Every year at this time, I get the urge to build a 4x8 layout. Of course, MR and similar are putting out their yearly layouts, and it always impresses me what can be done with a small space. Right now I don't have any layout and don't have space for even a 4x8, so that makes the draw even worse, but I wonder, does anyone else who does have a basement layout every get the urge to just do the classic layout?
I have a divided family room/laundry room that is my "basement" the front part being the basis for a rather "large" layout/bench work to be expanded around the washing machine in the laundry room. But I have that "4x8" bug. Mine will be a fun build to practice my scenary building skills.
Funny this topic should pop up as I was being a big kid in my man cave office tonight (9x12 around the walls layout). Instead of conentrating on protypicla operations, actually working on the layout...I was running a 35 car train with 4 Genesis BN F7 loocs on point doing the roundy round thing for at least an hour, switching between tracks. I thought to myself, wow, I have just made a glorified 4x8 layout
Im currently looking at building a 4x8 or 4x6 and would like some ideas if anyone likes any particular plans post them up as they would be helpful, the current mr layout looks good except the yard area which could be better
I've heard pros & cons over the 4x8 layout, and have even looked at the Heart of Georgia 8x8 layout (the top of which can be made from a single 4x8 sheet). Currently I'm building a shelf layout which will run almost all the way around my small room. I did the roundy-round thing with my N scale HCD layout, and yes, just sitting back & watching the trains run is nice now & then, but I'm trying to get away from that on my new layout. But, that's just me. YoHo- how big is the room you have, and do you have the room for shelves on the wall? AN around-the-wall shelf layout may work if you can't put a 4x6 or 4x8 in the room.
It's kind of funny that you're getting away from that, Friscobob. Being started in G-Scale, I just love to watch them go round and round
Bob, I used to have a small spare bedroom in our 2 bedroom apartment. Alas, it is now the baby's room...assuming the baby decides to leave the womb. There's a good chance we'll rent a home some time this year and that will likely mean space for something. If not a spare room' then a part of a garage. Back when we owned a condo in Carlsbad I had room in the garage for a roughly 6x10 with an opening in the middle. This was just the step up from a 4x8 I needed. My big problem with mr's 4x8s is the addons. It's hard enough to find a room to plunk a peace of plywood in, who has space for the turtle creek extension and the staging yard?
I think those were designed for beginners like me. Sort of what I'm doing now with my main layout, preparing one room to extend into the next.
Well I just did a partial mock operating session....can you say traffic jam and dispatcher challenge . So my layout can cause migranes, middle of the road challenge, and roundy round fun if so desired. So far, I am pleased. My first "layout" ie trainset was from tyco built on once was a ping pong table in the basement. I am not sure of the dimensions but it seemed huge back in 1978 when I was a much smaller trainman than I am now. A couple years later my dad approved the expansion of the railroad and we added another 4x8 sheet to the ping pong table. At this point it was an actual layout though my skills were not the best as I often had derailments as for a long time my track was not properly secured. finally got the layout running well with a dual DC Troller power pack (pulse power). However, by 1988 the layout started to collect dust as I grew more interested in girls, cars, and I was going to be a rock star and time spent on the layout was reduced and by mid 1989 the layout was dismantled. Hobby was on pause until 2000 where I setup a small N scale pike on some plywood (smaller than 4x8)
No, not once I discovered shelf-type layouts. Even if they're not completely round the wall, but end point to end point (so long as there's room for a run-around track at one or both ends). A 1/2" thick 4' x 8' at my age requires help. Not so most shelf types varying from 12 to 18 inches, depending on length and material. I have an indoor layout of hollow core doors (24 and 30") that basically is a 10'x12' with a large hole in the middle (and, yes a duck-under) - one of many reasons my momma never claim to raise up a rocket scientist. I am tempted to do a very branchline railroad that while stored indoors, could be set up and run outside and have a long straight run.
4x8's are the throw back to most of our starts into the hobby i figure. Plus it can have operations built in, switching, and a continuous run to just sit back and watch trains!!
