Lionel and MTH O Scale Train Layout - 4'x7' Completely Redesigned

[sigzor302620]

Hey cheezmo2k, buddy, I got all the parts you provided from Radio Shack. It saves me time cause Home Depot had 12 position barrier strips but no jumpers even though the people over there told me how to make my own jumpers. But who wants to do more work if somebody else has a better solution. Check out my YT video called MTH Penn Freight. I just started to build my own layout on a 4x8 benchwork. Thanks again for your info here.

[rw93003]

Nice....the layout and the video....

[grizzleybearz282004]

those neg- and pos+ wire bloxks what are they called?!! i want to get them plaease let me know ASAP! and how much did radio shack charge you for each or dose it come a a set with as both togther?!!

[cheezmo2k]

"Barrier Strip" Part # 274-670

"Jumper Strip" Part # 274-650

they were a couple bucks each... not expensive.

Loosen all screws in Barrier Strip. Insert Jumper Strip into one side of the Barrier Strip. Insert wire connections (all positive +) on other side of Barrier Strip. Use one open connection (any one) to route to the transformer output (Positive). Tighten all screws.

Repeat with another Barrier and Jumper Strip for the (negative) wire connections.

[sigzor302620]

@cheezmo2k Oh, wow. I didn't realize that Radio Shack made those jumper strips that you gave the part numbers. I went to my local Radio Shack and yes they had the barrier strips which are small and easy to hide under your table but the guy didn't know about a jumper strip. I can't believe that Radio Shack has so many people working there stores with very limited or no background on electronics. And I didn't insist whether they had those jumper strips.

[sigzor302620]

@cheezmo2k But now that I know thyey make those jumper strips I will provide the part numbers and buy them. Thanks again for providing those part numbers.

[cheezmo2k]

Continued... Turn on transformer and light up the set... I am not an electrician so make sure all your connections are good before powering up. Don't cross up the positive and negative connections :) or you will have an unwanted fireworks display.

[lionellance]

Great job ! Thanks for sharing...

[cheezmo2k]

sigzor... I did have to put a jumper strip into each terminal block. Thanks for asking.

Remember to use one terminal for the positive connections and a separate one for the negative connections.

[sigzor302620]

@cheezmo2k Thanks. The jumper set-up is the only thing I'm not too sure how to do. But I guess I will figure it out once I have everything I'm going to light on my bench-work. If you plan to make another video about just wiring, I know a lot of people here could benefit from a basic tutorial about lighting/wiring. Thanks for sharing this great video of your wonderful layout. MTH really makes nice trains and accessories, but their customer service needs a lot of work.

[sigzor302620]

Very nice layout and nice explanation of things. But let me ask you about the wiring on those black terminal blocks. Didn't you have to make jumpers in order for everything to light up?

[Southerntreatment]

this layout is fantastic man! love everything on it!

[MrHadley2011]

I Like This One Nice. Thanks For Posting.

[michaelmohrmann]

That little monkey doing the head stand looked to me like it could be Curious George.

[SilverRailClub]

With Cheezmo2k's permission I'd like to invite everyone to also visit the Silver Rail Club's channel to see what we've been doing with O-scale and how we share our model trains with folks around the Richmond area here in Virginia. - Pete

[SilverRailClub]

Ok, this is nice. I've read through the comments and everyone else seems to think so too. You put the layout together quite well, and your use of the folding banquet table is great! I have to tell you though (and everyone else), that I came up with that idea over 10 years ago, and crafted two tables together using bi-fold door hinges available at the local hardware store and put two more tables together the same way. When pushed together it makes a realistic 6'x12' layout, check it out :)

[JayhawkChuck]

For someone not into trains your videos provide great inspiration. Very well done and entertaining!

Chuck

[grizzleybearz282004]

i like it you got alot of nice stuff on there im building a 4x8 layout mostt likely going to use my box of postwar super O track that i have if it not to much of a pain to hookup i want two have two trains going and a nice strip or loop of track for a trolley and then i have a 132 station 145 gateman house and some other things but i guss i figer it out as i go i pretty sure i have most of what i need and want but i can always change it as i go

[stewartcamw]

Hello you sure have a nice looking lay out there

[kae4466]

also have cars , cars on the layout too. the sherrif lightning macween and sofourth. understand doc is a collectors item now

[kae4466]

also had the same ideas for the terminal strips

I also had visited another site where suggested to fasten tubeular track and put your lockons there for accessories

[kae4466]

Nice job. Congrats

[milkandbeer4907]

Good stuff, I kind of regret going the route I went with my 4x8. I went with 4x8 so I could get it up the stairs when I move. It has gotten way too heavy for that to be an option. I should have just built it larger using the folding table method! Check one of my videos and you will see what I mean

[cheezmo2k]

@milkandbeer4907

I looked at your video. I love the realism of your landscaping. Also, that Alton train you have is excellent and hard to find. Great stuff!!!

[moekraig]

@milkandbeer4907 My husband has just started a multi level 4 X 8 and claims he doesn't have enough space. I showed him your layout and he really liked it, plus you gave him some great ideas. Maybe he will be able to put his on Youtube shortly. Great job!!!

[TheLISABLU]

great I used to have a table layout but something happened to it I still have the train set its an 10yr old mth dockside switcher alaska railroad some of the track doesnt work though and the sound doesnt work

[williamfriggle]

Great layout. I like the changes you did. So often people try and pack so much stuff on a layout. But I agree less can be more. I have 2 layouts. One sits unused since it is in the basement and now I am disabled. So I put a 4x8 in my living room and just laid track last night. I will post a video soon. And I will keep an eye out for more of your videos. Great job.

[gvalen1000]

I am starting a new layout. Did you use any underlayment under your Tracks? Simple but very good layout.

[cheezmo2k]

@gvalen1000

I did not use any underlayment. I put that thin foam kitchen shelf liner (available in a roll in most stores) between the table top and the board. Also, my table is on carpeting so sound hasn't been an issue. I actually like the slight rumble sound as it replicates a real train...

[MrHadley2011]

I use the same tables for My BWC 7x8 layout.

The frame is around the tables with 274 stringers that tie in the outside frame.

the top is 3/4 in plywood all of this is screwed together with dry wall screws.

My Pal showed me a short cut on his big railroad... the Walmart tables he set them side by side..... then used 1/2 OSB board cheep shit... then used 3/4 inch drywall screws to attach the OSB to the plastic tables then used sound deading foam..Cheep and Neat Cool

[byates59]

Excellent video!!! Man the layout looks great and I'm sure it beats the heck out of having it on the floor ( which is where mine is )!!!! Thanks for sharing and have a great one! P.S. I subscribed

[cheezmo2k]

@byates59

Thank you. It was a much easier to complete than I expected. The wire terminals were a life saver for wiring the buildings.

[TommyZTrains]

A great use of space, and I enjoyed this...  Thanks !

[cheezmo2k]

Thank you... yeah I keep looking at DCS... hopefully one day :)

[Bassfanatic94]

Great video and great layout! Really like the setup! Hopefully you can expand because I think your layout would look great expanded for more track! You should also get DCS! Thanks for sharing!