-31 curve 45°
(2) Lionel® O O-31 modern righthand turnout
(2) Lionel® O uncoupling track
(2) Lionel® #260 track bumper
(2) Lionel® O O-31modern lefthand turnout
(3) Lionel® O O-31 half curve 22.5°
(1) Lionel® O half straight
(1) Lionel® O custom cut straight

(6) Lionel 24156 Lionelville street lamp
(1) Plasticville #1500 diner
(1) Plasticville 1402 switch tower
(1) Plasticville 1901 Union Station w/o platforms
(1) Plasticville 1200 station platform
(2) Plasticville 1901 Union Station platform
(4) MTH 30-9078 townhouse 1
(2) MTH 30-9079 townhouse 2
(2) MTH 30-9080 townhouse 3

A simple railway with a slight ellipse to the plan. Nice for fitting in tight spaces where side clearance is at a premium. We have used a scenery example for a trolley / commuter railway, but this pike can also handle freight. The station at lower center can be replaced by an operating accessory, and the straight at the bottom can be replaced with an operating track.
(6) Lionel® O O-31 curve 45°
(1) Lionel® O O-31modern lefthand turnout
(7) Lionel® O O-31 half curve 22.5°
(2) Lionel® O O-31 modern righthand turnout
(1) Lionel® O uncoupling track
(1) Lionel® O single straight
(1) Lionel® O custom cut straight
(1) Lionel® O half straight
(1) Lionel® #260 track bumper

(2) Lionel 24156 Lionelville street lamp
(2) Plasticville 1901 Union Station platform
(1) Plasticville 1901 Union Station w/o platforms
(1) Plasticville #1502 Cape Cod house
(1) Plasticville 1701 New England ranch home
(1) Plasticville #1603 Ranch house
(1) Plasticville 1629 bungalow house
(1) Plasticville 1620 loading platform
(1) Plasticville 1407 watchman's shanty w/gate

A pleasant little oval railway with three sidings is excellent for using operating accessories. It can be a freight shunting railway or a commuter pike. Use your imagination! Our example makes best use of operating accessories.
(7) Lionel® O O-31 curve 45°
(1) Lionel® O O-31 half curve 22.5°
(3) Lionel® O O-31 modern righthand turnout
(3) Lionel® O half straight
(3) Lionel® #260 track bumper
(3) Lionel® O uncoupling track

(1) Lionel® 9220 milk car platform
(1) Lionel® 14157 #397 coal loader
(1) Lionel® 2319 watch tower
(2) Lionel® 2152 crossing gate

Return to Mini and Micro Layout List

Click here to return to All Gauge Model Railroading main page