OO GAUGE · TRAIN SETS
How to extend a Hornby train set
Many Hornby train sets come with a simple oval of 1st radius curves. Here are five ways to build on it, in roughly the order most people add them, each with the exact extra pieces you need.
Before you buy
- Check what is in your box. Sets vary. The extra pieces below assume an oval of eight 1st radius double curves (R605), or sixteen single curves (R604), which make the same circle.
- Measure your space. Most of these need a 6 × 4 ft board. The space guide has exact sizes.
- Buy by part number. Hornby part numbers, like R600 for a standard straight, are the reliable way to get the right piece. See the setrack reference chart.
1. Add a siding
One point and a short siding inside the oval gives you somewhere to park a second train or a few wagons. It is the cheapest upgrade that changes how you play.
Extra pieces 4 × R601 double straight, 1 × R8072 left-hand point, 1 × R600 standard straight, 1 × R606 2nd radius curve, plus 1 buffer stop.
See the full plan: Add a siding to your train set oval.
2. Stretch the oval
Long straights on each side turn a circle into something that looks like a real railway, and leave space inside for later additions.
Extra pieces 4 × R601 double straight.
See the full plan: Starter oval on a 6 × 4 board.
3. Add a passing loop
Two points and a loop on the outside let one train wait while another goes by, so two trains can share one line.
Extra pieces 4 × R601 double straight, 2 × R606 2nd radius curve, 1 × R8073 right-hand point, 1 × R8072 left-hand point, 1 × R603 long straight.
See the full plan: Train set oval with a passing loop.
4. Build a goods yard
Three sidings fanned out inside the oval give you shunting to do: sorting wagons and making up trains.
Extra pieces 4 × R601 double straight, 3 × R8072 left-hand point, 3 × R600 standard straight, 3 × R606 2nd radius curve, 1 × R603 long straight, plus 3 buffer stops.
See the full plan: Oval with a three-road goods yard.
5. Add a second loop
A 2nd radius loop around the outside of the 1st radius oval lets two trains run at the same time.
Extra pieces 8 × R601 double straight, 8 × R607 2nd radius double curve.
See the full plan: Double oval for two trains.
Running two trains
On a basic analogue controller, everything on the same piece of powered track moves together, so two trains on one loop is hard to manage. Two separate loops with their own controllers, or a digital (DCC) system that controls each loco on its own, are the usual ways to run two trains at once.