1950's Lionel O Gauge Train Layout Restoration Project and Operation 2013
Vložit
- čas přidán 9. 09. 2024
- This shows the restoration project and then shows the layout in action with cars unloading, uncoupling, switching, reversing, single train, and two train operation. My grandfather built this O gauge layout in the 1950's and I rebuilt and restored it in 2013. The small (5 X 8) layout features two reversing loops and a siding where trains wait for each other to pass. The auto-running is controlled using WWII Navy surplus radio relays.
The Lionel engines and cars used in this layout are:
736 Berkshire
205 Missouri Pacific
3359 Twin Bin Coal Dump Car
6560 Bucyrus Erie Crane Car
3562-50 Operating Barrel Car
3494-275 State of Maine Operating Box Car
6162 New York Central Gondola Car
6414 Auto Loader Car
6119-100 D.L.&W. Work Caboose
If you watched this video and you've read the description this far you might want to look me up on eBay! I have many Lionel O gauge trains available, and if you mention this video, I'll give you a 10% discount!
email me at tiller98@gmail.com
Great Layout. Great to see a double reverse loop on a layout this size. I'm amazed how many small layout plans have only one reverse loop and require the loco to reverse out of it. Lot's of action in a small space. Thanks for sharing.
I am surprised by the same thing. I've searched hundreds of track plans and very few have two reversing loops. The few that do are usually very large layouts. Thanks for the nice comments!
Fantastic! Your dad must be/would be proud to know that you've kept it and refurbished it. I still have the 1962 Lionel Super O that my Dad bought for my very first Christmas. Running and temporarily set up in the living room. Same Engine and tender - 736 Berkshire, still smokes. Bought enough of the old Super O track to run it around the house. Hope to have a permanent home for it someday!… thanks for sharing!
That old 736 Berkshire is still my favorite Lionel engine! Amazing to think it was built almost 20 years before I was born and is still running well!
Grandpa would be proud. Thanks for sharing it with all of us. I'm going to steal your layout design for my next layout.
Love the layout! Reminds me of Gomez when he was running his Train set on the Adams Family (Original Show).
Great layout restoration ..grand fathers did incredible things back then...only tobe discovered and appreciated after they have passed on their knowledge....
Thanks for sharing.....
I have never outgrown my love of trains, both real and model. These are awesome.
Wow! That layout is AWESOME!!!!! And storing it on the ceiling like that, GENIUS!!!!!
Thanks! The ceiling idea was actually my grandfathers.
I just wish I could do that in my garage.
Cory Lunn I wish I could do the same with my g scale
Come see the Gscale in Frisco Tx this summer. Million Dollar exhibit opening soon.
What an awesome layout. I love the simplicity of it all. It is all about the operation. I have my dad's 50's Lionel trains and I can't wait to get them running. Your video has defiantly inspired me. Thanks
Awesome! Thanks for the nice comments!
The story behind this restoration is priceless! Thanks for sharing it.
The layout looks good. Your Grandfather made a great layout and the way he operated the siding with the WWII Navy radio relays. Your grandfather would be pleased the way you restored his layout. Good Job.
Great memories of my childhood in the '50's! Thanks for sharing. Love the Plasticville station and water tower, since my dad and I had those, too. You're an electronics wizard. Beautiful job!
I agree with North Trainmaster, Great Layout and great job at restoring the old trains. It does my heart good to see someone take pride in stroring old trains. Keep the memories flowing. A+++++
FANTASTIC!, very well done, a "labor of love!" I love my old Lionel engines and rolling stock. I also love my new stuff. I do wish Lionel and MTH would build in the U.S.A. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! I like both the old and new also. And... I think almost everyone agrees we wish they were still making their trains in the U.S.A.
I've got some of those Plasticville buildings are on my layout even today. I've had them since i was a kid. I've got a Lionel 726 Berkshire "on disply"with a fence around it at the entrance to our yards. I'm working on building sort of a park there similar to Horse Shoe Curve. My 2333 Santa Fe Diesels still run great and get used occasionally as back up motive power when the newer MTH stuff goes down!
I would love to see your layout! If you post any videos, let me know! The steam engine in this video is the 736 Berkshire. Very, very similar. Mine of course has 60 years of hard use on it and, after heavy maintenance, is still going strong!. Thhose plasticville pieces just ooze character!
I have pictures of my layout I can e-mail if you want to give me your address. I have a friend who's a professional videographer. We're going to make a video of the layout soon and I will post it on You Tube. Thanks for your comment.
Wow, what an impressive time capsule you have there. Thank you for preserving the past and sharing it with us.
Your welcome and thank you for the nice comment!
Spectacular...what a fantastic and inspirational feat you performed .. definitely to be admired. Extremely thankful in sharing your grandfather's talent and your perseverance with us ... Then there is the creativity lifting and tucking it away out of harm's way a sheer stroke of genius .. everything about this is just awesome. Enjoy !!!
Really glad you enjoyed and appreciated it!
A lot of fun and a nice piece of nostalgia...
Really love the two train operation, smooth.
Very Nice! Great to see a layout like this running again! Pretty Ingenious! That is so cool that you got it running. I bet your Grandfather is smiling!!!!
Thanks!
I was looking for a track plan for limited space and fun to run. Yours is the best I've seen. Thanks!
I think that is what makes this layout so special. There is so much going on in such a small space. Thanks for appreciating it!
Great idea for storage.
super old school layout !!! excellent action in a small space. really cool hiding place as well !!!
Thanks!
you did a wonderful thing in honoring your grandfather...its beautiful...I wish I knew how to do those ww2 radio relays
Thanks for the nice comments! If you are interested, email me at tiller98@gmail.com and I'll send you a track plan showing roughly how it's done.
That's a lot of action packed into 5x8. Glad to see that you were able to save this awesome layout.
Thanks!
What a treasure. Thanks for sharing.
Great to watch. Restoration well done. Use of relays is awesome.
Excellent work, thank you for sharing this great video.
Great layout. That is so cool how you store it in the ceiling.
Cory, this is just beautiful and fun to watch. You obviously take great pride in your wonderful work, as well you should. For newbies, this plan is inspiring since it would work great with the new Lionchief stuff, with simple wiring, even though the new trains all look pathetic next to yours! Congrats on a great video, restoration, and the inspiration you've given a lot of viewers. Fantastic!
Don't forget his grandfather!
Very good variation on the standard Lionel "Up & Over" track plan. More trains can run at the same time !! I also like your "Keep It Simple" approach to building and scenicing the layout. All very ingenious.
Thanks for sharing. I incorporated your reversing loop into the upper tier of my layout. I like your relay setup as well. Thanks for the inspiration!
This is just fun to watch.
I think so too. It's almost hypnotizing.
Great layout! your grandfathers track design is perfect. I liked it so much that I made my own version of your layout on a 4x8 table with 027 track, only real difference is no passing siding . Made it for my nefew last march . You can see it on you tube under Nicksville Junction Railroad. Not the best video but you'll get the picture. I have watched your video a thousand times and I never get tired of it. Thanks for the great layout plan. Take care Bill Harrold
Fantastic! I watched you video and it looks great! I love the hills. That station looks pretty familiar. :) Thanks so much for writing and letting me know about your project. It means a lot to me.
Great work, congratulations!! I just now built an narrow gauge train layout (H0e), more small than this layout, and I choose the ceiling of the room as the best option for storing the layout, thanks for sharing this video.
Amazing amount of action on a small layout. I love the 2 train operation. Restoring old trains can be a lot of fun, but this is the first time I've seen someone restoring an old layout. You should be very proud to have restored such a gem of a layout and you also are connected to the family history. I have made a drawing of the track plan and I understand how the automatic block control works, so perhaps I might try building the same layout...someday, if and when I have the room. Thanks for sharing. Truly awe inspiring!
Thanks for the really nice comments. It's very appreciated. I would love to see you build a version of this layout someday. I know you drew your own track plan, but if you want an accurate version showing where the blocks and isolated rails are, feel free to email me at tiller98@gmail.com and I'll send you a copy.
Great layout.
What a GREAT post war layout! SUPERB!
Thanks!
Thanks! I really appreciate the compliment.
A very well done operating session. Cheers from Michigan.
Thanks! Cheers!
old postwar layout so cool
Thanks!
great layout....one to have fun with
Thanks!
I think I'd need some dramamine if I was riding in the caboose. :D
Very nice job and fun to watch the trains run.
Nice layout.
This is amazing.
wow that's a net storage sport never thought of that.
Neat layout! You did a terrific job of restoring the layout & the trains.
Found me a old one in the dump I'm trying to get working,,just resoldering and scrape rust seem to help
beautiful
Thank you!
I found this kinda funny I was watching your video a couple weeks back because I wanted get into postwar and I saw your Missouri pacifc 205 and I thought that was cool and wanted it as my first postwar train. About 2 hours later I go to an antique convention and find one there. Isn't that just funny.
I absolutely love this video and its one of my favorite layouts that I've ever seen. Do you still have it and if so did you ever paint it?
Nicely built
Excellent layout!
Your grandfather had serious skills. The folding table and the track plan are ingenious. You inspired me to get my layout plans going for my LGB G Gauge and MTH Standard Gauge trains. This track plan allows for long trains and lots of action in a compact space. The folded reverse looping dogbone with one bidirectional grade will help get a lot of Lionel in the middle of the two rail LGB loops. I cannot do a lift system with such heavy large scale trains but I can no design twice the layout in only half the basement. What did your grandfather use to make the sides of the cliffs? Masonite, plywood veneer or some other bendable panel? I know the upper and lower bench work are jig-sawed plywood and lumber, but how did he do the sides?
The Alcos were a sears set I think . I have the whole set now but started with just the Alcos and chased down the cars.
Very cool
I used o run double headers like this when I needed more power to pull a heavy train.
Love it
time to grab a cold beer and relax
no shit
Right on! I believe a good attitude and a cold beer are exactly the way to enjoy this! Thanks for the nice comments!
your welcome
Cory this is an incredible layout. I have had Lionel trains since 1947 and am in the early stages of building a layout for my 12 grandchildren. Could I get your wiring diagram to learn how to do the blocks. I have modeled in HO gauge for almost 60 years. Block control their is a lot easier with just two tracks. I would greatly appreciate seeing your wiring diagram. I have all the track and switches for a layout plus plenty of engines and cars - even have double A Santa Fe diesel engines, my pride and joy. Thanks for the enjoyment of seeing your layout operate. Bill
If you haven't already, email me at tiller98@gmail.com and I'll send you a track plan with the block layout.
Great restoration job. You have a great track plan for that table also. If you could bring the landscaping up I think you would have even more fun. I'm a fan of a guy named Eric Siegel on CZcams. He is a great O scale guy with really easy tutorials. Worth a look.
Thanks! I'll check out Eric Siegel's videos right away. I sometimes wish I could add to the scenery on this layout, but I made a promise to family that I would restore it to the way my grandfather built it and nothing else. I'm working on ideas for my next layout though!
Thanks Love your video.
Awesome!, thank you!
Great job!
i just bought a lionel 8040 complete set off of ebay fo 45.00 shipped, im looking forward to building one like this
Excellent deal you got! If you would like a diagram of this layout, email me at tiller98@gmail.com and I'll send you one.
ok will do sir.
Well done!
Thanks!
I like the track plan. At 19.18 the switch track closest to the camera changes position. What triggers it and where is the trip point located on the layout ?
Nice set up! I advise you take the trains off before you lift it to the ceiling though!
Coolest layout ever for O gauge in a 5x8 space. You've inspired me. I've got the basic starter kit O-Gauge Lionel Polar Express Remote Train Set for my kids. What tracks do I need to make your sweet layout? thanks, Philip
The tracks you need to build this layout are: 39 straight, 3 half straight, 28 curves, and 4 switches.
Do you have a schematic or drawing of this layout? I may be a able to figure it out but want to get it right. RICK
I DO have a plan of the track. Email me at tiller98@gmail.com and I'll send you a copy of it.
This is the most mesmerizing layout I've ever seen. Love reversing loops. If you don't mind, how tight are those curves? O27? O31? I'm thinking some rail diesel cars with a station between the sidings would be cool. Thanks for the vid.
I would love to know the specifics of how its wired.
That's really nice. Can you redo in HD? I've got a similar set 2056, 1479ws. My dad originally bought it before I was born in the fifties, brand new. I played with it as a kid and had a lot of fun with it along with race car tracks. I have now inherited it and will cherish till the day I die and hopefully pass it on in family. It is a bit worn out but still runs. It goes backwards better than forwards and the whistle is out, not sure about smoke. I wish I had the ambition and skill to fix it. Can you suggest a repair shop to restore it to near new condition?
Hi. I wish I could redo it in HD, and I might someday but it took so long to put this video together that I just don't have the time right now. Those old fifties engines will run forever, and are always repairable. If you want to email me at tiller98@gmail.com we can discuss options for getting your train and whistle tender repaired.
very nice
I had a train set as a child in the basement I miss it
this guy is good he runs them fast plus hes got a smoker-i had the same locomotive-use to put the cat on tthe train see if it could pull it,use to blow trains up with firecrackers -had a good time with my train
did not blow up trains with firecrackers that's new
ohhh we did more then that
How hard was the setup to stop the one train until the other got to a certain spot?
This is a sweet layout - Great job restoring it.
I would love to know how you did your blocking and insluating. What type of relays are you using?
Email me at tiller98@gmail.com and I will send you a plan and rough wiring diagram of how it was done. The relays are mechanical latching relays and they are turned on and off when a train runs over an isolated rail that is wired to the relay. It's all in the wiring diagram!
Don't forget the Super O track! Nothing says 1950's Lionel like Super O track
The track in this video is regular postwar tubular O gauge track and switches. Super O had plastic ties and a thin center rail while the outer raid were the familiar T shape tubular rails. I believe that Super O came out in 1957.
Cool!
This was an amazing video. Any updates on the layout? And can you do any more videos about it?
I had a older train. It's from like the 1920s I think not sure. But older train. Same kind of track. Still run. Still got that cut points like it looks like its going to die
I followed your layout progression and I am excited to see the finished product.. the concept is spectacular. I hope to build a similar layout using atlas 3 rail track.
thanks for the video
Ps I will email you a request for the wiring diagram and blocks
I would love to watch this but it is blocked based on copyrights. Any chance you could repost without the music?
I'll work on that and possibly have it up in the next few days.
I tried to re-edit the video with different music, but I discovered that the original file was on my old computer that crashed and was lost. This version here on CZcams is all that is left!
No worries. I found out I can watch it on a computer just not on my tablet. Any chance you can explain how the trains are wired to wait in the siding for the other train to pass? I know it involves setting the track up in blocks and using relays but how are they wired?
Courtney Strobeck I'm happy to send you a copy of the track plan with a rough outline of how it's wired if you send me an email to tiller98@gmail.com
Thanks. Very nice video.Mmmmmmmm
How are you changing the polarity of the end track loops? Are you doing it manually or some automatic system? Nice project to restore a great toy train back into service! I very much like your overall layout. It has possibilities for real operation. I have something similar in mind, but I like your track arrangement better than my idea.
13thBear - Unlike HO scale, there's no concept of polarity in 3-rail track. Inner rail is hot, and both outer rails are grounded together.
These are ac trains so they don't have to switch polarity like HO and N scale do. That is the big benefit of 3-rail ac systems.
Very nice layout, great idea for hanging it in garage. Do you always run it that fast?
Most of my Lionel is made in USA. And, I also prefer the old O Gauge tubular track, then their new track anyday.
Today's Lionel has all these gizmos, but, they really don't look like the PW. I'd take MPC over the new stuff. that's just me. And, made in China infuriates me.
I agree!
that's layout is awesome. i'm newbie in this, i have a kit lionel and two locomotives. Can you tell me how can i run the 2 locomotives at the same time, just like in your video ?
Informative video from table storage thru fix-it spread to 2 trains running. I liked flash restoration, but not its speed. I freeze-framed a few times for full appreciate. Kudos to action simplicity.
Thanx
I’m new to the modeling thing & trains. They may be simple queries, but I need direction, please.
How'd you halt the steam locomotive some distance from the switch into which the ALCo FAA was about to enter?
How'd you program the re-opening of said switch after the diesel train had cleared it?
Are you selling it ?
can i say AWESOME !!! I just love to see any old piece of guy stuff fefurbished and in running condition. I may try to copy it some degree this great looking layout seeing that im short in the space at home. a copy of that wiring diagram would be nice to get a hold of if you would not mind?
Hi Tony. All the info you need to build the layout is now available for free at corycraft.blogspot.com. If you build it, send me pictures and video! I would love to see it!
maybe $20.00 and your first born....
how did you wire the dual action
realays
wow I have the almost very same sit it's over 55?years old or close to it.
GREAT layout! So functional in a compact space. I would like to try this layout myself. Can you tell me how many tracks are used in this layout (curves, straights, etc.)? It is difficult to get an accurate count by pausing the video. Thanks for sharing!
Hi and thanks for the compliments! I finally counted the track and the tally is: 39 straight pieces, 3 half-straight, 28 curves, and 4 switches.
epic
Thanks!
Do you have a track plan?
open your eyes!!!!!!!!!!
awesome. any vids on how to build the layout??
come on Dan open your eyes.....
Great layout Cory. Are there any custom cut pieces of track?
Great work, congratulations!!.The lionel train layouts
looks good. Thanks for the show.Corbandy ho scale crusher
Make suggestion they search google for it
Hi Cory,
Your action filled layout was the inspiration for one I designed in FasTrack for Lionel's new Track & Power catalog. Check it our on page 27 of the catalog at www.Lionel.com. Click the link that says Check out our other new catalogs.
Thanks for the inspiration!
My previous comment was under tomtweed123.
Fantastic! Found the layout in your catalog. Looks great! I wish my grandfather were here to see his idea appear in the official Lionel catalog! Thank you for reproducing it. My whole family is pleased!
Well i could care less, besides fast track is stronger. They still work the same. Plus, they are more detailed and sound a lot better, take it from someone who owns both old and new. My old ones i have to oil more and it isnt that hard to oil my newest one.
Your opinion is appreciated. Thanks for sharing!
nobody asked about the backgroud music he played..
Nice layout! Make sure to check out mine that I'm still creating!