I’ve narrowed it down to the FINAL two 4x8 layouts in HO scale and now it’s your turn…
VOTE for the best beginner layout and I’ll build the winner…AND post stories and photos of how it is coming along.
OPTION 1: The Virginian as it appears in the January 2012 MR
or
OPTION 2: Byron’s Falls Mill RR (see below)
Here’s a bit of background:
I am a NEWBIE and know nothing. Really! I am starting from scratch… no tools, no track. Nothing…
I am looking for a fantasy railroad and am not too hung up on authentic details/prototypes.
Have 5 year old and 7 year old sons who loves trains! This will be fun.
I am really into building scenery and like the look of a forested, mountain setting with a river or creek and LOTS of bridges (I will probably add this into either layout). A tunnel or two is a MUST! Elevation somewhere would be nice.
Not into an urban setting but want one industry (probably lumber related).
SO VOTE EARLY and VOTE OFTEN… love to know which 4x8 layout wins and why.
I’d vote for the Virginian because you can build two expansion modules as shown in the track plan. So you can build onto it if the boys get bored. MR is also going to offer another expansion module in the near future called the “Thin Branch”. I think David P. mentioned that they will be featuring it soon on MR Plus and will be in the magazine early next year.
Whatever you choose be sure and share some in progress photos.
As I also have two sons that were that age recently, I would vote for option 2. It will allow two continuous running trains. They will each want their own train and will always want to run at the same time.
I’m casting my vote for option #2. I’ve seen so many of Byron’s excellent track plans online, now I’d like to see what one looks like when it’s actually built!
I vote for option 2 as well. I’ve been considering building an expandible 4’ x 8’ layout for my nephews for Christmas and I am sure they would both want to run their trains at the same time. I was originally thinking of doing something similar to the Jerome & Southwestern fro MR back in the 80’s (if anyone remembers that) but I don’t think that would satisfy 2 pre-10 boys. I would probably make it expandable so I could include the waterfront scene from the J&S. I’ve always loved that layout.
Yes, I also love the J&S. Even built as is, you have options for two to run. One boy could run the loop and mine while the other does the city. Add a litte bit of car exchange between the two so they can cooperate or compete on getting those supplies to the mine and ore to the dock.
And give kids don’t always want to run in circles. When my son was about three, he stretched his Thomas tracks from the living room to the kitchen and under table mountain and just ran the train back and forth rather than in a circle. When I asked him why, he said because the real trains didn’t go in circles. Out of the mouth of …
I will also vote for #2. having had boys of my own years ago…The one thing that you will probably experience though is their tendency to want to race one another, how well I KNOW THAT…LOL
I really think this is a decision you need to make on your own. You can read what others like about each one; but, come on, certainly one has features that you like better then the other; so, go with that one!
Why: Kids like diversity and will get bored very quickly. #1 has “two scenes in one”, with two industries but goes around in a circle. #2 on the other hand has lots of track but has no action in the centre. The two add-ons allow you to mix and match and room for growth.
In my opinion it would not be difficult to marry the two layouts together.
You could build #2 and add on the #1 additions when you were ready.
This is a page from my own book as I started off with an 4x8 which is now a key part of my bigger 26 x 12 " layout.
I may certainly be in the minority here, but it won’t be the first time…
I’ve built my share of layouts since 1956 and I find it a very personal thing. Building a layout - even a 4x8 - takes time, money, skillsets and a whole lot of effort. While I can understand wanting the forum folks to critique a design, I just can’t fathom how I would allow others to determine what I will build (for my use).
But, like we say so often here… its your RR and you can do what you want.
First off, a BIG thanks to everyone who has weighed in and voted. Please keep the comments coming…
I really appreciate all of your ideas and never would have thought of running two trains around the layout in #2. These are great ideas! As a said I am a newbie.
To address Mobilman44’s feedback above (and one other) I really have no idea what I want and am learning… both layouts look good to me and have tradeoffs. I really want to see what others have to say and would be happy with both. I very well may incorporate elements from one into the other…for example I REALLY want to add a lake or pond and extend a river with a couple of bridges.
I guess I was thinking MORE about the trackplan and not the overall industry and details… which I plan to change anyway.
We’ve seen the Virginian, in MR as well as on build thread right here in the Forum. So my vote goes to #2. Besides, the layout is a Byron Henderson design, so you can’t go wrong there. I’m looking forward to see what develops.
There are some 600 layout designs available for perusal right here on Model Railroader’s website. I’m guessing quite a few of these are 4X8s. Have you looked at all of them, trafficdesign?
Why do we need someone to design a layout for us? Granted, fitting a good one on a 4X8, is difficult; but, the people designing layouts commercially today, started out with layout design #1. What you learn from the process of designing and building the first one is how a person improves their abilities!
I found the design process to be as fun as any other aspect of the hobby! My current layout is # 7, since 1958, I never copied anyone else’s designs and guess what, #7 still has some design problems, some of which I have fixed and some of which (at this time) I am still contending with.
Trafficdesign, best of luck and above all, have fun!
