expanding my layout

[Anonymous]

I built a small 4x8 layout and installed a switch (at this time going nowhere) near the edge of the layout so I could expand later. I originaly built the layout on a flat piece of plywood and I am now wondering if I should expand with another 4x8 of if I should build more complicated benchwork.

[88gta350]

I would try your hand at some more complicated benchwork. You can stick to 4x8 if you want, but I wouldn't use plywood unless you modify it. Or you could use it as your base and build up what you want with foam, etc... There are a number of options you could explore.

[leighant]

Regardless of "more complicated benchwork", I would not consider expanding with another 4 x 8 because of the SHAPE, whether or not the benchwork was plain plywood. The traditional four-by-eight allows a more or less self contained minimum oval or loop of track. The obvious add-on (to me) would be a SHELF along a wall. It might be a long yard that allows more length than what can be squushed somewhere inside the loop of your original 4x8. Or it might be a branch line that runs to a stub end terminal with a runaround track to allow the train to be rearranged to go back to the 4x8. Or it might be a narrow shelf line that runs to a wider reverse loop..but that would be on a rectangular 4x8, though it could be on "flat plywood."

I extended my 3 x 7 layout with a six-inch wide, 12 inch long addition! Doesn't sound like much but it gave me one end for a logging run, with the other end at the lumber mill on the older part of the layout.

[IRONROOSTER]

I would suggest you design a layout for the space you have, or as big as you want to go. Then decide which kind of benchwork you need to do. Flat table top is an easy way to go but doesn't have to be done in 4x8 sheets. I am currently building a table top layout with 18" wide sections around the room and a 3 1/2 by 12 foot center section. In a couple of places I lowered the benchwork for a bridge and a future harbor scene. I also will use some foam for hills when I get to the scenery part..
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

I started with a simple board plan... developed into a dogbone shape:
4x8 at left - 30inch shelf along rear - 4x6 at right--- total length - 15ft lots to be said for shelf additions! - mine fits small interchange - 3-4 tracks.

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[Anonymous]

Just an idea, but you could expand along a shelf to form a branch line - have a few sidings for an industry at the end, and maybe some passenger facilities. This could be extended along one or more walls and maybe include a staging yard.