Temporary Indoor

N-scale modelers often enjoy running extremely long trains which approach the length of a typical O-scale train. Their solution to the space problem, which we 3-railers can adopt, was to construct temporary layouts assembled from discreet modules, like a string of Dominos. While their original N-Trak system was intended for continuously running club trains at public shows (like the child height "Lionel FasTrak Modular Railroad" [EXPLANATION] system), more Operations friendly module designs, such as the "Free-mo" [EXAMPLE] system, have been developed for railroading use. Module systems differ most noticeably in regards to their specified legs and track mating scheme.

Pin Aligned Module (*.pdf)
A Narrow Gauge Modeler Looks at Modules (*.pdf)
~ [Berrett Hill sectional guideline] (*.pdf)

Portable module layouts are built ad hoc from individual modules meeting compatible conformity criteria [EXAMPLE]. Due to their ability to be strung together into long mainline runs with working trackside signals, modules are ideal platforms for O-scale Light Rail Vehicle layouts [EXAMPLE] and Rapid Transit. Temporary modules can be accessed from both sides, so a paralleling fiddle yard [EXAMPLE] can be concealed behind a long-and-tall structure.

A Gentle Guide to the Free-mo Standards (*.pdf booklet)
Possible O-scale 3-rail Module Standards (*.pdf)
East Penn Traction Club Model Trolley Layout Module Standards (*.pdf booklet)

TIP: An unnecessary headache for many portable temporary layout clubs has been that they have allowed members to mostly build switching modules instead of detailed mainline-track-only modules. This is regrettable, as there are a large number of non-railroad R-T-R structures (houses, farms, retail establishments, etc.) available that would make very scenically interesting mainline modules for the typically longer modular layout trains to pass through. Besides, not having any turnouts on the module keeps its construction cost way down, which allows more modules to be constructed within the same budget.


Temporary Outdoor

Portable 3-rail layout modules, since they are designed to be quickly setup almost anywhere, are entirely suited for use outdoors for a few hours on a nice day. Why rent an expensive ballroom, when you can assemble a temporary modular railroad in your own front yard? Just ensure that the modules are never exposed to dampness (such as at dawn or dusk), and that any scenery can withstand a brief gust of wind (a possible issue with cellophane).

Plenty of room outdoors to setup 3-rail train modules (*.mp4)


Permanent Indoor

Traditionally layouts were built on a monolithic bench [EXAMPLE]. While this was fine when people had large basements and stayed put, in today's reality of condos and frequent moves the more sensible approach is to build most of the layout as Discreet Sections [ESSAY]. Because there is no requirement for compatibility like with Temporary Modules, Segments can take any shape or track arrangement.

Segmentation Examples:
Strait Segment (*.pdf)
Corner Segment (*.pdf)
Middle-of-the-room Segment (*.pdf)
TOMA (*.pdf) - {consistent-sized segments forming a continuous run, like a temporary modular layout}
Quebec Iron and Titanium Railway (*.pdf) - {semi-permanence allows complex trackwork to span two segments}
Benchwork Tricks:
Drop Leaf Staging (*.mp4) - {similar idea as on rollaway typewriter tables}
Accordion-fold staging (*.pdf)
Benchwork as Scenery (*.pdf) - {the benchwork fascia is made to look like a pier}
Train Elevator (*.pdf)
Train Gate (*.pdf)
Lift-up section that locks in place (*.pdf)


Permanent Outdoor

O-scale is big enough that you are not restricted to building a layout indoors. Outdoors is advantageous for long rollingstock, as it is one of the few places where you can construct befittingly broad radius curves. Although the weatherproof G-scale is the more popular garden railway scale, quality O-scale 3-rail track has proven to hold up well outdoors, even in climates subject to freezing (see page 21 in the book "Creative Model Railroad Design").

Freight car switching on a permanent 3-rail garden layout (*.mp4)

There are however some singular considerations when placing O-scale trains and structures outdoors. UV light will quickly fade the paint on 3-rail trains and structures, and direct sun can soften plastic, so it is best to shade spurs where rollingstock will be standing for long periods. As with their prototypes, structures must be able to shed water and resist wind, so consider exclusively using structures made of ceramic [EXAMPLE].

3-rail rollingstock is highly subject to rusting, so don't operate trains in snow or in a high humidity situation (such as the times of day when dew forms), and NEVER leave trains out overnight (having a storage track that leads into a dry shed or the house basement is an ideal solution). Trackbed drainage truly becomes as critical as on real railroads, so wherever you lay track, including if upon an elevated structure (garden trains are best viewed at a track height closer to a seated persons eye level), make sure that the ground underneath stays dry due to good drainage.