Assumign there are no reach issues, the Jan 2013 issue of MR has four 4 X 8's which could probably be adapted.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
Have you read Byron's page -- Why Waste the Space on an HO 4x8?
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
I can only second what Chuck said in the previous post. It is of a tremendous importance, where that layout is located. If you don´t have access from all sides, you will encounter serious reach issues. Aside from that, I think, that a 4 by 16 table must be about the most unrewarding real estate for a layout. How to add a good and realistic looking scenery to such a beast?
Here is a suggestion - why not make a to-scale drawing of your layout room and post it here. We may come up with some better ideas for a layout for you!
You have a 4x16 table. What, exactly, is around that table?
A few possibilities:
Note that only one of the above actually constrains you to a long, narrow table. The other two are more conducive to 'two foot shelf along the walls' plans.
Another factor. What kind of scenery (the natural variety) do you like?
What era snaps your cap?
Now you know why professional layout designers have you fill out a form more complex than the one you get when you first enter a new doctor's office. In the final analysis, the exact dimensions of a rectangle that ISN'T defined by structural walls is probably the least important consideration in layout design.
The method that worked for me was to put a pin in space-time, a very specific place at a very specific time. Since I was there, I have my own field notes and photos to work from. Note that I achieved a plan that works FOR ME. It probably wouldn't work for you, or anyone else on this forum. Most likely, they don't even speak the language.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - in a Southern Nevada double garage)
A good place to start would be to write down what industries you would want and then research those. Also there are many track plan books out there. Have fun. Also what era are you doing?
My Layout Photos- http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/ajwarshal/library/
If you could squeeze another 6 inches or so width, you could break out of the old 18" and 22" curve straight jacket. Later on you'll by posting about what rolling stock will shoehorn around those tight curves. I've you can design a plan with minimum 24 and 26 in curves, it will give you alot more options and those are still considered pretty tight by todays standards. Please consider this.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Of trackplan books and archives (including on this website) there is no shortage, but don't confine your search to 4' x 16' plans because there likely aren't many. Instead, take an idea from Steve Otte's article on page 57 of the April Model Railroader, and find a good 4x8 track plan, copy it, and then cut it with sissors, push the ends out and fill up the middle by connecting the tracks. Most 4x8 layouts are far too cramped to have a real useful yard, or really "railroad worthy" looking industrial areas, but if those cramped plans were stretched out, now you might have something.
With a 14 or 16 foot run lengthwise you could even consider covering up or hiding some or all of the distant return track, perhaps behind or within a huge factory building, or high hills, which would make the layout a bit less toylike in appearance.
But don't be consumed by filling up every inch with tracks. Note how nice Pelle Soeberg's laytout looks by making sure that wide open spaces are left, efven though his layout is hardly large by most standards. He has the self discipline not to just lay track on every foot of available space, in favor of realistic appearance.
Dave Nelson
Johnny666 I'm not a fan of point to point because I only have 16 feet!!
No, not really. 4ft is way to far to try and reach across, so the obvious thing would be to divide that into 2- 2ft x 16ft sections divided by a backdrop of some sort. That gives you 32ft of fun, with the option of still having a continuous run, and a small yard, and a few other things as well.
Oooh...! Interesting!
I'm thinking of a dogbone continuous run folded over to give the equivalent of 4 x 32 ft. Two turn around loops at different levels on one end and a flyover on the other end. A yard could be tucked in anywhere along the length. This would give you around 70' of running distance.
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
Hey guys,
its been a while since I've posted. (Thanks for your tips). Anyways, I now have a 16foot by 4 foot table! Am looking for a track plan with a yard. I am in ho scale and going to buy dcc shortly. i would like a continuos loop. I'm not a fan of point to point because I only have 16 feet!!
thanks all cheers.