Hi there, I am looking for a idea for a sectional 4x8 layout what I mean by sectional is a 4x8 or 8x8 table connected by plywood "bridges" so I could create a 4x8 version of Tehachapi Loop and connect it to Horseshoe Curve or the Spiral Tunnels, the possibilities are endless; but the sections MUST be capable of independent operation. So if I wanted to just run Horseshoe Curve I could. The sections could connect via "bridge" or just butt up against each other. Below is a list of the places I want to model.
Tehachapi Loop, Horseshoe Curve, Spiral Tunnels, Keddie Wye, and Cascade Tunnel.
Steve
If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!
So that others can help you better give a few more details.
1. Size and shape of space available, including doors, windows and other obstructions or access necessary.
2. Scale you are planning.
3. Era. though I doubt there have been many changes of these over time, if you are using longer modern cars and locos, it may effect the curve radius that can be used in the plan.
Sounds like quite an endevor.
Good luck,
Richard
Well the layout needs to be relatively portable and needs to be able to be stacked when not in use I do not currently have the space for a layout the size of the one described on my website (link below) so I decided to build a version of each of the places that can be easily stored, operated, and be compact. The layout would mostly be operated in one or two sections and would only exist in its full form at special events or such. HO scale is the scale. Transition era.*
(*Note: I would like to have the option to run new power and cars occasionally.)
Why not take the first try at a design yourself so we have something to critique?
Rich
Alton Junction
cascadenorthernrr but the sections MUST be capable of independent operation. So if I wanted to just run Horseshoe Curve I could.
Designing those individual elements for independent operation will be challenging at the very least.
cascadenorthernrrTehachapi Loop, Horseshoe Curve, Spiral Tunnels, Keddie Wye, and Cascade Tunnel.
These are all very interesting railroad locations. Ive only been to Horseshoe Curve.
Horshoe Curve is on a grade.
What happened to that bridge idea?
All of that flowing creativity, along with attention span of a 16 yr. old. I don't remember what I was like, but I do remember my son and daughter at that age. Kind of like our Wisconsin weather, changes day by day.
All meant in good fun, Steven. Don't be offended.
On a practical side, wouldn't you have to go to N scale, if not Z scale, for any one of these features to be on a 4x8?
Mike.
My You Tube
Check out this website: http://www.jimspavins.com/trackplans/welcome
Please read the entire page. Do not re-post his plans. At the bottom is an index of track plans. There is a "Connected 4x8s" plan in there you might find interesting.
mbinsewi All of that flowing creativity, along with attention span of a 16 yr. old. I don't remember what I was like, but I do remember my son and daughter at that age. Kind of like our Wisconsin weather, changes day by day. All meant in good fun, Steven. Don't be offended. On a practical side, wouldn't you have to go to N scale, if not Z scale, for any one of these features to be on a 4x8? Mike.
Yes, I believe he would. And even then you still have an Escher diagram with Horseshoe Curve.
mbinsewi On a practical side, wouldn't you have to go to N scale, if not Z scale, for any one of these features to be on a 4x8?
No I'm definitely sold on HO. Would they work on a 8x8 table?
The bridge has been post poned till I am able to build the Great Cascade Northern R.R.
cascadenorthernrr The bridge has been post poned till I am able to build the Great Cascade Northern R.R.
I suggest you pick up a copy of Track Planning for Realistic Operation by John Armstrong. This will give you a ground work for what will fit in your space.
I really like the plans for Tehachapi Loop from Railroads You Can Model and Horseshoe Curve from More Railroads You Can Model.
cascadenorthernrr No I'm definitely sold on HO. Would they work on a 8x8 table?
Keep in mind access. Unless you have 4 foot arms , a large table is hard to work on. Are you familiar with the Beer Line project (the original back in 2009), or Rice Harbor? Both are 4x8 in total, but modular, and you can set them up differently. If you sketch some things out, there's probably a way to make some neat locations that way.
Modeling whatever I can make out of that stash of kits that takes up half my apartment's spare bedroom.
cascadenorthernrr I really like the plans for Tehachapi Loop from Railroads You Can Model and Horseshoe Curve from More Railroads You Can Model.
Do they fit on a 4x8?
No, but I would like to use them as a starting point.
cascadenorthernrr No, but I would like to use them as a starting point.
Im going to re-iterate my book suggestion, see above. There is nothing wrong with dreaming big.
should fit a 4x8 no problem. put tehachapi at one end and horseshoe curve at the other. Just becomes a streched out inverted figure 8. 15" rad for the inside curves and 18" rad for the outside. then you can narrow it down to 40" so you can walk around it and better reach. add a view block across the middle to split the two scenes.
Good luck with your build. post pics of the progress.
That is a brilliant suggestion. But I would prefer a 4x8 for each feature. (8x8 for the spiral tunnels.)
cascadenorthernrr That is a brilliant suggestion. But I would prefer a 4x8 for each feature. (8x8 for the spiral tunnels.)
I dont think that it is.
The suggested 15" and 18" radius will not work with that T1 that you have. The minimum radius is 22" which is the maximum turnback that will fit on a 4x8. I would not attempt to run a T1 on a 4x8. The chances of it ending up on the floor are high, based on the long rigid frame and the necessary tightness of the curves.
Horshoe curve looks like a bowl. You can google maps/earth it.
How do you plan to transition from Appalacian mountains to high desert?
I will also comment that knowing whats in the book will prevent you from making mistakes that other people did.
Mountain scenery does not stack well. The mountains can be made removable.
Did you check out the website with the linked 4x8 track plans I posted earlier?
Yes I did. I think I am going to build a version of one of the MRR Project layouts.
mbinsewiAll of that flowing creativity, along with attention span of a 16 yr. old. I don't remember what I was like, but I do remember my son and daughter at that age. Kind of like our Wisconsin weather, changes day by day.
When I was Steven age my biggest concern was designing a ISL that was not a Time Saver.
Steven,You could make Horse Shoe Curve on a 4x8' in N Scale but,HO I'm sad to say you can't.
The good news is by using several 24" x 48" modulars it can be done in HO..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I see, thank you.
Here's something with plenty of possibilities for a starter layout; with some compression it should fit on one or two pieces of 4x8 plywood, correct?
cascadenorthernrrHere's something with plenty of possibilities for a starter layout
If you really want to model a kick-back yard, I guess it's something to consider. It's a highly specialized operation that only handles hoppers or ore cars. That would be an odd choice for a first layout, in my experience. Edit: And not something anyone with experience would consider as offering "plenty of possibilities for a starter layout".
But at reasonable grades the kick-back yard itself alone might not fit on a 4X8 in HO. And the entire facility certainly would not fit.
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Ok in your opinion how much space minimum would be required? It seems like it would give me a lot of experience in kitbashing and such.
Plus it allows for mountain scenery. (Which is very important for me)
cascadenorthernrrOk in your opinion how much space minimum would be required? It seems like it would give me a lot of experience in kitbashing and such.
Maybe. I'm sorry, I don't have time to do this sort of detailed planning for you, perhaps someone else will.
I’d sure suggest a more traditional approach to a first layout that would offer you a wider variety of opportunities and experience.
Good luck with whatever you eventually decide to do.
Edit: by the way, here's a page on the prototype. A google search will offer more.http://gold.mylargescale.com/Scottychaos/maps/Genesee-Docks.html