What to do with my 8' x 8' table?

[Anonymous]

Ok, folks...I'd posted here about converting my childhood table into an HO scale setup for myself (and those pesky kids I guess!). After some very sage input here and some soul searching, I've decided that we're going to break out the Lionels after all and use this tabletop!
However, my Dad must have been more successful than I, since we had a huge basement in Chicago. Here in Oregon, basements are fairly scarce and I have a garage to put this in. As many have noted, the reach on an 8 x 8 is pretty prohibitive (though I could live with a double oval or such and open area/town in the middle...need to dig out old photos and see what it was before....).
Any idea? I had thought of taking the hinges off and setting the halves end to end for a 16 x 4 effect (I'd be able to walk around the whole thing).
Or a "v" shape?
Or an "L" shape?
Still a week or two away from setup...but I'd like to maybe sketch out some ideas. I think the kids would love something with a big mountain and tunnels in it...maybe 1/2 rises into a mountain scene, or a mountain set in the crotch of a "V" or an "L"?

Here's your chance to be immortalized...I'll even put some signage in homage to you if I use a design/concept!

Thanks!

[Jim Duda]

BGH - the folks on this forum will certainly pat you on the back for choosing 3 rail O gauge! Have you decided on your choice of track? That might influence the suggestions that will be offered...

[Buckeye Riveter]

Click on to enlarge the plan below.


Basically the top part of my layout is a 4x16. At the left end you can see where phase II of the new layout removed the curves and attaches.

[GPJ68]

My vote would be an "L'" - gives the kids easier access than a square 8' ('cause they'll want to reach everywhere and won't hesitate to crawl over everthing when adult eyes aren't watching), and allows for easier expansion into a possible "U" someday without having to tear up most of the layout. Can also allow for a more varied track plan than a traditional oval IMHO. Put the mountain in the corner of the "L". 4 foot deep will allow several options/combinations of curve radius, depending on your track of choice.

Have you checked out Thor's website for layout plan ideas? A bunch of classic plans, will at least stimulate some thoughts on customizing one of your own. "Doorway layouts" shows a number of possible "L" and "U" shaped ones that you could alter to fit the the larger 4 foot depth you have available. Thor has alot of other valuable tips, tricks, and info available as well.

http://www.thortrains.net/

[3railguy]

I agree that an L or U shape offers better access. It also surrounds you making it appear larger and more realistic because the trains don't look like they are chasing their tales.

[TurboOne]

Hello and [#welcome] Patrick. I started out with a 4 x 8 HO layout. Then it became a 6 x 10. Now it is 14 x 8 with a 4 x 6 hole in the center for operating. 2 4 x 8 on the ends with a 2 x 6 connecting them at both ends. Lots of room for track, and the 4 x 8 for scenery. I didn't originate it, borrowed from another forum member. Easy to put up, easy for tear down. Lightweight if moving is needed, and solid for stability. And no big reach anywhere. Good luck

Tim

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

The Doctor is In !!! Just my humble thought, have you thought of cutting a hole in the middle ??? Put a lift bridge in and have access for both sides. It's just one idea to think about. Till My Next Missive, I Remain The Humble, Yet Strangly Evil Doctor !!![}:)]

[Anonymous]

You might try to get a copy of Kalmbach's Publishings "Classic Lionel Display Layouts You Caan Build" by Rodger Carp. There are few 8 x 8 layouts in it and a lot of good ideas'. Check with Kalmbach first or try Amazon.

[FJ and G]

agree w/rest about L and U shape being best.

If you like, you can even do a donut shape with an access bridge (or build it at eye level so you just curtsey under)

But around the room on a shelf is still #1

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys. Just got back from the Great American Toy Show here in Portland. I was a little disappointed because it was held in a shabby hall at our old Expo center and didn't feature any O guage layouts. There were tons of Lionel and other O guage items for sale...but a lot of them were pretty beat up and in dubious working order. I had hoped to see some O guage/scale completed layouts to get a better in person feel for space and how to use it.
I may have to travel to something really big in the future. Seems as though O gets passed over a bit these days...but it is good looking when done right.
HO/O etc, is pretty much apples and oranges IMO...completely different reasons and rationales for doing one vs. the other...and both are valid.
Still haven't settled on a plan. I have limited switches (2 autos and 2 manuals) at this time. I think I need to gear it to the boys being able to run them fast (which you know they'll want to do!) and have the scenery moveable and accessible since they'll want to "play" with that as well. To that end, a 4 x 16 (why don't you see more of those???) would probably be my best option right now. Thanks for all the suggestions...I'm going to keep thinking on it, bring the table down and lay everything out of the boxes and see what we have. I know I've got two engines, passenger cars and freight cars, so I'm thinking two independant tracks that can auto run or be run by both boys simultaneously is going to be the best option.

I hope to have some pictures up soon (which is a very relative term in my busy life!).

Keep on chuggin'!

[lionelsoni]

Around the walls is also best for running fast: Into the wall is better than onto the floor.

[FJ and G]

Agree 100% w/Bob N. If you persist in an island, BUckeye's has a lot of operating potential.

Around the walls has a lot of options such as peninsulas (permanent, removable, and slide-under types, as well as multi-layer shelving.

[tjsprague]

Here's a few designs I've done over the last year. One is actually two 4' x 8' tables fit end-to-end. The others are different sizes, but will give you some ideas about what you could do with your space. The grids in the images are 1' square.


This one is two 4' x 8' tables.


This is a solid table.


This one has a cut out in the middle of the table for access. It can be lined with building fronts to disguise it some.


Here's my take on one which was featured in CTT some years back. I added some length and a figure-8 for some old prewar sets.


Here's one which is designed to be put into a corner. All the turnouts can be reached from the front.


This is what I ultimately built. It bends around the L-shape in my basement, once again, the turnouts are easily reached from the operating side.. Future expansion will be another 4x8 table going vertically off the top left.

Let me know if there's anything you want more detail on. I can send larger image files via email.

Good luck. Be sure to ask questions on the forum as the folks here always seem very willing to help.

Tim

[Anonymous]

Thanks alot, guys...I may just go with that end to end 4x16.
Of course, it all depends on what my wife says will happen with the space. But she's pretty gung ho about the boys and I having time together.
I see right through her "mental health" gambit, but hey, as long as we both get what we want/need!
:)

[tjsprague]

If there's anything you decide on, let me know and I'll get you a better resolution plan and track list. (I don't have the new Lione ScaleTrax library).

Let us know how it all comes out.

Tim

[selector]

I haven't given this much thought as my layout is done and has another shape: however, you could put the ends of the doors together, but offest, by an amount to be found through trial and error. It might leave you with a useful and pleasing main line run and curves, operations, etc. Access would be as good as, or better than, the doors placed squarely end-to-end.