I am building a new 4x8 HO layout. My old 4x8 will have to be taken appart due to space, but I would appreciate plans that would serve as insperation for a functional layout. Please send me links so I can see these plans. Thanks
Go to the Atlas website. They have a few 4x8 plans there.
www.atlasrr.com
The Atlas website is a great start, you can check out their layouts and decide which one you like the best for your needs, and under each of their layout they mention in which one of their books the layout is featured, so you could buy said book and take an easier and smoother approach to your layout.
Got me confused. If you don’t have space for the old 4x8 why are you considering another 4x8?
Anyway, You might want to contact Oklahoma Train Boy. He is going through the same thing - re-doing his 4x8. He may have a lot of info for you.
sry for the confusion, My new one will replace the space my old one took up.
I don’t have a link for you, but I thought the track plan in Jan-April 2003 MR was great. It’s a “Build this layout…” series of articles called the Turtle Creek Central. I’m building it now and I think it offers great veriety for operations, potential for expansion and there is a lot of track without seeming like it’s jammed in there. Obviously the industry and surrounding scenery can be modified to suit your interests. It’s been a lot of fun for me so far and I love spending time on it. Good luck to you.
In a small layout, I like double main, but then I’m in N scale. I want continous running and switching several locations. Most MR layouts have run around tracks. I like a L shaped layout over a 4x8 and against the wall, but HO scale doesn’t lend itself to end to end with loops. It is Neat to run two trains on different tracks, so a double loop is good, esp. if the trains run both directions. What do you want more of? I want more buildings and scenery, and like to run different trains, so any 4x8 would need some staging to attach so I could run various trains w/o moving them by hand.
I am also in the planning stages of a 4x8 here are some tips I have learned.
- the Atlas plans are nice, but pretty unrealistic,
- avoid modeling a main line unless you are not focused on realistic operation.
3 have a decent amount of industries for swiching - don’s fill every little space you have.
- avoid plans that are as interesing as a plate of cold spaggetii, example: the WGH layout a.k.a. Madison Central
Just curiose, do you have access to all sides of the layout ? one of the 8ft sides on mine is aginst the wall, so I will have to put it on castors so I can roll it out when i need to work on it. Hope this helps !
good question I don’t have access to the back section. Also I agree, although they offer alot of track space they are unrealistic. My problem is I would like a main line but it would be difficult on a 4x8 layout due to space. I may make it a 5x9 if my dad allows me to make it that large.
Hey Oklahoma Train Nut,
If possible could you send me a pic of your 4x8?
The best layout design is the one YOU design…Designing a ;layout is not hard to do and you get your givens and druthers far better then a preplanned layout which may be no more then a loop of track with 2 sidings like the Tuttle Creek Central…
I do however recommend you use your space wisely.
Do you have 4 x 8 space or a sheet of 4 x 8 to put a layout on. If the later is true I would suggest to think outside the square Maybe you could cut the 4 x 8 and have an L shaped layout, or a U shape or even a round the wall shelf layout. All would be potentialy more realistic and more fun to operate than an ovel on a rectangle.
Since I am close to planning a 4x8 like elias, anyone got tips on planning? Also are there any links or MR books you can show me about modeling realistic small industries that still have plenty of traffic and interest, and anything about realistic car order forms?
Don’t do a circle
DOGGY