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Suggestions for an easy to build HO layout on 4x8?

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Suggestions for an easy to build HO layout on 4x8?
Posted by Wdodge0912 on Monday, January 27, 2020 7:35 AM

So Talking with the wife more, I will be able to have a 4x8 freestanding in the room we plan to put it in (when we move to our house) 

I'm looking for suggestions for a 4x8 layout, as that is the size i'll need to be building. The table will have sides, and i'll need to be able to place some supports in the center as well, as the table will also be needing to be converted to a board game table. I'll also need to put some storage underneath for said games as well. Pretty much I'm making a large coffee table build is a way to think of it. 

I'm looking for something that'll fit in the 4x8, but also have a dual track loop, with the outer having 22" curves for the longer steam locomotive with passanger trains I would like to get, a 2-8-4. 

The problem I'm finding is a lot of layout i like don't show what peices or even lengths and such. I've been looking at the Atlas layouts, as I have some of those books, but they use snap switches. I thought I had snap switches, but i have custom line #4s. I have tried to take the layouts from the Atlas books and make them in the RightTrack software with the custom lines, but have had no luck. 

I'm really only looking for a layout that has the dual loops, and a couple spurs for  industries on the inside, and it would be nice to have an outside spur for an interchange track. I would like more, but i understand i'm already asking a lot for a smaller amount.

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Posted by mbinsewi on Monday, January 27, 2020 7:50 AM

So, what your looking for is a design that will allow you to flip the table over, and use the underside of the layout for a game table?

Or a design that you can lay a flat game table over the layout?

A game table is that important, that maybe a folding card table won't work?

Trying to understand what your looking for.

There are hundreds of 4x8 plans.  Place your mouse on the black bar at the top of the page, on "How To",  on the center column of options, click on track plan data base, you can enter search items to narrow it down.

This is just one option.  Google 4'x8' table top layouts, hundreds more.

A member in here designs layouts for a living, I think his name in here is Cuyama?  Cuyuma?  Bryon is his name.  I'll stop butchering his screen name. Confused

Mike.

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Posted by Wdodge0912 on Monday, January 27, 2020 8:00 AM

The plan would be to put a top onto the train table. Probably have something made up for it with a peice of glass so it can stay on and lifted up for working on it, unless it needs major work and then removed. Legs I'll probably make some sort of bookcase like structure at the corners, leaving a gap for chairs to be slid under. I'm starting out with a 4x8, but I may be able to go bigger, but we'll have to see when it is that time. I figured a 4x8 could've tweaked or just add an extra switch somewhere on the outside and add a small yard if I get to go bigger. 

 

I have been able to see and look at the plans, but the ones I like all just show the design, no dimensions or how to build them or anything like that. More of a finished product than what I'm looking for. 

 

I have the Atlas books, which break down the layouts into track peices, that's really what Im looking for, something were I can pretty much duplicate how the track is laid. Even if I change the scenery and stuff up,  the track itself can be copied over 

 

But the table I'm building wood be like a coffee table N scale layout, just bigger.

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Posted by RR_Mel on Monday, January 27, 2020 8:16 AM

I did that for my kids back in the 60s, worked out slick.  I had two boys and one girl back then and they also liked slot cars so the slot raceway was on top of the trains.
 
Unfortunately they liked the slot cars more than trains so it ended up dad running his trains on their track.
 
 
 
Mel
 
 
 
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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Monday, January 27, 2020 8:33 AM

I think the WGH (that stands for World´s Greatest Hobby) Black River Junction layout would nicely fit your bill! Take a look here 

The track plan looks like this:

There is a step by step description on this built on the WGH homepage.

 

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

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Posted by Wdodge0912 on Monday, January 27, 2020 8:50 AM

That might work. I could just leave out the staging yard, or figure out a way to have one section of the "walls" drop down for it instead.

How would that Kato track translate over to Atlas code 100 stuff. Not like I'd have to.roadbed, but like the turns are 19 1/4" or 21 5/8" and  the straight all have fractions of inches as well.  Also with the turnouts it says they come with their makeup peices, would the Atlas turnouts I have something that's the same? I wouldnt mind buying new turnouts, as I dont have many, bit to replace every peice of track would be a bit much, especially since I also want more locos and to fix the ones I do have, amd also need to get some rolling stock going too

 

EDIT: It is a single loop though, but is doubled for a bit, could maybe figure out a way to make it a dual loop.

Plus it looks like it would need at least a little bit of that staging yard for operations when going into the inside.

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Posted by RR_Mel on Monday, January 27, 2020 9:57 AM

The only negative I see is you can’t reverse your trains.
 
You can get Atlas code 100 or 83 to fit any layout.
 
 
 
Mel
 
 
 
My Model Railroad   
 
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I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
 
 
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Posted by cuyama on Monday, January 27, 2020 10:53 AM

The Black River Junction Layout Ulrich posted is not the same as the World's Greatest Hobby (WGH) layout and would need a lot of revision to work without the extra staging yard.

Here's the link to download the free booklet that has the WGH 4X8 layout, which looks like this:

Both layouts have "Rock" in their name and it's also on the WGH site, which may lead to the confusion. I don't think this works for the Original Poster's needs, either.

Byron

 

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Posted by cuyama on Monday, January 27, 2020 11:14 AM

If you want to stay with an HO 4X8 using sectional track and you want a complete parts list, an alternative would be Atlas' HO-6. I don't know if all of the outer curves are 22" radius, so that's a potential issue.

 

There are also a number of problems with this track plan itself, but there is an Atlas book that describes it, along with their outmoded method of wiring for DC.

So not an ideal choice in many ways, but restricting the options to an HO 4X8, sectional track, Atlas components, and a full parts list reduces the possibilities, unfortunately.

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Monday, January 27, 2020 11:15 AM

Byron - the WGH homepage features a mini series of how to build the "Black River Junction" layout, which I think is a former MR project layout. It´s a different layout, but certainly more challenging to operate than the rather simple oval of the "original" WGH layout.

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

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Posted by cuyama on Monday, January 27, 2020 11:17 AM

RR_Mel
You can get Atlas code 100 or 83 to fit any layout.

As Mel knows, not without some (or a lot of) cutting and fitting. Turnout dimensions vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. If the Original Poster is willing to learn to use flextrack rather than sectional track, more is possible.

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Posted by cuyama on Monday, January 27, 2020 11:19 AM

Tinplate Toddler
Byron - the WGH homepage features a mini series of how to build the "Black River Junction" layout, which I think is a former MR project layout. It´s a different layout, but certainly more challenging to operate than the rather simple oval of the "original" WGH layout.

Agree, unfortunately it doesn't work as drawn without the staging yard.

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Posted by floridaflyer on Monday, January 27, 2020 11:23 AM

I like Cuyama's suggestion. You could also check out the Virginia and Southern on the MR database. Just imput size" less than 100sq ft", and "island" as the the type, and scroll down.

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Posted by cuyama on Monday, January 27, 2020 11:38 AM

floridaflyer
You could also check out the Virginia and Southern on the MR database.

http://mrr.trains.com/how-to/track-plan-database/2016/01/ho-scale-virginia--southern-rr

Unfortunately, that one doesn't have the detailed parts list that the Original Poster is looking for. It looks appealing, but I'm not even sure that it can be built as drawn in HO scale in 4X8 since it does not appear that room was allowed for transitions from level-to-grade and back. This would have the effect of making the grades significantly steeper than the quoted 3%.

In a 5X9 or 5X10, much more do-able – but that’s true for all of the speculative HO 4X8s with grades that have been published over the years.

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Posted by cuyama on Monday, January 27, 2020 11:55 AM

Wdodge0912
I have tried to take the layouts from the Atlas books and make them in the RightTrack software with the custom lines, but have had no luck. 

By the way, you may never be able to get a plan from an Atlas book to work exactly in CAD with sectional track. Most Atlas setional plans require some slight offsets and/or little gaps in building to get the whole thing to connect, while CAD expects all the joints to be perfectly square and tight.

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Posted by Wdodge0912 on Monday, January 27, 2020 12:04 PM

I am working on trying to go bigger, but wont really know until we're in the house.  I would like to do a 5x9, but I'm not sure if it'll fit. Should be able to add at least 6 inches each dimension,  for a 4.5ftx8.5ft table.

 

As for flex track,  I have only 2 sections of it.  But I have a ton of sectional straights and curves, and switches. I'm just trying to get use of what I have most of,  don't rely want a layout of all flex track, as that's more I would have to buy. 

 

Really i'd just like something a bit more explanatory on how to build the track.  Like that Virginia and Southern, I wouldn't be able to build that.  The way it shows it doesn't make sense to me. Maybe I'm missing something with it though.  

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Posted by Wdodge0912 on Monday, January 27, 2020 12:07 PM

cuyama

 

 
Wdodge0912
I have tried to take the layouts from the Atlas books and make them in the RightTrack software with the custom lines, but have had no luck. 

 

By the way, you may never be able to get a plan from an Atlas book to work exactly in CAD with sectional track. Most Atlas setional plans require some slight offsets and/or little gaps in building to get the whole thing to connect, while CAD expects all the joints to be perfectly square and tight.

 

 

That's probably why.  I'm even using the Atlas software.  

 

I had it backwards though,  the Atlas layouts use custom line switches,  and I thought I had snap switches

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Posted by Wdodge0912 on Monday, January 27, 2020 12:11 PM

cuyama

If you want to stay with an HO 4X8 using sectional track and you want a complete parts list, an alternative would be Atlas' HO-6. I don't know if all of the outer curves are 22" radius, so that's a potential issue.

 

There are also a number of problems with this track plan itself, but there is an Atlas book that describes it, along with their outmoded method of wiring for DC.

So not an ideal choice in many ways, but restricting the options to an HO 4X8, sectional track, Atlas components, and a full parts list reduces the possibilities, unfortunately.

 

 

Atlas does list the parts on their website,  as you can buy three full layout from them to put together. Out of all the ones I've looked at,  they used 18" curves,  I haven't seen any 22" ones

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Posted by rrinker on Monday, January 27, 2020 3:31 PM

 Is this goign into a dedicated room for the railroad/gaming?

If so, what about aroudn the walls, You can built on top of some decent looking bookshelves and make the whole thing look liek a piece of furniture. If you ahve room for a 4x8 or a 5x9 island int he middle with room to walk around it, you have plenty of room to run aroudn the walls and use much larger radius track. With a shadowbox sort of thing, you could have the layout on bookshelves for storage under, and then even more storage on top. With the front finished off with a nice stain, it would look like furniture, not a bunch of lumber. ANd still room to set up the gaming table in the middle of the space.

                                      --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by xdford on Monday, January 27, 2020 6:48 PM

Hi there, 

All of the above is valid information depending on what you want to build.  I based my layout on an article of nearly 50 years ago and I am still finding things to do differently with it ... with imagination of course! 

My layout is here and feel free to PM me to get a copy of the original article which will also show you how to "grow" it as well as operate. If I had my druthers, I would make the front not quite as straight and give it a slight arc. I used flex track but now use Peco Set track for the curves so I have the best of both ways!

Cheers from Australia

Trevor

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Posted by Wdodge0912 on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 12:01 AM

rrinker

 Is this goign into a dedicated room for the railroad/gaming?

If so, what about aroudn the walls, You can built on top of some decent looking bookshelves and make the whole thing look liek a piece of furniture. If you ahve room for a 4x8 or a 5x9 island int he middle with room to walk around it, you have plenty of room to run aroudn the walls and use much larger radius track. With a shadowbox sort of thing, you could have the layout on bookshelves for storage under, and then even more storage on top. With the front finished off with a nice stain, it would look like furniture, not a bunch of lumber. ANd still room to set up the gaming table in the middle of the space.

                                      --Randy

 

I would have to do some measuring, but I might be able to convince the wife of a layout like the Corkscrew Gultch, if I make the underside a book shelf as well.

I wouldnt be able to go all around the room however, as there is a big front window, an entry door from outside, and also the big archway to the dining room I have to leave all that open. I would love to be able to run a spur in front of the window, but that pretty much would end me right at the entry door, and that's in the corner of the room. I cant put a lift out there since the door swings in, there wouldnt be a way to lift it out coming from outside. And really the wife would hate me if I go in front of the window as that's where she really really really wants to put the Christmas tree, which wont even be up for almost a year, lol. 

 

And the archway is quite wide,  it's almost the entire one wall. I think I can convince her though to let me have some of the table just out into the doorway though.

 

If I did something like this, I'd forego the double mainline as well, but I'd still like the curves to be at least 22" radius for a steam locomotive with my passanger cars. I dont have a big working steam engine yet, but I'm looking between a 4-6-2, a 2-8-2 or a 2-8-4. I do have a not working 0-8-0, a partially working 0-4-0, and a working 0-6-0T.

 

Also, the passanger cars do go around a 18" radius, they just look a little wierd. I've also thought about getting shorter ones since I'm really only using it as a tourist excursion type of train. 

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Posted by mbinsewi on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 6:56 AM

A shelf layout with a nice looking book case under it, is very doable, and will look like a nice built-in.

My layout is in the basement , it is built on the top of a shelving system to hold and hide Tupperware storage containers.

Mike.

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Posted by wolf10851 on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 8:44 AM

  " alt="4x8 layout" />

This is one that I was running for a while.  Even though anyrail says it suposedly doesn't fit it worked fine with Bachman ez track.  You could run up to 3 locos on it simultaniously I ended up ditching this though cause I needed 22" and 24" radius turns so I could run my bigger boys on them

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Posted by UNCLEBUTCH on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 9:24 AM

Wdodge0912
As for flex track, I have only 2 sections of it. But I have a ton of sectional straights and curves, and switches. I'm just trying to get use of what I have most of, don't rely want a layout of all flex track, as that's more I would have to buy.

 If I may offer my 2cents,

Wait untill you get into your new house, and build the table as big as you want/can. Most 4X8s are a basic ovel,and some spurs. You don't really need a plan .

 Take that ''ton'' of sectional track, and start laying. Put the sections together, to make sure every thing flows, but don't nail or glue, untill you are sure it works and you like it.

 You should be able to see what will or won't fit in your space. And will determind what You may need to buy.

 Untill you have your table, this is all pretty mutch wasted worry.

just thinking outloud

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Posted by jjdamnit on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 12:15 PM

Hello All,

Something to consider...

John Allen on planning:
"A model railroad should probably start with a concept. Why? Because much knowledge about railroading, experience in model railroading, and thought are required before a proper concept for a model railroad can be formed. These requirements are seldom possible on a first pike. Mine was no exception."
- -John Allen; Gorre & Daphetid Railroad.

I too am constrained by a 4'x8' space. Not by choice but by "She who must be obeyed".

Wdodge0912
I'm looking for something that'll fit in the 4x8, but also have a dual track loop, with the outer having 22" curves for the longer steam locomotive with passanger (SIC) trains I would like to get, a 2-8-4.

Unfortunately, I believe running a 2-8-4 with 85-foot passenger cars might be a little ambitious on a 4'x8' pike.

 Take a look at this thread...Is 4x8 still the go-to standard for first time layout builders and why?.

And this one...Running 24" radius car on 18"radius track?.

If you could expand your pike to a 5'x9' this could expand your layout possibilities too. I still think larger steamers and/or six-axle diesels and 85-foot passenger cars would look out of place even on this expanded size.

As has been posted, using flex track would also increase the trackage possibilities.

Wdodge0912
I'm really only looking for a layout that has the dual loops, and a couple spurs for industries on the inside, and it would be nice to have an outside spur for an interchange track. I would like more, but i understand i'm already asking a lot for a smaller amount.

You might consider narrowing the focus of this first pike to either industrial OR passenger.

On my pike the focus is a coal branch loop with the associated industries of a working coal mine set in central Colorado during the early 1970s to the late 1980s.

Because there is a historic spiral trestle an "Olde Tyme" excursion train runs on special occasions. This train is made up of a USRA 0-6-0 with a vanderbuilt tender that has been converted to burn oil.

The excursion train is made up of three 42-foot cars; a combine, two passenger cars, a 28-foot gondola- -converted to open-air seating and a bobber caboose.

To help this train up the 3% grade a 0-6-0 side-tank porter; also converted to burn oil, is used at the head end.

Even though the main focus of the pike is the coal operations a passenger excursion train can run.

In limiting my focus to a particular era and purpose this made the limited space I had to work with more plausible and enjoyable. 

Hope this helps.

"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"

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Posted by Wdodge0912 on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 10:40 PM

jjdamnit

Hello All,

Something to consider...

John Allen on planning:
"A model railroad should probably start with a concept. Why? Because much knowledge about railroading, experience in model railroading, and thought are required before a proper concept for a model railroad can be formed. These requirements are seldom possible on a first pike. Mine was no exception."
- -John Allen; Gorre & Daphetid Railroad.

I too am constrained by a 4'x8' space. Not by choice but by "She who must be obeyed".

 

 
Wdodge0912
I'm looking for something that'll fit in the 4x8, but also have a dual track loop, with the outer having 22" curves for the longer steam locomotive with passanger (SIC) trains I would like to get, a 2-8-4.

 

Unfortunately, I believe running a 2-8-4 with 85-foot passenger cars might be a little ambitious on a 4'x8' pike.

 Take a look at this thread...Is 4x8 still the go-to standard for first time layout builders and why?.

And this one...Running 24" radius car on 18"radius track?.

If you could expand your pike to a 5'x9' this could expand your layout possibilities too. I still think larger steamers and/or six-axle diesels and 85-foot passenger cars would look out of place even on this expanded size.

As has been posted, using flex track would also increase the trackage possibilities.

 

 
Wdodge0912
I'm really only looking for a layout that has the dual loops, and a couple spurs for industries on the inside, and it would be nice to have an outside spur for an interchange track. I would like more, but i understand i'm already asking a lot for a smaller amount.

 

You might consider narrowing the focus of this first pike to either industrial OR passenger.

On my pike the focus is a coal branch loop with the associated industries of a working coal mine set in central Colorado during the early 1970s to the late 1980s.

Because there is a historic spiral trestle an "Olde Tyme" excursion train runs on special occasions. This train is mad up of a USRA 0-6-0 with a vanderbuilt tender that has been converted to burn oil.

The excursion train is made up of three 42-foot cars; a combine, two passenger cars, a 28-foot gondola- -converted to open-air seating and a bobber caboose.

To help this train up the 3% grade a 0-6-0 side-tank porter; also converted to burn oil, is used at the head end.

Even though the main focus of the pike is the coal operations a passenger excursion train can run.

In limiting my focus to a particular era and purpose this made the limited space I had to work with more plausible and enjoyable. 

Hope this helps.

 

 

Your idea with the passenger excursion train is exactly what I want to do with a steam engine and the cars I have. 

This is the set I have now for a passenger  setup. I want to swap the F unit for a steam locomotive. That's all really. It wont be something in the layout all the time, itll mostly be the freight trains running and switching, but if I want to just have a train rolling, itll be the steam passanger. 

I will use flex track, but I dont have a lot, only 2 sections, and I have a ton of sectional track. Just trying to be able to use all that up, instead of having a layout of all flex track.  

 

As for size I'm trying to go up, but might not be able to. I really won't know until we moved in. I think as long as it can be pushed up against a wall, it should be good and we can set up a smaller table. The 4x8 was what I planned to build for a table, that can have a top put on it and made into a game table. 

 

I also need to see how much room I have to work with up against the wall. I might be able to do a small L shape with part of the layout jutting into the archway. Still would need to keep the other end in a corner, sonit would definitely have to be dog legged in the middle. Have all my industries on one end, and a really small yard off of the main inn the center (which really could just be a siding with a siding)

 

As for industries, if I have an  interchange out of the layout, a team track inside, and at least one other industry, I think I'd be fine. I'd probably try to go with an industry that would use multiple types of cars, hoppers and tankers, and the team track can take the box cars. I'd be happy with that. 

 

I definitely want to do the 50s/60/70s. I will get pictures tomorrow of what I have for locos and help get some OD on what they are, both who made them, as well as what model they are, so I know where I'm at there. I have a lot of Santa Fe stuff, so to cut some cost down, I should probably stick with that line, but I kinda want to do C&O

 

Speaking of C&O, if I modeled the line in the late 60s, since they were also involved with B&O, before they merged in 73 to Chessie System, would it be weird to see C&O and B&O Locomotives hooked up together?

 

If I'm going to do just frieght, and all my locos are old enough to make sense with shorter cars, I may go with just a point to point layout on top of a bookshelf. Put it up against the one wall. I would of course not need the big 6 axle loco I have, but I could always part ways with it and get something else. If I'm going with a rail line I dont have, I could just start fresh and just run what I have, and get that line in DCC Locos and go DCC once it's time. 

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Posted by Wdodge0912 on Thursday, January 30, 2020 1:01 AM

For something against a wall, what about something like this?

 

I not drawn to any scale or anything. And I know it's a reverse loop so I'd need help wiring that all up. And if I wanted to just roll trains, I'd need something to make the switches switch too. 

 

But the end loop that is just a loop would be 18" radius behind a scenic divider, to hide the longer train going around it since it looks unrealistic. I'd probably make it look it goes into a tunnel and comes back out. Just enough that the last carnies in before the engine pops back out. Of course it would be removable if a derailment occurs. 

 

Then the reverse loop would be as big as I need it to be to fit the industries inside the loop, and have the excursion train look good doing it too. 

 

Had also thought about a helix on one end, and doing a tiered area, the bottom part with a yard, and the top with the industries. Might help keep it to a smaller length, if I can get a wider width. Might be able to fit that into an L shaped layout,  the helix on one end, and the rest on the other

 

Here is where I got the idea from

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Thursday, January 30, 2020 3:11 AM

Skimming through your thread once more, I get the idea, that the best way to move forward is what oldline1 posted. Instead of getting stuck in too much planning, build that 4 by 8 table and start experimenting with what you have got. In your situation, building a bespoke benchwork for a layout may not be the best choice, as it leaves little room for modifications.

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

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Posted by cuyama on Thursday, January 30, 2020 9:56 AM

Given the original goals, you don't gain anything by adding the requirement of throwing switches with every lap vs. a true dogbone.

Note that a workable helix is definitely not a beginner's project and will require something like a 28" radius. The helix alone would take up most of your space.

It’s tempting to sketch out track arrangements freehand. But if not drawn to scale, you will be in for an unhappy surprise when building. 

Good luck with your layout.

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Posted by John Busby on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 11:13 PM

Hi Wdodge0912

Well here is the thing are you building a model railroad/train set

or are you building a Games table? IMHO they are mutualy exclusive its one or the other.

This is based on the games I play which can be walked away from and you can come back later and continue.

I did a search for the  Building The Virginian thread which should be on this forum somewhere but drew a blank.

This was a Model Railroader project layout in HO scale that starts with an 8' X 4' layout and has two extensions for a later date  the Thin Branch and a small staging yard.

There where full construction articles in Model Railroader as well as a long running thread in this forum and video's ect on the MRR site.

I think it is worth a look and some concideration if nothing else.

It is a bit more serious than most 8' X 4's but I liked it and if I had not got as far with the layout I was building at the time

I would have scraped it and started a double size Virginian myself same layout

Just twice the size to get a longer run all yards ect still the same size, Just double the train run and hopefully a bit more impressive scenery.

regards John

 

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