Hi there, I am looking for a idea for a sectional 4x8 layout what I mean by sectional is a 4x8 or 8x8 table connected by plywood “bridges” so I could create a 4x8 version of Tehachapi Loop and connect it to Horseshoe Curve or the Spiral Tunnels, the possibilities are endless; but the sections MUST be capable of independent operation. So if I wanted to just run Horseshoe Curve I could. The sections could connect via “bridge” or just butt up against each other. Below is a list of the places I want to model.
So that others can help you better give a few more details.
Size and shape of space available, including doors, windows and other obstructions or access necessary.
Scale you are planning.
Era. though I doubt there have been many changes of these over time, if you are using longer modern cars and locos, it may effect the curve radius that can be used in the plan.
Well the layout needs to be relatively portable and needs to be able to be stacked when not in use I do not currently have the space for a layout the size of the one described on my website (link below) so I decided to build a version of each of the places that can be easily stored, operated, and be compact. The layout would mostly be operated in one or two sections and would only exist in its full form at special events or such. HO scale is the scale. Transition era.*
(*Note: I would like to have the option to run new power and cars occasionally.)
All of that flowing creativity, along with attention span of a 16 yr. old. I don’t remember what I was like, but I do remember my son and daughter at that age. Kind of like our Wisconsin weather, changes day by day. [(-D]
All meant in good fun, Steven. Don’t be offended. [swg]
On a practical side, wouldn’t you have to go to N scale, if not Z scale, for any one of these features to be on a 4x8?
Please read the entire page. Do not re-post his plans. At the bottom is an index of track plans. There is a “Connected 4x8s” plan in there you might find interesting.
I suggest you pick up a copy of Track Planning for Realistic Operation by John Armstrong. This will give you a ground work for what will fit in your space.
Keep in mind access. Unless you have 4 foot arms [:D], a large table is hard to work on. Are you familiar with the Beer Line project (the original back in 2009), or Rice Harbor? Both are 4x8 in total, but modular, and you can set them up differently. If you sketch some things out, there’s probably a way to make some neat locations that way.
should fit a 4x8 no problem. put tehachapi at one end and horseshoe curve at the other. Just becomes a streched out inverted figure 8. 15" rad for the inside curves and 18" rad for the outside. then you can narrow it down to 40" so you can walk around it and better reach. add a view block across the middle to split the two scenes.
Good luck with your build. post pics of the progress.
