I want to start a desert themed BNSF layout (Arizona/New Mexico) but I live in a townhouse so I don't have a lot of space for a huge layout. I am new to model railroading so I am not familiar with track planning. I am leaning towards something like a 4 x 8 that I could just lean against the wall when not in use. Does anyone have trackplans that I could use as a starting point and then add on if needed? Or any easy to use software?
Hello All,
For some rough ideas you might checking out the Atlas HO scale code 100/code 83 layout gallery.
It list numerous types of layouts and their footprints. Many are 4x6 & 4x8.
Keep in mind that these are track kits that Atlas sells, not a list of track that you can purchase.
But this might help in your layout planning.
I'm using a Mac and I use Rail Modeler Pro, available through the Mac App Store.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
BNSFNewMexico ...a 4 x 8 that I could just lean against the wall when not in use.
...a 4 x 8 that I could just lean against the wall when not in use.
A 4x8 layout can get REALLY heavy. And awkward. Included in planning, I would recommend thinking about how you're going to maneuver the layout.
One other thought: you could easily add a simple basic extension to a 4x8 to hold some "off-layout" track. It can be fun to have cars/trains "appear" on the railroad, and disappear. And that section doesn't need any scenery, since it is off-layout. You can even paint it black, or something. There will be wiring to consider, though.
Welcome to model railroading! It's generally fun, except when you lose a small part in the carpet.
Oh, yeah. I recommend getting LOTSA books on the subject--no reason to re-invent everything.
Ed
Yeah, I was thinking about maybe getting two 2 x 8s that I could put together to make storing easier. Would that work or would I just be better off getting a solid 4 x 8 sheet of plywood?
The Atlas software is easy to use and it's free. It will also give you a shopping list of the parts you use. For a small home you might want to consider a shelf layout. My shelf layout doesn't take up any room because it is mounted on the walls above the furniture.
http://www.atlasrr.com/software.htm
Also check out the Kaiser Steel Eagle Mountain layout in January 2016 MR for ideas.
Does that work on Windows 10?
BNSFNewMexico Yeah, I was thinking about maybe getting two 2 x 8s that I could put together to make storing easier. Would that work or would I just be better off getting a solid 4 x 8 sheet of plywood?
That's sort of a good news/bad news one.
For a 2x8 solution:
The good:
easier to pick up and maneuver.
easier to get of of the residence on that great day called moving day
can be stacked
The bad:
the two pieces will weigh more than one 4x8. If it matters.
you're going to have to join the pieces together. Reliably. Every time. It can be done. But there's sure a lot of wrong ways to try.
you're going to have to be able to support TWO "tables"--the legs will be trickier
Check out the Rice Harbor Project railroad for a benchwork/track plan that splits in two sections (can be operated as a loop or point to point). http://mrr.trains.com/how-to/track-plan-database/2013/11/ho-scale-rice-harbor
Edit: also check out
http://mrr.trains.com/how-to/track-planning-operation/2014/04/four-compact-track-plans
BNSFNewMexico I want to start a desert themed BNSF layout (Arizona/New Mexico) but I live in a townhouse. I am leaning towards something like a 4 x 8 that I could just lean against the wall when not in use. Does anyone have trackplans that I could use as a starting point and then add on if needed?
I want to start a desert themed BNSF layout (Arizona/New Mexico) but I live in a townhouse. I am leaning towards something like a 4 x 8 that I could just lean against the wall when not in use. Does anyone have trackplans that I could use as a starting point and then add on if needed?
Here is my 4x8 track plan. You can open it with the Atlas track planning software. The red and black tracks are ones can be turned on independently. (For storing engines if using DC.)
Here is the file. Large photo. (Open it with the atlas track planning software.)
I am a prolific H0 scale hobbyist.
I will second the rice Harbor project. it will fit your space. It will allow you to try point to point operation. easier to move around. can be expanded in the future. Does not look like a 4X8.
Steve
*** EDIT - duplicate recommendation ***
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As others have suggested, a narrower layout along the walls may actually leave more of the room useable. If built in sections, more of it may be useful in a new space. Finally, narrower sections of layout around the edges of the room create a layout that can be much more pleasant to view and operate than a monolithic HO 4X8 in the center.
Here’s an HO example in an 8X10 room vs. an HO 4X8. This benchwork is a little deeper than you might want, but the idea is the same and the layout could be easily modified to be narrower.
Best of luck with your layout.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
BNSFNewMexico Does that work on Windows 10?
I think it should. I have windows 8. I don't think win10 is much different.
Hi BNSFNewMexico
Its not what your looking but it does show what can be done on 8 X 4.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/202934.aspx?page=1
I think worth a look
The traditioal 8 X 4 can be restrictive but thinking outside the box can produce better and more small house friendly designs.
The biggest problem is a model railroad is best perminently set up and not moved about untill you have to eg moving house so some creative thought will be required.
Put up take down risks a lot of damadge being done if you must have movable, some sort of flip top on a trolley which doubles as train and acsessory storage may be a viable option.
regards John
I would suggest keeping it simple. A good place to start for a first layout is the "World's Greatest Hobby" layout that was designed a while back. Several companies make track packages that have all the track you need ready to go (I'd use the Kato one if I were you, but they'll all work.)
The video on building the layout is available on YouTube now, hosted by TV star Michael Gross (if you're old enough to remember him on "Family Ties"):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou8MmhFZnXo
Plus of course, the January 2016 Model Railroader is starting a layout project series on building a 4' x 6' HO desert layout.