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

All Gauge Model Railroading Page

Ovalling and Switch Dynamics

Pictorial Primer on O and O27 Track Work

The best way to get a feel for classic O and O27 track is to see it. What we have here is a simple pictorial lesson in the way track and switches work to ether. This will help when you designs your own layouts and track plans. Though very basic, they give you a feel for the peculiarities of classic O Gauge track work. We have also included a few simple layout plans that use these principles.

By understanding basic ovalling and switch dynamics, you can easily erect a functional layout on the floor, for a display or use the knowledge to design a better permanent layout.

A circle of track is made up of a pieces, each being a 45 degree turn.

Adding straight track to both sides makes an oval. The figure will grow proportionately provided you add straights one for one on opposite sides of the diagram

Add more straight sections to elongate the oval

Here we made a basic L by adding curves on one end, and straights on the other

Elongate the lower loop by adding a straight on both right and left side. By adding one for one, you could extend the loop further.

A simple way to make a crossover loop patters. We begin with two ovals of track

Swap out straights for curves and add a crossover.

Add another oval to make another loop/ This trick is useful for making "on the fly" floor layouts and displays.
Note that a clockwise-running train, starting in the upper left oval, would go to through the middle loop and then up into the right loop on a left-to-right journey. Coming back, its entire right-to-left would traverse only the long straightaway in the middle. Trace it with your finger to see how it works.

Click here for Part II of Ovalling

Click here for Switch Dynamics for O and O27

Click here to return to All Gauge Model Railroading main page

A circle of track is made up of a pieces, each being a 45 degree turn.	Adding straight track to both sides makes an oval. The figure will grow proportionately provided you add straights one for one on opposite sides of the diagram
Add more straight sections to elongate the oval	Here we made a basic L by adding curves on one end, and straights on the other
Elongate the lower loop by adding a straight on both right and left side. By adding one for one, you could extend the loop further.	A simple way to make a crossover loop patters. We begin with two ovals of track
Swap out straights for curves and add a crossover.	Add another oval to make another loop/ This trick is useful for making "on the fly" floor layouts and displays. Note that a clockwise-running train, starting in the upper left oval, would go to through the middle loop and then up into the right loop on a left-to-right journey. Coming back, its entire right-to-left would traverse only the long straightaway in the middle. Trace it with your finger to see how it works.
Click here for Part II of Ovalling Click here for Switch Dynamics for O and O27