An alternate to the 4x8

[Cheese]

Nice,

I think I'll do something like that with my layout, as I still haven't decided on a design yet.

Cheese

[fwright]

Being my usual rubber gauging self, I came across this layout that was being recommended as an alternative to the 4x8 for HO gaugers:

http://www.layoutdesignservice.com/lds/samples/betterbeginnerlayout.htm

It has the advantages of fitting in the same space as 4x8 when access aisles are considered, and runs longer trains with wider turns.  Benchwork, while not as easy as a 4x8, is not all that difficult.

I started thinking about this would be a much better set up for my 3 rail O.  It would easily fit O36 to O54 curves.  O36 now has lots of support, from Atlas to FastTrack to SuperO, so would be my preference, mixed with Atlas or Gargraves flex track.  But those who wanted bigger curves and/or switches could make them work.  Finally the longer straights gave me much more room for those highly desirable operating accessories that I have such problems fitting on my 4x8s.

My devious rubber gauging mind started working overtime.  I was widening the sections to 18" or 24", and realized I could have a double track 3 rail main with some passing sidings and spurs, AND an elevated HO line.  The HO line could fit both standard HO AND some of that beautiful On30 that keeps luring me to the dark side.

just some thoughts from a devious mind

Fred W