2-Rail Home Layouts - How Many Really Exist?

Hi guys,... in response to a previous posting by John and the recent post by bigboy25. First, I agree with you John, a bridge or trestle scene is quite impressive especially if it's the first thing you see as you enter the layout area.    I had a tunnel scene you were greeated with on my layout and after a short while I kept looking at it and thought,... I have too much hidden track and this scene just didn't have much impact on the viewer. So I removed the scenery at that location and constructed this bridge scene.   It certainly has more viewer impact.   Because the new change was not part of my original design, the bridge is not long or too high.   But with scenes below and above the eye sight line, I think it turned out not too bad.   Please excuse the 'glossiness ' of the photo as it was raining heavily that day, ( although, it always seems to be raining in the Canyon Creek area for some reason !    

And for our follower bigboy 25.   The home layout I had always planned as modeling after Western Canada. But when it came to building a portable O scale layout for shows, I needed something with less 'vertical ' scenery. And I wanted something different. Everyone does mountain and Prairie, but I wanted something different ! We travel to Mexico almost every winter and on one return flight I started drawing the design out on a bunch of napkins about 6 years ago.  The result is now the portable Mexicali Grande layout I take to train shows.   Again, on the utube, there are one ore two vidoes under that title taken by viewers.   Thanks for your continued interest guys, always happy to participate in the forum.

I have a simple (bulletproof) 2-rail home layout, about 20 x 40 feet, with large-radius curves so my California Zephyr cars look good behind their F-3s. I'll try to dig out my camera and post a couple of pictures. I have had more elaborate systems in the past, but now that I am older, I prefer to operate trains with a minimum of maintenance and problems...

I look forward to seeing your photos @B Smith. You say your layout is bulletproof, is it just ovals?

Yes, it's an oval with very broad curves and several sidings. It's 2-rail single-track, and is set around 1950 in the high desert of eastern Utah through which the Rio Grande operated between Grand Junction, CO and Helper UT. I run some freight trains behind F units or a D&RGW L-105 (a modern 4-6-6-4) and the California Zephyr behind an A-B-B-A set of F3s. These days, I like to watch the trains roll with a minimum of maintenance and repair, so this simple layout suits my wishes. It wouldn't be for everyone, of course. I operate with analog DC, 0-12 volts, again because of simplicity. I have a Dallee sound system that plays through an amplifier and a pair of floor speakers, which give the EMD 567s a nice rumble with the bass turned up.

Sad to say, I have a whopping   10' x 24" module built with a double main line, with the rest of the components in pieces in the garage ( for now a 30 x 9 ' oval when done . My RA has shut me down for the last year,  and I have been limited to working on rolling stock and structure's.  My 1935 Hiwatha  (just picked up 3 more coaches)   for a  total of   total 0f 9 cars and an Overland brass A, class Atlantic, for a 18 foot train.  I so need 3 of me , with new legs.

@B Smith posted:

Yes, it's an oval with very broad curves and several sidings. It's 2-rail single-track, and is set around 1950 in the high desert of eastern Utah through which the Rio Grande operated between Grand Junction, CO and Helper UT. I run some freight trains behind F units or a D&RGW L-105 (a modern 4-6-6-4) and the California Zephyr behind an A-B-B-A set of F3s. These days, I like to watch the trains roll with a minimum of maintenance and repair, so this simple layout suits my wishes. It wouldn't be for everyone, of course. I operate with analog DC, 0-12 volts, again because of simplicity. I have a Dallee sound system that plays through an amplifier and a pair of floor speakers, which give the EMD 567s a nice rumble with the bass turned up.

I bet you it sounds   great!

PICTURES PICTURES LETS SEE THEM

@myles posted:

Hi guys, I've been working with 2 rail O scale for 40 (+)  years and never regretted leaving HO.  The current home layout is modeled after Western Canada and consumes 54 ft by 34 ft.   Large radius curves eat up a lot of real estate !  This layout also has a portable 'sister ' layout I take to shows.   The ' Mexicali Grande '.   However it is only 12 ft across by 24 ft. Long  Done in modules for ease of portability.  I have included photos of each below.    There is also a walk around utube video , without narration , if you look under...' Pacific and Great Western O Scale layout tour '.   It's is roughly 10 mins long showing the home layouts  current scenery.  I was informed there is also  a couple  short videos  of my Mexicali Grande layout out there as well !     Watch for future articles in the O Scale magazines as well.    Here's alittle taste of both layouts......Enjoy.    

I have been away for a while.  Thanks for posting to this thread, it is really inspiring for me to see beautiful layouts like these, many hidden away in homes.

I plan to start building my layout this fall.  Living in a 1 Bedroom apartment I am VERY space constrained but...have started planning to maximize what space I have.  I don't want to divulge too much at this point, it will be easier to beg forgiveness from the property manager than to get permission for what I am thinking.  No it is not a 4x8 sheet of plywood with collapsible legs.  LOL

@B Smith posted:

Yes, it's an oval with very broad curves and several sidings. It's 2-rail single-track, and is set around 1950 in the high desert of eastern Utah through which the Rio Grande operated between Grand Junction, CO and Helper UT. I run some freight trains behind F units or a D&RGW L-105 (a modern 4-6-6-4) and the California Zephyr behind an A-B-B-A set of F3s. These days, I like to watch the trains roll with a minimum of maintenance and repair, so this simple layout suits my wishes. It wouldn't be for everyone, of course. I operate with analog DC, 0-12 volts, again because of simplicity. I have a Dallee sound system that plays through an amplifier and a pair of floor speakers, which give the EMD 567s a nice rumble with the bass turned up.

Please post some pictures and/or a plan when you get a chance.  It could really help me for what I am planning.  Thank you very much!

Hey Jim. Have you watched Terry Terrance's video on YouTube on why 2-rail O scale? In it he shares a shelf layout plan that might interest you. It's perfect for a smaller space. Here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...jqlBmssQ&t=1530s

@ryanexpresstrains posted:

Hey Jim. Have you watched Terry Terrance's video on YouTube on why 2-rail O scale? In it he shares a shelf layout plan that might interest you. It's perfect for a smaller space. Here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...jqlBmssQ&t=1530s

No I had not seen this before.  Thank you very much for posting this, a lot of good information distilled down to a 1/2 hour presentation.

BTW about 6 months ago there was a thread dealing with the variations of O gauge and scale through the years.  The slide presented is a great summary.  Also a good overview of the history.  I really hope more members on this forum see this and watch the  presentation, I think it is well worth the time.

Thought I'd try my hand at a video of a run by . This was taken along the overpass at Clanwilliam.   Loco is a Weaver CPR 1200 class.   The equipment is a mixture of Atlas, Renolds, Lionel, MTH and scratch built.  

Great video thanks for posting it.

@myles posted:

Thought I'd try my hand at a video of a run by . This was taken along the overpass at Clanwilliam.   Loco is a Weaver CPR 1200 class.   The equipment is a mixture of Atlas, Renolds, Lionel, MTH and scratch built.  

Beautiful train and scenery work, Myles! Those telegraph lines look very authentic. I love that they're leaning outward a little.

John

@MainLine Steam posted:

... I plan to start building my layout this fall.  Living in a 1 Bedroom apartment I am VERY space constrained but...have started planning to maximize what space I have...

I read with interest that you're planning to build in a 1-bedroom apartment and look forward to what you post here when able. My own layout is already smaller than 4x8, but my wife and I are thinking about someday downsizing into an apartment, so I want to see what you do with a small space.

John

@MainLine Steam posted:

No I had not seen this before.  Thank you very much for posting this, a lot of good information distilled down to a 1/2 hour presentation.

BTW about 6 months ago there was a thread dealing with the variations of O gauge and scale through the years.  The slide presented is a great summary.  Also a good overview of the history.  I really hope more members on this forum see this and watch the  presentation, I think it is well worth the time.

I agree. Terry made several excellent, informative videos. His YouTube channel is full of great content. I was a 3-rail hi-rail/scale guy for well over a decade, then dabbled in HO for a time. I had always been curious about doing 2-rail and I stumbled on one of Terry’s videos several years back. The rest, as they say, is history. I love it and would recommend it to anyone.

My latest scheme is to build a very simple, combination 2 and 3 rail layout in my downstairs area of my A frame cabin. I’ve got a space that’s about 25 feet x 9 feet, and I’m envisioning a double track line with the inner track being 3 rail and the outer being 2-rail.

The inner 3 rail track will be hand laid with Micro Engineering rail and there will be only one turnout (which I can hopefully scratchbuild) for a team track scene. The outer track will be 2-rail using a combination of Atlas sectional track and some hand laid curves, with several (probably no more than four or five) hand laid turnouts.

The minimum radius on the 3 rail track will be O72, but as the layout will basically be a semi-dogbone oval there will be some larger radius curves to make the plan (hopefully) flow nicely with some good viewing angles through the S curves.

The 2-rail minimum radius will be at least 45”, and I’m hoping to squeeze in 48”.

Why the combination? I would prefer the layout be 2-rail throughout, but I have some 3 rail equipment, most notably a MTH DL-109 AB set, which was originally bought with plans to convert to 2-rail, but it hasn’t happened yet. Also, I really want to pick up some Weaver and 3rd Rail Sunset steam locomotives over the next few years, and I find that I really don’t mind the 3rd rail track that much—the biggest thing I hate are the swinging pilots on 3 rail diesels, but hopefully those can be modified down the road.

The thing that gives me pause is building a 3 rail turnout, but there’s only one to build, and I’ve built several O 2-rail turnouts in the past which will hopefully give me a leg up on figuring out how to build a smooth operating, decent looking 3 rail turnout.

Jeff C

Unfortunately, I need to keep with a minimum radius of anywhere from 68 '' to 72''.   The older Max Gray articulated locos have , have little to no side ward play in the main drivers axles .   Fussy puppies !!  

Anyway, Here's another quick video of the layout taken in an area I call ''Box Canyon '' due to the 'valley' appearance the scenery formed.  

Myles, your layout looks great! I’d love to be able to go with larger radius curves but there isn’t room in my house—at least not until I get brave enough to expand the layout outside, which is something that could happen one of these days…

Jeff C

Actually the now closed P&D Hobby had a large 2 rail customer base. Including overseas customers.

@Jim 1939 posted:

Actually the now closed P&D Hobby had a large 2 rail customer base. Including overseas customers.

They just updated the website recently and I just received some weaver parts from them just a few weeks ago. The website still allows orders, seems to me they are still operating the business. That is unless something happened in the last few days.......

@MainLine Steam posted:

Great video thanks for posting it.

Hey Jim. Here’s another 2-rail layout video I stumbled on today. The layout is in Denmark and is a shelf layout in a 10x12 spare bedroom. Shows you a lot of possibilities in a small space…with excellent scenery and operation potential.

https://youtu.be/R9hgxNbpLqk

@Darrell posted:

They just updated the website recently and I just received some weaver parts from them just a few weeks ago. The website still allows orders, seems to me they are still operating the business. That is unless something happened in the last few days.......

That’s correct. They’re still in business as an online only store.

On line only is correct, the store is closed permanently. The owner passed away and his kids tried to keep it open. But it didn't work out. They are offering/selling what inventory they had left.

@Jim 1939 posted:

On line only is correct, the store is closed permanently. The owner passed away and his kids tried to keep it open. But it didn't work out. They are offering/selling what inventory they had left.

P&D is online-only now, however, P&D does appear to be getting in new inventory and not just selling out what they have and not re-supplying.  I have ordered some Weaver drive train components that were out-of-stock and they continue to be getting these replacement parts made per an email that I received from them.

Scott

@leikec posted:

My latest scheme is to build a very simple, combination 2 and 3 rail layout in my downstairs area of my A frame cabin. I’ve got a space that’s about 25 feet x 9 feet, and I’m envisioning a double track line with the inner track being 3 rail and the outer being 2-rail.

The minimum radius on the 3 rail track will be O72, but as the layout will basically be a semi-dogbone oval there will be some larger radius curves to make the plan (hopefully) flow nicely with some good viewing angles through the S curves.

The 2-rail minimum radius will be at least 45”, and I’m hoping to squeeze in 48”.

Why the combination? I would prefer the layout be 2-rail throughout, but I have some 3 rail equipment, most notably a MTH DL-109 AB set, which was originally bought with plans to convert to 2-rail, but it hasn’t happened yet. Also, I really want to pick up some Weaver and 3rd Rail Sunset steam locomotives over the next few years, and I find that I really don’t mind the 3rd rail track that much—the biggest thing I hate are the swinging pilots on 3 rail diesels, but hopefully those can be modified down the road.

The thing that gives me pause is building a 3 rail turnout, but there’s only one to build, and I’ve built several O 2-rail turnouts in the past which will hopefully give me a leg up on figuring out how to build a smooth operating, decent looking 3 rail turnout.

Jeff C

What a coincidence?

What I have been contemplating sounds very similar, a 2R outer, 3R inner combination layout with about the radius curves you mention.  I have a lot of K-Line passenger cars and can't justify the cost to convert them to 2R.  Plus actually have bought 3R Weaver Steam Locos as they are much easier to find than the 2R versions.

Thanks for posting!

@myles posted:

Unfortunately, I need to keep with a minimum radius of anywhere from 68 '' to 72''.   The older Max Gray articulated locos have , have little to no side ward play in the main drivers axles .   Fussy puppies !!  

Anyway, Here's another quick video of the layout taken in an area I call ''Box Canyon '' due to the 'valley' appearance the scenery formed.  

Love your videos, thanks for posting!

@ryanexpresstrains posted:

Hey Jim. Here’s another 2-rail layout video I stumbled on today. The layout is in Denmark and is a shelf layout in a 10x12 spare bedroom. Shows you a lot of possibilities in a small space…with excellent scenery and operation potential.

https://youtu.be/R9hgxNbpLqk

Thank you again Ryan.

To everyone following this Thread, Thank You for all your contributions to it.  It is great to see what can be done in 2R Home Layouts.  The ingenuity and talent displayed is inspiring!  Keep the posts coming!

Well my MTH DL-109/DL-110 Santa Fe locomotive’s arrived, and these will help me do some mock-up style track planning to get an idea about how the turnback curves will lay out in my space. I have a bunch of 2-rail Atlas c148 sectional track in various curve radius configurations that will come in handy.

My ultimate goal is to eventually have a 2-rail layout, but it seems to me that the process of getting there will be the end result of a series of steps—where a locomotive such as the DL-109 slowly makes the transition from three rail, to 3RS, to 2-rail … and at some point, possibly to battery powered running on non energized 2-rail track. The first goal on the DL-109 is to narrow that gap between the Pilot and the car body so it is less noticeable, as it looks like the current gap is somewhere between 3/16” and 7/32”.

Jeff C

Here's another fantastic home 2-rail layout that I visited yesterday. Bob is an excellent modeler. It was a fun day running trains and railfanning the layout.

Of course they exist!

A few more of mine (still a work in progress)...

Looks great from here!

Dan Weinhold

Having fun with this movie thing.    Took another view of the home layout.  This time the trains a lot more modern than what i'm usually seen running.     This is Eastbound train 402 taken at Golden.    Train No. 2 is taking on a new crew before following the expediter.  The dispatcher  will likely let the passenger by it  at the next siding.   running.....

@ryanexpresstrains posted:

I've got a car or 2 lettered for the Potomac Valley in my inventory.  Coincidence, a common name, or something else?

Here's another view of train 402 at Clanwilliam,  running along the shore line of Shuswap Lake.     I have a foot of extra room along this curve, so i'm going to widen the shore line with12 more inches of water. The milky green water effect will allow for a better foreground when photographing: along this area,  without affecting the Isle space.      

Nice!

Dan Weinhold

Thanks Ryan, Jim & Myles for your posts.

I have been inspired after seeing the many post, and I have started my layout planning.  I always intended to have a double track Mainline and am leaning towards one track being 2R and the other 3R.  I live in an apartment, so am limited with layout size, but believe I may have come-up with a solution.

At first didn't think it would be possible, but have created a 2R Mainline with 54" radius curves.   I am not sure if this will accommodate the (2) 2R Steam engines I have purchased, but am hopeful.

The adjoining 3R Mainline has 0-99 and 0-117 curves.  That should be able to run everything 3R I have.

Now the question; am I willing to do what it takes, to "modify" the apartment?  Intention would be to undo the mods when I move out, "God willing".  On the other hand, I have gotten to know the maintenance guys here, and sometimes apartments have been vacated or evicted in far worse shape.

Please feel free to "cheer me on", or let me know if 54" Radius is still too tight.  2R Locos I have are Williams, I have not been able to find specs.  I have found that similar Weavers say they would run on 36" Radius.

I have a Williams 2-8-2 and a couple Pacifics and they make a 55 inch radius easily.  A friend of mine has a Williams Challenger and it did 55 inch curves with no problem.

@myles posted:

Here's another view of train 402 at Clanwilliam,  running along the shore line of Shuswap Lake.     I have a foot of extra room along this curve, so i'm going to widen the shore line with12 more inches of water. The milky green water effect will allow for a better foreground when photographing: along this area,  without affecting the Isle space.      

Myles,

When you install the "wires" on your telephone poles do you wrap them around the insulators or just glue them under one side and move to the next?

Dave