Mike,
As others have noted, the 4x8 isn't the most space effiecient, nor as conducive to hard core switching as a shelf layout. And, as has also been remarked on, good 4x8's do exist and will continue to be designed. I think the strong bias against them is just one of many biases that exist. Most folk have VERY defined ideas about what constitues a "proper" model railroad and what's legit or not in our little world. Lip service is paid to "it's your layout, do what you like", but secretly (or publicly) we have our favored ways.
Besides, I hold that the 4x8 is kind of like a chair. Everyone knows what a chair looks like, but just for kicks try to design one that looks good and is comfy (and is easy to build, ship, cheap to produce and so on). You'll get a lesson in how hard it can be, and in my case, a reason to admire the Italians for their designs.
Even the hard core guys have to design a 4x8 now and then for a client with money burning a hole in his or her pocket. I also like John Armstrong's idea about cutting the 4x8 sheet up and making the 4x10 boat with pointed ends.
Lou
I would not go that far to state there is an animosity towards the 4 by 8 layout. There are some major drawbacks to it that need to be considered:
Just because 4 by 8 is a standard size for sheets of plywood does not make it a good size for a layout.
There is nothing "wrong" in building a 4 by 8 layout. They can be nicely done and very rewarding to build - just take a look at Rick Van Laar´s layout featured in the Feb. 2011 issue of MR. But why not to attempt to make something good even better by choosing a different footprint?
Mike,As I said before and I will say it one more time there is nothing wrong with a 4x8 footer.
In fact I would build this layout if I had the space.
http://www.gatewaynmra.org/layouts/gc02/gcrr2.jpg
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
You are right. There has been and is a lot of dislike/derision of the 4x8 HO layout over the years. It continues to this day, but with less vehemence than in the past.
In my case, the layout started as a 4x4 and grew to its present 4x10 feet as the space became available. I too would like to have a larger around the walls layout, but I fear that is not in the cards any time soon.
From my point of view a 4x8 or 4x10 layout is better than no layout at all. If I fold my tent and wait for a larger layout/space, I would have three disappointed model railroaders. My two grandsons and myself.
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
Sure there is some need for the 4X8, but it is in no way a good use of space.
Neither is it good to have a 4x8 as you are bound to 18" curves.
I started with a 4x8 and is SOOOO happy to have gotten rid of that space eating monster.....
If you are hard pressed for space, don´t build a 4x8, build a shelf!
A 4x8 takes an area of roughly 8x10, at the very least.
In that area you can have so much more interesting trackplans, just look at what Iain Rice makes!
Swedish Custom painter and model maker. My Website:
My Railroad
My Youtube:
Graff´s channel
Exactly my point.
__________________________________________________________________
Mike Kieran
Port Able Railway
I just do what the majority of the voices in my head vote on.
While on another thread, I noticed a definite dislike of 4x8 layouts. I've also been reading about dislike of them in other publications.
Mind you, if I had the space for it, I would consider a shelf type layout. I just don't think that we should do away with the 4x8 either. I feel that there are uses for 4x8s as well as shelf switchers.