BRAKIE wrote: Tom,Let me show you some fine examples of 4x6 and 4x8 layouts that goes far beyond the normal design of a 4x6 or 4x8 layout.Recalling that design is 90% of ANY size layouts and sadly many modelers doesn't know how to design a layout by using newer LDEs and base their layout designs on outdated LDEs found in books.. Designing a 4x6m,4x8 layout one needs to think outside of the normal 4x6,4x8 layout design box by using LDEs based on REALISTIC GOALS foregoing the age old tunnel on one end design or the age old up and over which results in unrealistic grades. Once modelers learn to over come the old 4x6,4x8 design ways and grasp the new LDE way of layout design more will understand the 4x6 and 4x8 better. Some fine examples. http://www.gatewaynmra.org/project.htm
Tom,Let me show you some fine examples of 4x6 and 4x8 layouts that goes far beyond the normal design of a 4x6 or 4x8 layout.Recalling that design is 90% of ANY size layouts and sadly many modelers doesn't know how to design a layout by using newer LDEs and base their layout designs on outdated LDEs found in books..
Designing a 4x6m,4x8 layout one needs to think outside of the normal 4x6,4x8 layout design box by using LDEs based on REALISTIC GOALS foregoing the age old tunnel on one end design or the age old up and over which results in unrealistic grades.
Once modelers learn to over come the old 4x6,4x8 design ways and grasp the new LDE way of layout design more will understand the 4x6 and 4x8 better.
Some fine examples.
http://www.gatewaynmra.org/project.htm
These are some fine examples of what can be done in a 4x8 space. Rather than use the two sided backdrop down the middle as I have advocated, a string of tall structures are used to act as a view block in several of the examples. It accomplishes the same purpose. George Selios used the same technique to divide South Manchester on the first section of his famed F&SM layout. Although this section is larger than a 4x8, it has the same kind of end-of-the-table loop and the strutures disquise the fact that the main line is doing a U-turn. These layouts demonstrate how a little creativity can create an outstanding layout in a small space.
WHY A 4X8?? - Seriously.
Lack of Room? Go N scale. 4X8's Takes up a lot of room. (Like 10X12).Less is more.
Lack of money? - buy one new good engine, 4 cars, and good track. Learn and EARN.
Lack of Imagination? - REAL Railroads deliver to customers. Packing houses to Warehouses, They deliver, so can you. Think Industries.
Lack of Talent? Buy a Book/Magazine. We were all there, once - (maybe still?)
MODEL RAIROADING - is not watching trains going in circles at Christmas. (Playing with trains, is).
I know I am entering this conversation late.
But if you want to get the best bang for the buck, and if you want more than just a toy train looped-de-loop. you have to have a specific era and specific road and a unifying theme. If you have all those, you can make intelligent choices and shop for the bargains that fit your theme.
I literally got into my 4 x 8 by mistake. But once there, I found that I had both local switching and mainline running--and I believe I pulled it off. Not bragging, I had a lot of help. But if you plan well, I mean really think it though, you can solve just about any problem. My layout is no longer a 4 x 8, I added a foot of staging. But it is point to point and continuous running.
One side of the point-to-point: Rock Ridge
The other side of the point-to-point: Train City
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
SpaceMouse wrote: I know I am entering this conversation late. But if you want to get the best bang for the buck, and if you want more than just a toy train looped-de-loop. you have to have a specific era and specific road and a unifying theme. If you have all those, you can make intelligent choices and shop for the bargains that fit your theme. I literally got into my 4 x 8 by mistake. But once there, I found that I had both local switching and mainline running--and I believe I pulled it off. Not bragging, I had a lot of help. But if you plan well, I mean really think it though, you can solve just about any problem. My layout is no longer a 4 x 8, I added a foot of staging. But it is point to point and continuous running. One side of the point-to-point: Rock Ridge The other side of the point-to-point: Train City
Hi Chip. It's been a long time. Hope all is well with you and yours.
As I explained earlier, this is all for the sake of a friend of mine (Steve) that's thinking about getting into the hobby. He's been monitoring this thread as it's grown. I've invited him to join the forum and ask his own questions but I think he's a bit shy yet.
Thanks guys. There's a lot of great ideas and opinions here, and I really appreciate you taking the time.
Tracklayer
Tracklayer wrote:Hi Chip. It's been a long time. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Everything is great. I've made a career change and have been studying in what would have been my online time. Thanks for asking.
Tracklayer,
One thing you might want to consider is putting the layout on casters. Then you can shove it against a wall, which is a big advantage if space is an issue. When work, maintenance or a derailment occurs, access to the back ½ is easy.
The rear backdrop can be fastened to the wall. Side backdrops can be attached with wing nuts so removal is easy.
Attach the legs with screws so you can move or store it if necessary.
Download the Atlas software and try out some designs before wasting time.
For a plywood top, a hot glue gun is hard to beat for attaching everything from cork roadbed to buildings. I have not tried it on foam however.
Like others have said, try to use materials from one or more of the large home centers.
Jim
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam