Newbee:
I have several ho sets. Would like to max the number of set to be run on a 4 x 8 platform.
Looking for adivse suggestions, plans and directions.
Welcome.
My suggestion is to get a piece of plywood, join your track together, play with the track, run your trains, start reading and figure out what it is about the hobby you like.
Start with my beginner’s guide below. It’ll take 5 minutes and give you an idea of what you are in for.
Spacemouse is right. If you don’t think abouta few things first, you’re likely to end up with a lot of track tacked down to a nice board that nobody ever even looks at. You’ll be board with watching the train chase it caboose in no time flat.
Once you read Spacemouse’s words of wisdom, check out these links.
Make sure you do your homework. I laid down one layout and I wasnt happy with it and now I’m working on a new layout. Dont use up all of your space. Keep some room for buildings, mountains, etc. Myself, I rather work on scenery than run trains. I dont have alot of track on my 4 x 8, but with a 4 x 8 theres LOTS if ideas. Enjoy and Welcome.
http://www.atlasrr.com/Code100web/index.htm
Here’s some sample layouts to check out. A lot of these are 4x8.
There are a huge number of 4 x 8 track plans out there that will allow you to run trains. Before you begin, read, read, read and read some more.
You have some decisions to make before you start to build. For instance, DC or DCC. The choice makes a difference in how you build the layout. What code of track, turnout size, etc.
Many of these decisions are based upon what type of locomotives and rolling stock you have or intend to run on your pike.
One basic suggestion. John Anderson recommended a double tracked main line for small layouts. His reasoning was that you can run more trains with two mainlines. My Black River Valley Rail Road layout bought into that theory. Though the BRVRR is a 4 x 10, the premise holds true. With DCC and multiple throttles my grandson and I often run four trains and sometimes a switcher too, on the layout.
Back to the point, the Atlas website has several 4 x 8 track plans you can download. They even offer a free layout planning software that might be useful. Another place to start is with the World’s Greatest Hobby site. There is a wealth of information and advice there for the beginner and expert alike.
WGH site: http://www.greatesthobby.com/
Again, read, do your research and then ask questions at you local hobby shop, local clubs if you can locate one, and here on the forum. There is a world (literally and figuratively) of information and expertise available to you here.
Good luck with your quest. Welcome to the world of model railroading and to the forum.