Need some plans

[drcook]

I am new at this.  I have a table that is 10 ft X 4 ft 10 inches, HO scale.  Looking for some plans that will use my full table.  Just a beginner.  thanks

[IDRick]

Have you checked the plan database for this forum?

https://mrr.trains.com/how-to/track-plan-database

Here is a link below for an outstanding 5 x 9 layout built by a first time modeler.  Very well done and could easily be modified to fit your space.  Take time to review the pictures of the layout.  The pictures are much more appealing than a 2-D trackplan that is shown early in his thread.  Hope I didn't violate any rules posting this layout thread...

http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/my-first-layout-a-5-x-9-modern-bnsf-freelance.22596/

 

[kasskaboose]

Welcome!  Well-before you worry about plans, it helps to address many questions.  Some of them include what you want to model, era, location, DC or DCC, etc.  To help you, perhaps get yourself to a library and start reading some books on model railroading.

Other things you've not mentioned is whether you are experienced in this hobby, etc. 

[Bigjim7]

He said he was a beginner. IMHO your width is to small to make a loop. It would look bad. Since your new a switching layout would give you a great lesson on all that is needed to learn for a fist layout. Just google HO shelve layout' their will be hundreds.

[mobilman44]

Many wonderful layouts were made on the common "4x8 piece of ply".  With the OP's generous 10 x 4'10 inch area, there is plenty of room for a fun and functional layout.  Remember, most of us old timers that modeled in HO started out with Atlas sectional track with 18 inch radius and later on 22 inch radius.  

Even with flex track, loops can easily be made on the 4' 10" width so as to allow for continuous running.

 

[IDRick]

Bigjim7

He said he was a beginner. IMHO your width is to small to make a loop. It would look bad. Since your new a switching layout would give you a great lesson on all that is needed to learn for a fist layout. Just google HO shelve layout' their will be hundreds.

 

 

4'10" is a totally awesome width for n-scale and a suitable size for HO (24 to 27 inch radius curves) for all but the longest modern cars.  So it depends on the era and type of industry he wants to model.  Switching layouts can be a lot of fun but continuous running is also fun if one has an interest in rail fanning or have kids that want to watch trains.

[mbinsewi]

If you wanted to do something with a loop on each end, for continuous running, you could use 3' sections of flex track, and make a 26" radious on each end, thats not too bad, most modern stuff will handle it.

It puts the loop kind of close to the edge, but it's been done hundreds of times before. 

You could go down to a 24" radious, which would give you a little more room, and most rolling stock will handle it.  Don't go any thing less than 24", or you'll be limited to the length of cars you can run.

Of course all of this pertains to HO scale.  I don't think you mentioned a scale?  N scale gives you lots of room on your 10'x4'10".

While your drawing and looking at a countless number of lay outs for ideas, think about things like what time period do you want model?  Main line running or short line switching? or some of both? 

Above all, read, look, research, learn, plan and listen.  If you've never done anything like this before, there are lots of beginner resources on the MRR web site.

Stick around, and we'll join in on your progress.  Lots of knowledgeable people in here.

Mike.

[snjroy]

Ok, if you haven't done this, go ahead and buy a loop of track, assemble it, plug in a power pack and get started. That will get you running and you will already learn some things from that. I recommend the book 101 plans, or 101 more plans. Reading these will give you ideas of what your "real layout" should look like. If you are not familiar with DCC, you should probably look into that too.

Simon

[UNCLEBUTCH]

If you think you want a RR, then you must have some idea of what you want/like. Grab paper and pen and draw,then redraw.

I'm with Simon, get some track,just a loop prehaps a trunout or two, and run some trains. Let your mind wander,as to what it ''may'' look like if you did this or that. With care most if not all materials can be reused.

I have built 4 layouts without plans,they all worked. You don't ''need'' a plan,just an idea.

 You could spend the better part of the rest of your life looking at plans, most won't fit your space, very few are built as printed.

[MisterBeasley]

Remember, about 30 inches is all you can reach for doing work.  You barely make that with the width of the table.  If an edge goes against a wall, you will have reach problems.

[IRONROOSTER]

I would suggest you start with a 4x8 plan and expand it to fit your space.  In particular increase the curve radius.  There are many 4x8 plans and most of them will work a lot better expanded to your space.

Paul