Layout designer: Mario DiFede and Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 12 x 16 feet Track type: Lionel FasTrack Minimum curve: O-36 Originally appeared in the September 2010 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Track plan Schematic Parts list […]
Layout designer: Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 9 feet Track type: MTH RealTrax Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared as an S gauge track plan in the January 2006 issue of Classic Toy Trains. The plan was redrawn incorporating MTH RealTrax track components. Be sure to account for the changes in height required […]
Layout designer: E. A. Engebretson and Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 12 x 12 feet Track type: Atlas O Minimum curve: O-36 Originally appeared in the July 2010 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Track plan Schematic Parts list […]
Layout designer: Kent Johnson and Bob Keller Scale: O Layout size: 4 x 8 feet Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the February, March, May, and July 2011 issues of Classic Toy Trains. Readers’ Choice Railroad Track Plan Template Readers’ Choice Railroad Schematics Readers’ Choice Parts List […]
Layout designer: Kent Johnson, for the May 2006 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 9 feet Track type: Lionel tubular track Minimum curve: O-31 See a PDF version of this track plan by clicking here. See a PDF version of the schematics by clicking here. […]
Layout designer: Ray Stuber Scale: O Layout size: 6 x 10 feet Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the March 2011 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Benchwork Track plan Lower level schematics Lower level parts list Main level schematics […]
Layout designer: Don Miller Scale: O Layout size: 8 x 15 feet Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the May 2011 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Two trains, one main line, no crashes track plan Two trains, one main line components […]
The goal of this six-part layout construction series is to provide new hobbyists with a 4 x 8-foot permanent O gauge layout using contemporary tracklaying, wiring, and scenery-making techniques. Since a toy train set can be a wonderful entry point for new hobbyists, the origins of this logging-themed layout stem from a current Lionel starter […]
Many years ago I read an article about railroad roundhouses in North Dakota. The article made the point that they were located about every 100 miles because steam locomotives continually shook themselves apart and needed to have maintenance before they could be reused. Well, that made sense of a sort. And since even smaller engine […]
How do you put down ballast on your O gauge railroad? Depending on the scope of the project, I may use either a plastic cup – or a cut-open one-gallon water jug filled with ballast. I pour it down on the track and then use a paintbrush for general shaping and tamping, and maybe an […]
Not long ago, businesses that received or generated moderate levels of rail traffic called the local railroad for switching duties. Others had their own switcher. Other firms with less, though steady traffic had another recourse for motive power: the Trackmobile.First developed in the late 1940s, the Trackmobile was a dream come true for firms with […]
You know I’m not sure if I ever saw a General Electric U25B diesel locomotive operating in revenue service. Oh, back in the day, I have a hazy memory of perhaps seeing one in a backshop deadline, although that may have been another four-axle GE model. But during my prime railfanning period (1978-85), I believe […]
