Modelers always like smaller compact layouts because they are space-friendly, can be built more quickly, have nostalgia, can fill odd spaces, and they provide a stage for colorful accessories and trains. Classic Toy Trains’ editors have put this in one great special issue so you can enjoy this ultimate guide to modeling for small spaces.
TOY TRAIN LAYOUTS FOR SMALL SPACES • Everything you need for a great compact layout
Toy Train Layouts for Small Spaces
MODEST BEGINNINGS • Where so many of us started with our toy trains
SMALL WORKHORSE CTT’S CITY TRANSFER & TERMINAL • This multi-role 5 x 9 layout truly earns its keep
BUILDING THE BENCHWORK FOR A 4 X 8 LAYOUT • A great layout starts with a solid base
MEET THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD • Amazing O gauge layout in 4 x 8 feet
7 PROVEN PLANS FOR SMALL SPACES • Lionel FasTrack plans ranging from 4 x 8 to 5 x 9 feet
A RETRO-STYLE O GAUGE PLAN • Go back in time on this 4 x 8-foot layout
GRADES ON YOUR RAILROAD • Grades add operating and visual interest to O and S gauge layouts
TAKE THE ‘A’ TRAIN • ‘A’ as in Albee’s O gauge layout
FLYER EXPANDS IN A TWO-CAR GARAGE • S gauge trains replace full-size autos
2 SHEETS TO GROW ON • This O gauge track layout can be built in stages
A FASTRACK 5 x 9 MADE TO HANDLE THE CURVES … AND MORE! • Here’s a compact O gauge track plan that boasts design features more often found on large layouts
AN O GAUGE LAYOUT NAMED ELTRINGHAM STATION • Paying tribute to a good friend with a unique layout
SALUTING A FEW GREAT COMPACT LAYOUTS
BUILDING A POSTWAR-STYLE MARX DISPLAY • Showing off vintage tinplate trains on an 8 x 8-foot layout
FUNDAMENTALS OF WIRING YOUR COMPACT LAYOUT • Know these track power basics
SIMPLE AND IT WORKS • Make an insulated track section
MAGICAL TOUR ON AN 8 X 12 LAYOUT • Trains really travel on Steve Kisver’s railroad
TRANSFORMERS & TRACK FOR YOUR COMPACT LAYOUT • Choose traditional or high-tech, or a mix
THE ESPOSITO FAMILY’S NEWEST ADDITION • Time to build a new layout for this growing family
INDUSTRIAL MITE • Small motive power has plenty of room to roam on this 4 x 8-foot O gauge track plan
3 LIONEL DISPLAYS THAT MAKE TERRIFIC COMPACT LAYOUTS • Reviving what postwar designers built for retailers
TRAVEL IN AN O GAUGE TIME MACHINE TO 1932 AND 1963 • Kevin Coyle’s twin layouts remind us of two interesting years for Lionel
FOUR FUN-FILLED 4 X 8-FOOT TRACK PLANS • These small O gauge plans offer intriguing themes for popular Atlas, Lionel, and MTH track systems
THREE O GAUGE PLANS FOR A NOT-SO-BIG BEDROOM • These wall-hugging track plans leave room to live