need help on my first HO layout

[Anonymous]

can i make a good HO layout using true-trac or do i need flex track? and is there any good layouts to fit on a 4 by 8 sheet of plywood. i would like to set up a passenger train layout any suggesttions.

[Anonymous]

Of course you can build a fine layout on a 4x8 sheet of plywood! that's how just about everyone gets started in the hobby. Since this is your first layout, I suggest you use sectional track, it comes in all shapes and sizes and it's easy to work with. As for the passenger train thing, I suggest you keep the curves as broad as you can (the largest you can do is 22" radius) so the trains will have no problems crossing them (that is, stay away from 15" radius!) Just for curiosity, do you have a theme in mind for the layout or do you only want to run a train on a loop?

[Anonymous]

Hello Toddb22,

Yes, you can made a good layout with sectional track. That's what we built the 4 x 8-foot Madison Central layout with for the World's Greatest Hobby layout that is the star attraction in the Kalmbach video "Building Your First Model Railroad" (you can order this tape online by sending your browser to http://store.yahoo.net/kalmbachcatalog/10002.html)and following the directions there.

Any of the brands on the market (Atlas, Bachmann, Kato, Life-Like, Roco -- I think I've covered the all) will work well for you.

As for trackplans, in the January 2003 issue of Model Railroader retired managing editor Jim Kelly will unveil a 4 x 8-foot HO scale layout he built from a track plan he found in an old but classic Kalmbach book.

There are scores of other engaging tracks plans available for 4 x 8-foot layouts. See the May 2002 MR for one that Jeff Wilson designed and which I transplanted to the Pacific Northwest.

Most 4 x 8s are designed for freight service, so some understanding of passenger train operation would be handy for you to know. If you click on the "Index of Magazines" at the top of this page, then click "Keyword," then "Passenger," you'll find references to more than 2,000 articles that have appeared in the hobby press over the years on passenger trains. You can order back issues of Model Railroader, Trains, and Classic Trains directly from this Web site by clicking on the link for each magazine to the left. For other magazines not published by Kalmbach, you'll have to visit their Web sites to find out the availability of back issues.

I wish you all success as you begin work on a your new layout.

Paul Schmidt
Contributing Editor
Trains.com

[Anonymous]

i dont have a theme yet. i was just looking to start a layout. do you have a good theme in mind that would work with a passenger train layout.

[Anonymous]

i think you should read all you can before you try to construct anything. i know it is tempting to start throwing things together, to get something running. you can build a fine layout on a 4X8 TABLE. there are many books that you can get,regarding construction of your table to all you need to know about cars,engines track etc. pay attention to your minimum standards, cars structures track radius etc. GOOD LUCK!

[GerFust]

Relaying a piece of advice from Model Railroader, if you are looking to run passenger trains on a 4x8, go with more historic trains. From my own experience, modern day Amtrak equipment is long and doesn't look good on tight curves, and just a few cars will fill much of your loop.

Using historic, and therfore less in height and length, passenger cars will look better.

Make sure, regardless of the track plan, to use scenery and buildings to block view of the track from time to time. That'll make the whole layout look like different scenes, and make running a loop less boring.

There is a limit to what you can to in poin-to-point, but that is possible as well.

Also, after a couple failed attempts on my first layout (starting my third try), I would elimiate any grades. Keep the mainline flat for the first learning experiment. It is difficult to do anything meaningful with realistic grades on a 4x8. You can experiment with grades on sidings, though.

Also, check out the track plans at http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/001/215lorqk.asp. They may be just what you need.

[Anonymous]

In my opinion, flex-track looks better than true-track, but if you add some ballast to the molded-on stuff of true-track, it looks pretty good. Also, considering your decision to model passenger trains, you should use flex-track, because it can be shaped into broader curves. (most passenger cars are pretty long,[except old-time ones] especially Amtrak cars, and true-track has very sharp curves. If you want to find a good track plan for a 4 by 8, go to a hobby store and they'll have a lot of books with plans for one. (Atlas makes good books on this topic.)

[BRAKIE]

You have recieved excellant advice.I will add mine.You can run passenger trains by using the Athearn line of passenger cars...These cars will take 18" curves but I urge you to use 22" curves.
i also suggest the use of flex track as it gives you more freedom of track design.
Good luck!

[snowey]

just one more peice of advice: since this is your first layout, you'll want to keep it simple. I know you're probably tempted to build a complicated one, but in the long run, you'll be sorry if you do. Just remember the K.I.S.S. principale: Keep It Simple, Stupid!