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All Gauge Model Railroading Page

More HO Layouts

A few varied track plans for 4' by 6' to 4' by 8.5' layouts

The layouts here are a smattering of basic and more complex track plans. They can fit in a reasonable space for the average home or apartment.

This little 4' by 6' uses standard HO switches and 18" radius curves. We started with an oval of track and used two switches for a passing siding

A pair of switches and track make a passing siding inside the oval.

Finally, one switch makes a siding. You can add to this as you please.
The above layout series uses very basic wiring for a one-train operation. You can insulate off the sidings, allowing a two -train operation. The wiring is simple and can be found in basic HO manuals.

This point-to-point system ona 4' by 8' is easy to make. It uses standard switches and 18' radius track,

This variation requires tricky wiring. It is a reverse loop, and requires an insulated section and a device like the Atlas "Controller." (The Controller comes with all wiring instructions.)

This 4' 8.5' layout uses mostly 18" radius curves and standard switches, but those on the rightmost end are 22" radius. This version is for the folks who enjoy switching operations.

This variation has fewer spur tracks, allowing for more continuous running. You can easily add four to six inches to a 4' by 8' base to make enough space.

This layout would be perfect for a Holiday set-up. One train would run continuously on the loop, and cars can be parked on the sidings for appearances. You can also use the spurs for extra trains, running them in turn. The mountain has three tunnel entrances.
Reverse-tracks like those in the above layout require and insulated block and a controller or similar device.
Simple layouts like the one to the left require no special wiring if they run one train. You might want to insulate off the sidings, if you will have locomotives parked there.. Basic HO manuals describe the process.

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This little 4' by 6' uses standard HO switches and 18" radius curves. We started with an oval of track and used two switches for a passing siding	A pair of switches and track make a passing siding inside the oval.
Finally, one switch makes a siding. You can add to this as you please.	The above layout series uses very basic wiring for a one-train operation. You can insulate off the sidings, allowing a two -train operation. The wiring is simple and can be found in basic HO manuals.
This point-to-point system ona 4' by 8' is easy to make. It uses standard switches and 18' radius track,	This variation requires tricky wiring. It is a reverse loop, and requires an insulated section and a device like the Atlas "Controller." (The Controller comes with all wiring instructions.)
This 4' 8.5' layout uses mostly 18" radius curves and standard switches, but those on the rightmost end are 22" radius. This version is for the folks who enjoy switching operations.	This variation has fewer spur tracks, allowing for more continuous running. You can easily add four to six inches to a 4' by 8' base to make enough space.
This layout would be perfect for a Holiday set-up. One train would run continuously on the loop, and cars can be parked on the sidings for appearances. You can also use the spurs for extra trains, running them in turn. The mountain has three tunnel entrances.	Reverse-tracks like those in the above layout require and insulated block and a controller or similar device. Simple layouts like the one to the left require no special wiring if they run one train. You might want to insulate off the sidings, if you will have locomotives parked there.. Basic HO manuals describe the process.