Nice HO model train layout 4×6
A track plan idea for beginners on 4′ x 6′. This corresponds to 183 x 122 cm. Here designed for Märklin tracks, but feel free to adapt it for other HO manufacturers.
What is it all about? We see a rural scenery with a sleepy terminus station. Only a few trains run on this idyllic branch line. Sometimes a small passenger train arrives, sometimes a few freight cars or a load of ballast from the nearby quarry.
Passenger trains arrive on track 1. After that the locomotive uncouples, moves back to overtake the wagons, couples on the other side and the train leaves the station again. Or the passenger cars are parked on the long siding on the left, so that our loco can do other tasks. Sidings and shunting facilities are dimensioned for a small HO locomotive with 3 short wagons.
Construction of this 4 x 6 HO model railroad layout is simple, as there are no gradients. So a nice HO track plan for beginners, because all tracks are on the same level. For the road underpasses, just cut out the board here and lower the level of the terrain. Alternatively, you can make a railroad crossing there. However, a road underpass provides more visual appeal.
The budget is not strained very much, too. There are only seven turnouts.
HO track plan 4′ x 6′
Facts 4 x 6 HO gauge track plan:
- Size: 6′ x 4′. This corresponds to 121.9 x 182.9 cm (approx.)
- Tracks: Märklin HO (“C tracks”)
- No slopes / inclines
- Due to the compact size, this HO layout needs some tight R1 curves
- Slight deviations in measurements are possible. Track planning software isn’t 100% accurate
- Some tracks must be adjusted to size. More: Cutting Märklin C tracks (YouTube)
Download this track-plan here:
Download PDF (private use only)
Why Märklin?
The track plan above has a reverse loop. But that’s no problem for the Märklin HO system, because it is based on the 3-conductor principle, also called 3-rail system. Märklin tracks have additional contact points in the middle between the two outer rails. The electrical polarity of these contact points is positive, the outer tracks are negative. So there is no alternating polarization in a reverse loop. Just plug the tracks together and enjoy the benefit of the reversing loop in that plan. The locomotive can always shunt wagons into the gravel pit. Simply drive around the reverse loop and your model train is ready to push back the wagons to the gravel works.
In contrast to that, HO 2-rail systems would require special electrical wiring for reversing loops.