Otter's dream 4x8 design in this months MR is really nice operator orientEd design for A small layout. I could see a short line connected to an industrial switching operator on that one. Would also make a good seasonal build layout For the mag. Worth a look for a tight space layout.my thought would be to incorporate two or three industries where traffic moves between the. For on layout traffic. And have the. Also do some off line traffic too From those same industries.
shane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
Only thing I would question is that if you look at the interchange track towards the top of the diagram, you'll see that in order to pick up and drop off cars, the engine would have to stop in the middle of the tunnel. OK for a model I guess, not so good for a real life train crew trying to serve the interchange. I think it would work better if the track were connected to the mainline on the other side (upper right part of the oval rather than upper left.)
If you put a set of turnouts at the other end of that interchange into the mainline curve, you create a run around that changes the operation a lot there. Change where the house track, freight house and station are into a small industrial park.
I appreciate when they showcase smaller layouts. It ought to inspire others to start building ones without thinking only large pikes suffice. Do what works for you and enjoy!
kasskaboose It ought to inspire others to start building ones without thinking only large pikes suffice.
As someone who has built large home layouts, and small ones as well, I can tell you this...
Having a small layout is very rewwarding and fun. Having no layout is awful.
Six years now with no layout.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I enjoyed the one page article and the hand drawn plan. I like insights into other peoples thought processes.
However, the article might have benefitted from higher "production" values. For example, MR could have produced the kind of nice track plan drawing/illustration produced for other layouts. As it is, the article feels like "filler".
There are many excellent 4x8 layouts in the world. Maybe MR should have a monthly "Featured Small Layout Plan" page or a monthly "Small Layout Pictures" feature.
https://nscale4by8.github.io/nscale4x8/
Hello All,
NScale4x8...the article might have benefitted from higher "production" values. For example, MR could have produced the kind of nice track plan drawing/illustration produced for other layouts.
I would have liked to have seen notations on track radii and turnout sizes.
wjstixOnly thing I would question is that if you look at the interchange track towards the top of the diagram, you'll see that in order to pick up and drop off cars, the engine would have to stop in the middle of the tunnel.
Yes, and I'm not a big fan of backing up on a curve.
As far as critiquing the track plan, I would have extended the double-track curve beyond the depot so passenger trains would not foul continuous running.
NScale4x8There are many excellent 4x8 layouts in the world. Maybe MR should have a monthly "Featured Small Layout Plan" page or a monthly "Small Layout Pictures" feature.
As one who is constrained to the ubiquitous 4'x8' by "She Who Must Be Obeyed" this could benefit many that are new to the hobby and facing the same limitations looking for suggestions into this great hobby.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"