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I started with a 4X8 forty years ago. The main problem with it was watching the train chase its caboose and the curve and turnout radii. I now am in the process of starting a 9X12 with a 5x8 operating pit in the center. It is based on one of Ian Rice's plans in Small, Smart, and Practical layouts. In other words, I am building an around-the-room type of layout. That will give me the luxury of having a staging yard on one side and a working yard on the other. Not much room for scenery in between, however. But, it will also give me the chance to use nice, wide-radii curves on the layout. And, that is the other problem with a 4x8: you can only use a maximum of a 22-inch radius curve. That limits you on both rolling stock and locomotives that you can run without trouble. Yes, yes, I know that a lot of locomotives will take an 18" and most will take a 22" curve, but they still often look like fertilizer when they do. Also, the overhang and clearance problems can be problematic. <br /> <br />
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