Hi I would like to know if any one has plans for a O 3-ral switching layout ? I seen out at the train show in Allentown Pa last week and it looks like a good one Thanks Bruce
I suspect you might not find any published plans for an O 3-rail switching layout. Up until recent years, the e-unit reverser made it kinda hard to change directions easily for switching, so most O tinplate or hi-rail layouts were more set up for continuous running.
You should be able to start with an N or HO switching layout trackplan and adjust the size to O scale.
I took the late Linn Westcott’s “Switchman’s Nightmare” plan from his book " 101 track plans for model railroads" and built it in O 3 rail as part of my layout. I like it alot. I would recommend using Atlas O track and switches or maybe RCS for this plan.
George
How much room do you want to devote to it? I’ve got a couple of trackplans which are fun but they take up quite a bit of space in O.
I am also looking for switching plans. I have a space that is 2’x12’. Any ideas?
How about the classic Timesaver? Search on ‘timesaver layout’ I made one in N scale. I think it would work in O - your space though is lovely enough to have the equivalent of a main line and a small yard - with a station - runaround track, turntable. Do you have the Nov CTT - there’s an article on operating your trains more ‘realistically’ with a nice little layout plan.
Try looking into the www.Trainplayer.com site, especially the The George Baustert Gallery
If you download the frere demo, you can work the layouts for free to see what you like.
Kurt
Another thing good to know is not only how much room do you want to use but also what track system are you going to use? O-27, Gar Graves, Atlas, etc? I don’t like to do much reversing over 27"R switches which is why I ask and with switching layouts, you do lots of reverse moves over switches. I’d keep these as gentle as possible.
You also don’t need to build a puzzle to have a small switching layout. If you ever get room to expand, a puzzle is harder to integrate in any way that makes sense. They were never supposed to though unless we are talking about the Inglenook.
2x12 is enough room for a Timesaver in O, using O-54 or O-72 turnouts. You can squeeze in more sidings if you use sharper turnouts. Atlas also makes a double-slip turnout to save space and give you more options.
You can even produce a fun Inglenooks Sidings puzzle in a 1x3 space using an O-54 turnout and a sector plate. Check out this link and scroll down:
Thank you all for the infor. It will help me Bruce