need help designing a 5 x 9 traditional o gauge layout with as much action as possible

You can start here:

http://thortrains.us/

John

John (Craftech) gave you a good link. Some of the 4 x 8 foot layouts can be slightly expanded to 5 x 9.

Good luck!

@paigetrain posted:

hi guys

i was wondering how to design my first layout in which i want it to be 5x9 foot fastrack layout with a large amount of animated accessories and the ability to run 2 trains at once plus a siding for switching. Some of the accesories are specific though and include :

a lionel mail pick up set

lionel train orders building

lionel fake news stand

lionel animated station platform

lionel diesel fuel station

lionel refreshment stand with spinning ice cream cone

I do not have these yet and i need to get them possibly before i start the benchwork

plus i have no clue how to wire stuff either so i'm completely lost

Cody,  It's good that you're thinking ahead about benchwork and wiring.  I also like to have buildings and other accessories on hand before designing a layout.  It definitely helps in figuring placement of those accessories and the necessary clearances between them and the adjacent trackage.

Most accessories come with decent wiring instructions, but not much in the way of figuring out how much power you'll need for everything.  What power sources (transformers/bricks) are you planning to use on your layout?

@SteveH posted:

Cody,  It's good that you're thinking ahead about benchwork and wiring.  I also like to have buildings and other accessories on hand before designing a layout.  It definitely helps in figuring placement of those accessories and the necessary clearances between them and the adjacent trackage.

Most accessories come with decent wiring instructions, but not much in the way of figuring out how much power you'll need for everything.  What power sources (transformers/bricks) are you planning to use on your layout?

as far as power goes i was thinking of a lionel zwl but that's a 800 dollar transformer so again back to the drawing board

between my severe anxiety and depression from the world situation with politics and stuff being so bad  and really my brain trying to do so much at once i really have a hard time picturing the layout in my mind

Holy Cow Sal!

@paigetrain posted:

as far as power goes i was thinking of a lionel zwl but that's a 800 dollar transformer so again back to the drawing board

between my severe anxiety and depression from the world situation with politics and stuff being so bad  and really my brain trying to do so much at once i really have a hard time picturing the layout in my mind

The ZWL is certainly a very nice transformer, but there are lots of other less expensive options that will still provide the functionality you want.  What transformer are you using now?

@SteveH posted:

The ZWL is certainly a very nice transformer, but there are lots of other less expensive options that will still provide the functionality you want.  What transformer are you using now?

a postwar 1034

all i have is a 40 x70 inch oval right now

What type of control system do you use now and what types of control systems to you want in the short term for your new layout?  How about your Locomotive(s) Conventional, Lion Chief, TMCC/Legacy, DCS, etc.?

Given those requirements, conventional wisdom suggests you will end up with a big oval around the outside of the layout with a smaller oval inside of it and crossovers between them.  You would have room inside of the ovals for a "town" with sidings and accessories.  This type of layout is a "looping" layout.

If you want to actively control your trains, you have many more options.

@SteveH posted:

What type of control system do you use now and what types of control systems to you want in the short term for your new layout?  How about your Locomotive(s) Conventional, Lion Chief, TMCC/Legacy, DCS, etc.?

i currently use lionchief and conventional locomotives. i really want some lionchief plus 2.0 locomotives and some williams engines that will be run conventionally . i hope to get another engine or lionchief set for christmas this year but i won't hold my breath.

Controlling 2 or 3 Conventional and/or LionChief engines at any one time, certainly gives you lots of relatively inexpensive transformer choices.

Paige,

For me, the pleasure of model railroading is operations: running the trains.  Being a retired railroader, my goal is to replicate prototype switching and main line running, to the extent that I can.  Running two trains at once means having one or both on "auto pilot".

Watching trains go in circles, a la NASCAR, is fun but for me it gets old fast.  Having an outer oval would satisfy that goal but then having a passing siding, small yard and industrial sidings would provide additional interest.  The limitations of a 5x9 layout certainly provide a design challenge but you're not the first to tackle the job.  Craftech's link, above, is a good place to start, as is the Atlas O website:

https://shop.atlasrr.com/c-102...layout-packages.aspx

Don't be put off by the price tags for the Atlas layouts, there are lots of track options out there, including used Lionel tubular which can be had for a song.  There are also layout planning software packages available and I recommend you get one.  They let you see just what you can do without driving one screw or nail.  Atlas and RRTrack are only two of many choices.  The Atlas package is $40:  https://shop.atlasrr.com/t-software.aspx. and the entry level RRTrack package goes for $80:  online_bundles.html

Do not be discouraged by current events.  As an old friends often says, "I will retreat to the world of O Gauge!"  Do what you can to effect world events and then move on to TRAINS.

@Mannyrock posted:

Holy Cow Sal!

Well...he asked for action! LOL!

How about a 6 X 9.5    Lots of action here if you want it.

You asked...

Why not consider doing one of the 5x9 Lionel Dealer Display Layouts? There are several. These were specifically designed to exhibit a lot of action with accessories, signals, and structures in a small space.  And if the idea of a Postwar style layout appeals to you, even better.

The best part is that track plans and wiring diagrams are available.

@paigetrain if you haven't already, search for posts by @Ken-Oscale. He's put a ton of detailed and interesting track plans on the forum and his 21 plans book is a great resource as well

@Craftech posted:

You can start here:

http://thortrains.us/

John

Great link John.

I was able to address my earlier issue.