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Layout Ideas for Thomas the Train With the Roundhouse

Thomas the Tank Engine has made his way into the hearts of children around the world. For young children, imaginative play with Thomas calls for an intricate layout of tracks and locations unique to the Island of Sodor. The roundhouse (often called Tidmouth Sheds) is where the engines go at night to rest after a hard day of being "responsible, reliable and really useful," as Sir Topham Hatt always says. The roundhouse typically features a half-circle building with doors for five or more trains to spend the night, depending on the version you are working with. There is a turntable in front of the doors, giving the trains access to a number of different tracks at once. Where these tracks take your little railroader is up to you. The layout options are endless.

Ultimate Island of Sodor Layout
- The ultimate Island of Sodor layout, as suggested at the Legacy Station website, consists of two levels. In this layout, the deluxe roundhouse is located on the top level, with tracks leading to the Useful Engine Shed, the Oil Depot, Cranky the Crane and Knapford Bridge. A single track leads to the lower level, where engines will encounter the Power Station, Timber Yard, Water Tower, Sodor Bay Bridge, the Ice Cream Factory, tunnels and a stretch of "wacky track."
Deluxe Sights and Sounds Set
- Learning Curve's suggested layout for the Deluxe Sights and Sounds Set has five tracks leaving the Deluxe Roundhouse. Two of these lead to short sidings, while three lead to other locations on Sodor, including Cranky the Crane, Stop &Go Station, and Knapford Covered Bridge. This layout also includes Scrub &Shine, the Arched Viaduct and a mountain overpass.
Cranky the Crane and the Roundhouse
- Another layout option is to have just one track leading away from the roundhouse, such as the one shown at Wendolonia.com. This option is for use with a roundhouse that does not include a turntable. The track takes a looping path past a water tower, a signal crossing, Cranky the Crane and the Useful Engine Shed, and leads over Knapford Bridge.
Roundhouse Leading to Turntable
- WoodenTracks.com suggests a layout in which a short track connects the roundhouse to a separate turntable. This set-up allows for more tracks leading away from the turntable itself. In this layout, the tracks lead to numerous bridges, T-switch tracks and crossing barriers. Sodor-specific locations -- including Cranky the Crane, Sodor Bay Bridge and the Water Tower -- could be connected along the way, as well.

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