Decided awhile back that a simple 2’x4’ layout would be the perfect practice layout.The first five or six photos are older,my last two are from today.
Used masking tape to mark out the roadways.
Painting started.
Used ballast for a gravel parking lot.
Getting further along.
Now the two more recent shots:
Two more layout shots. 
Hey thats a nice layout you have started there. I started the
MRR thing about 7 years ago. I was given a box of old LL HO
stuff. I got hooked and looked into N scale but there was no
sound equiped locos at that time. To me sound was very important
so I stuck with HO. Every time I see an N scale layout I imagine
what I could do with N scale in my 18 X15 ft layout room. I
could have an empire. But with fat fingers and failing eye sight
HO will have to do. Keep up the good work.
Terry
Nice job !
Though you need to change your avatar to have a black #3 leading the pack 
Thanks for the compliments.
As for my avie,it was a pic I had on my computer.It’s from a 1988 qualifying race at Daytona.Decided to change it to a pic I took at an ARCA race back in May. I usually do model railroading during the colder months,and go to races during the warmer months,but I’m kinda doing both right now.
I like your layout SimRacer. I’m not in N scale but it already looks great. The planning was well thought out too. Have you considered expanding? It looks good but if you chose to expand it, there would be room to place those buildings in the foreground of picture five. just a thought…
I would like to expand at some point. I have a 3x6 piece of plywood that is sitting in my living room not getting much use right now.It was my earlier attempts at a layout,but I decided to try something smaller instead to get some practice.
My only issue right now is figuring out how to keep ballast glued to the track and how to keep the foam grass glued to the board.I’ve heard about the detergent/glue stuff,but I don’t have a clue on any of it,really.
My “getting back on the MR horse” project is a 3x5 N scale setup, so I have a decent track plan or two if you would be interested in them.
Additionally, there are many MANY threads on ballasting here. There are also many ways to accomplish the same thing! My advice is to do a fair amount of reading and then try a few different ways on some test track on a test board… see whatcha like the best.
Sure,feel free to send me any of them that you want.
I’ll see if I can dig up a few threads on ballasting here.
Sim nice start…I’m working on one just about that size…Mine is on wheels so I can move it since i have to have it in the living room…My brother built a cover that folds over it and we set our Christmas tree on the top…Have to shut down operation during the holidays…Cox 47
I tried the glue/water/soap mix.
Took some Elmer’s glue,poured in the water & dish soap mix.I think my first mix here is a bit too watery,but ah well.
Here’s how my effort turned out:
Kato Unitrack probably doesn’t do the trick under what I’m doing. I think for my 3x6 I’m going to use a sheet of foam and then use foam roadbed and regular track. Might use the opportunity to see what that DCC thing is all about,but that layout is still off in the future.
I’ll have to figure out a way to clean up all the excess on this board without knocking off stuff I want to stay on it. I also sprayed down part of the grass on the board,to see if it helps keep that down.