Has CTT done an article on the layout shown on the back of the Lionel 1957 catalog? I an building an 8x12 “L” shaped layout and while testing the track plan out I found out that I made it a but too complicated (too many switches and track). The catalog layout looks like it has most of the features I am looking for and with a few changes would fit my benchwork.
Seeing the series of articles on the layout on the TCA e-Train website I saw that some artistic license was taken on the drawing of the layout so I am hoping that a “cleaned up” version is out there (hopefully using O-31 track instead of super O).
Check out Bruce Greenberg’s 1979 book tiltled "Model Railroading - A Family Guide " pg 52. There is an article with track plan and equipment list on building the 1957 catalog layout. The book can be had at Amazon or ebay for about $5 and well worth it.
Also check out this TCA link for article on 1957 layout
Thanks Charlie,
I was able to find an article about the layout in All Star Electric Trains of the 1950s on page 70 by Roger Carp. It looks like it has all the info I am looking for.
This layout was also featured in the book: Classic Lionel Display Layouts by Roger Carp and available from the publishers of Classic Toy Trains, the people who sponsor this forum.
Two color photos appear on page 29, and page 30 show a graphic of its trackplan.
Great we’re back to layout and off of 1957. The question is why have not more or anyone built this layout? They all want to dream and plan and make graphic pictures but not build the layout. One guy, CSXJOE, on OGR forum, was gathering the parts a couple years ago but I have not heard if he finished or even started.
One problem is the best thing about this layout is the attractive drawing showing a nostalgic basement layout with a neat board and all those accessories that all us 50’s guys used to dream of . The 1957 catalog back cover got drooled on by many! But as track plans go it can be beat and improved on. It lacks a reversing loop and many accessories are hard to reach and we all know most need some hand help sometimes often.
Maybe because we never got around to it. Got a problem with that? As far as 1957 goes, we like to reminisce at times. Now take your ***in to the OGR forum where it belongs.
Nothing wrong with 1957. I think it was a very good year. I love them 57 Chevys and Corvettes. Guys, keep them pics coming. I guess you can’t do no reminising on OGR
Charlie Bee.
@3railguy, I guess with that layout you’ll never have the space to reach the accesoires that won’t do their job. It’s huge!
What certainly surprizes me is the amount of “model train” idea’s in those layout’s. A lot of point to point and added scenery in a time we europeans crawled around on the floor with a track oval and the railplans of that time in Europe also are based on loops and ovals on a flat board. Most of those Lionel layout-plans are more realistic.
Just a question on the link above… Is there any way to get the layouts bigger on your screen?
Dann, I was able to save it into “my pictures” as a jpg image and enlarge it. However, it becomes fuzzy and difficult to interpret. If you have RR software, the layouts can be downloaded. They have an order form for the software so there is some sales in the link. I suppose access hatches could be incorporated into the 1957 showroom plan.
Postwar Lionel display layouts were designed to do just that. Display trains and accessories with hands off circle running. The point to point sections were for powered units such as the gang car and trolley with reversing bumpers for automatic back and fourth operation.
This kind of operation may be uninteresting to an operator looking to make up trains, spot cars, and divert routes like a real RR. Collectors on the other hand are more interested in displaying accessories and when running trains, just sit back and watch them run. The display layouts are dear to many collectors because they are what they remember seeing in train shops when they were young.
The title for the article is: Improving a 1957 Track Plan, in Classic Toy Trains Magazine, October 2010, pages 38-39. Issue:#201010.
The sub description is: Revising The O Gauge Track Plan For The 1957 Catalog Layout, Story and Photos by John Rusterholz, Illustrations by Kellie Jaeger
Thanks, John