Track

[BryansHO]

What type of track is best to use on layout as far as room is concerned? i am new to the hobby and at this time am limited to room for only a 4X8 layout. i started with powerlock ez track, but it seems you can only do so much with this type track. please help with any ideas

bryan

[lvanhen]

First of all   Flex track is pretty much the standard.  You can curve it as tight or as wide as you need, allowing 22" or so radius around the outside of your 4x8.  It's generally put on cork or foam roadbed and ballasted to your choice.  Again, welcome.

[BryansHO]

Thanks Lou, now for another question.is it possible to build a  layout (with the limited space that i have) that will do something other than make laps? i have some track laid, but that is just what it is doing is making laps, and i am quickly becoming bored. any suggestions on where to go from here?

[loathar]

http://www.atlasrr.com/Code100web/index.htm
Here's a link to some small track plans. Most of these are around 4x8. They sell complete track kits for every layout. Takes the guess work out of ordering your track. You can find the track a lot cheaper on some other sites.

[BryansHO]

Thanks for all the help. Looks like in need to research alot of options.Hope everyone has a great holiday. thanks again for the help.

bryan

[Anonymous]

The atlas line of track probably provides the most flexabitlity and the simplest system.  There are a few tricks to using flex track, so suggest you research this before diving in.  Kalmbach has several very good beginners guides which cover flex track and many other tricks of the trade.  They're well worth the money.

  I'd also suggest that you locate and vist a good train oriented local hobby shop (LHS).  You can get a lot of good advice there and answers to many of the questions that come up.  Be sure to ask about clubs in your area.  They're usually happy to have visitors.  The club vists will give you a lot more information on "how it's done".  Nothing like actually seeing the real thing.

In designing your layout, try to provide some industry sidings and some passing sidings.  These will provide interesting switching operations, and will make two train operation easier.

A4x8 layout can be designed to provide lots of operating interest as well as an opportunity to build nice scenery, buildings, etc.  Many famous model railroaders started with layouts even smaller than 4x8...John Allen's original layout was 4x6, E.L. Moore's Elizabeth Valley was even smaller. (You probably don't know who these guys are, but you will)

Welcome to this great hobby

JBB

 

[PA&ERR]

Actually, any track you feel comfortable with will work. As mentioned, John Allen's first layout was smaller than 4 x 8 and he hand laid his track and custom built all of his switches.

If you have access to the walls of the room, I would suggest an around the walls layout rather than a 4 x 8 loop type layout. It will give you a longer mainline run (albeit without the continuous run ability of the 4 x 8), will allow broader radius curves (possibly up to 30" or more) and will allow you to develop more detailed and realistic scenes.

The operating potential of an around the walls switching layout is much greater than the 4 x 8 as well. Long after you tire of watching your train chase its tail on the 4 x 8 you'll still be finding and creating interesting switching challenges on the around the walls layout.

-George  

[rayw46]

Even if you don't have access to all the walls in your layout room, you still have to have more than a 4'x8' space.  Try this site for some ideas.

layoutdesignservice.com/lds/samples/betterbeginnerlayout.htm

Ray

[Greg H.]

Sometimes there are valid reasions to go with a 4x8, so let's not turn this into another ' I H8 4x8 ' thread

Let's try and find out why 4x8 was chosen first, then if the situation calls for it then present other ideas.

[Greg H.]

Bryan, why do you want a 4x8, instead of some others shape?