Grades on 4x8?

[hominamad]

Hi there - newbie here. I'm trying to decide between building a larger HO layout, or a smaller, 4x8 MTH layout. The main point is to have a layout I can operate together with my kids. If it were me, I'd opt for going for a full-blown realistic HO layout, but the reality is that by the time I have something like that up and operational it could be years!

So I'm back to now consider doing some sort of 4x8 O scale layout that I can complete in some kind of realistic time frame.

My question is this: Is it possible to do any kind of 4x8 layout that involves a graded crossover in this scale? I really want to build a layout that has a large mountain/tunnel that divides the board into 2 scenes but am not sure if it will fit in a 4x8. I've browsed a lot online and it seems most smaller O scale layouts are all on one level.

Thanks!

H

[wjstix]

You can do an "over and under" layout in three-rail O on a 4x8. It works best if you have an engine with 'magna-traction' as the grade is going to be very steep and will limit what the engine can pull.

BTW you could do a 4x8 HO layout, MR has done a number of 'starter' project layouts in that size, such as the Virginian layout they did a year ago. You can view the step-by-step process over on the MR magazine's in the video / project layouts area.

[hominamad]

Thanks. Originally I started out thinking of doing that exact layout, but then realized that I could make better use of my space with around the wall instead of 4x8. So I started planning a much bigger more complex HO layout. Now I'm realizing that if I go that route, I probably won't have anything remotely functional for months if not a year. (I don't have that much time to dedicate to it at this point unfortunately)

Also, theres a good chance I'll be moving in a few years from now so I don't want to invest too much time and money into a permanent layout for my space and then have to tear it all down.

Now I'm considering going back to an O scale 4x8 again because it seems easier to do in stages. For example, all I have to do is build a 4x8 tabletop, buy a starter set, and I'm rolling on day one. Then I can gradually add track and scenery and make it more complex as time (and interest) permits. It will also be easier to transport if and when I move some day.

[Crabby44]

My first layout was a 4 x 8 with an elevated section and I built my own wooden trestle bridge. The grades were steep and I installed side shields on the layout to prevent the train from flying off the track when it traveled downhill.

[fifedog]

You can easily achieve a twice-around over/under track plan, utilizing O-42 for the outside curves and O-36 for the inside.  Most engines with speed control can negotiate the climb.  You can make your 4x8 "larger" by concentrating on purchasing "smaller" rolling stock.  I like the idea of an "old time" theme, using 4-4-0s and wooden braced rolling stock. (Civil War, Old West, 1890's, even WW1).

I agree with getting up-and-running first.

Oh, and do include the kids in every stage (carpentry, wiring, scenery, operation).  It's your hobby, but it's their memory.

[rtraincollector]

Can I show you another option that I took if you use O-Gauge and 8"x1" by what ever legnth you want I built a shelf layout around the room to get me running trains until I could do more. I started this as knew I needed to redo floor and other things befor I started a perament layout even thou now have decided to keep the shelf layout there also.

goto full screen and turn volume down as these were recorded loud as at the time didn't know how to turn volume down on the camera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8D1r_JkPAc this one is with the camera in front of the church

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YBQISosqMQ this one I have the camera on a flat car infront of the train and it makes you feel your right in the engine driving it.

[hayman]

Hi, I am a model railroad returner working with my grandson on a fast track layout in 4 x8.  I just asked a question in the layout forum about an over under layout-like where do you get open trestles from.  Looks like you stick make them which is fine but more time.  Fast track has the graduated ones and the fixed elevated but not the open ones from what I have seen so far. 

I have a fig 8 but the operating dump cars keep tripping on the cross over so I was planning to do the graded crossover like you mentioned and get rid of the fig 8.

Also, O-31 fast track curves and hopefully switches are supposed to be on the way to market soon which will help.  Good luck.

[nickaix]

For really open trestles, the easiest way would be to use transition sections to switch from Fastrack to regular O, and then use the old-type graduated trestle set. (I have always thought that ballasted Fastrack hanging in midair looked odd.)

I do not know which dump cars you have, and I do not own a Fastrack crossing, but here is some general advice: look over your dump cars carefully and ask yourself: what part of this car that does not normally come in contact with a powered rail comes in contact with one when it goes over the crossing? Figure that out, and then find the precise point on the crossing where it occurs. Get some clear nail polish and paint over that spot to create an insulated barrier and that should fix your problem.

[hayman]

Thanks.  The folks at the local train store said you could not mix the track and therefore I wondered what the transition track was for.  Does it only work with reg O and not real trax, etc?  H

 

 

[hominamad]

Thanks for the replies everyone. For 4x8 layouts, I really like the effect of having the board divided into at least 2 sections by a mountain or something. It gives the illusion that the layout is bigger than it actually is. It seems if I go with O scale though it's really pushing the limit of being able to do something like this.

Good to know I can do the over under though. I was also thinking I can have a track just dip down an inch or so for a segment and not cross over to give a little more depth to the scenery.

[rtraincollector]

hayman

Thanks.  The folks at the local train store said you could not mix the track and therefore I wondered what the transition track was for.  Does it only work with reg O and not real trax, etc?  

I know there was a section that mth produced for a while anyway I would think they still would that would go from realtrac to O ( not O-27 which is smaller) but you could widen the O-27 opening and get it to work open it just a little on each rail. Also Lionel made the same type of piece to go from fastrac to O gauge again same story .