O Layout Information

O scale is the largest popular model building scale though it trails behind both HO and N scales in popularity. The scale is equivalent to ¼ inch to the foot and is the favorite among trolley modelers and those desiring to build large highly detailed models. The large size of the O scale permits easier construction of intricate trolley overheads and scratchbuilt models than smaller scales. The railroad operates on standard 12-volt 2-rail distribution while the fully operational overhead wire powers the trolley and interurban lines; the layouts are not compatible with Lionel-type toy trains. Those desiring the detail and heft of large models or the excitement of streetcars running under overhead wire will often choose O scale.

The O scale layout concept centers on one city area. The railroad trackage includes a classification yard; a modern downtown passenger station with tracks and platforms at second story elevated level, and several industrial sidings. An operational turntable and engine terminal can handle 10-12 locomotives. The railroad is essentially a single track "waterwings" loop with two long passing tracks and a four track staging yard hidden underneath the HO layout, but it gives the appearance, in places, of being double track because of the larger loop circling the city twice, in order to return to its starting point.

The railroad is operated from walk-around radio controlled throttles and a centrally located control panel that performs dispatching. Minimum radius curves on the railroad are six feet, and the sharpest turnouts are number six with several mainline turnouts being number eight in order to smoothly handle the largest possible equipment. Railroad mainline curves arc super-elevated and attention has been paid to detailed trackwork modeling, i.e. tie plates, rail joiners at scale intervals, nut and bolt detail in turnout points and frogs, and other refinements more difficult to execute in the smaller scales.

The central city also has its street railway system and is the terminus for an interurban trolley line. The street railway layout features several routes radiating from a central square where the car storage yard and shop arc located. The routes vary in their construction from double track running on city street pavement to boulevard reservations similar to Commonwealth Avenue or Beacon Street in Brighton and Brookline.

The interurban line is designed primarily for high-speed passenger service and is double tracked for about one third of its length. There is a turn-back loop a bit less than half way from the main terminal, which marks the limit of suburban service. The interurban overhead catenary is more complex than the single trolley wire of the street railway system in order to support use of both trolley poles and pantographs. A trolley-interurban interchange allows suburban cars to enter the street railway system for city runs and to make connections to the railway station. There is also a railroad interchange track where freight cars can be picked up and hauled with an electric locomotive to factory sidings along the interurban route.

Leaving the city area both the railroad and the interurban line pass through rolling open country, including a deep valley crossing to reach a smaller second town where they disappear into below street level stations to loop around under the HO scale layout and return.