Ho Gauge Trains
Minimum space for Train Layout?
I just ordered a beautiful Train Set to run through a Christmas village and it will be here in a week. It is an On30 scale train, which runs on an HO gauge track. I have the perfect location in mind for it, but am afraid the space is too small at only 54" x 17". Is it possible to build a narrow oval layout to fit my space for a train of this size? I have scoured the Internet for answers with no luck, so I'm hoping someone here knows. Thanks in advance!
P.S. I just looked at my space again and figured I can actually go to 54" x 20", which is three inches wider than I originally figured.
Wow. That's a pretty tight space. You might just be able to get an oval in there using flex-track but the radius of your curve will be really tight. It's the kind of curve radius you'd expect to see on a trolley layout, featuring streetcars. Hopefully, your train cars will be short so you won't have too much overhang, and truck mounted couplers so the couplers stay centered over the middle of the track to prevent derailments.
One trick I've seen in tight spaces like that is to run the train back and forth through the village instead of around and around. It would require some circuitry in order to automate, but shouldn't be too difficult if you happen to be electronically inclined.
Too bad you didn't go with N scale. Your space would have been plenty!
HO Scale Railroad Crossing Scene
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