Edit topic

Updated your discussion topic below.

Subject
Enter a subject for your topic. Maximum 150 characters.
Post Body
Enter your post below.
I was wondering if most people entering the hobby today (in HO) build a 4x8 as their first layout?   The reason I am asking is  1. 4x8 sheets of plywood are getting more difficult to transport (cars getting smaller) 2. Home Depot (and possibly most lumberyards) will cut your 4x8 sheet of plywood either for free (Home Depot up to 5 cuts) or for a small fee.   I was putting the fascia on my old layout and I was able to get several 4x8 sheets of Masonite cut into 1' wide strips (I had to pay $1.00 for the extra two cuts). I was reminded of this, and started thinking about that and its implications for the 4x8.   As cuyama has pointed out numerous times, and arround the walls type layout is a better utilization of space than a 4x8 (if you can fit a 4x8, you can fit a larger around the walls type layout). The major drawback that I see is that your benchwork cost goes up significantly once you depart from the 4x8 layout (you need something to support all that additional plywood).  You could use the walls as part of the support, but if you dont own the space, I can see this as being an issue.  Making an around the walls free-standing is quite expensive.   Edit: I know because the last layout was built in an apartment, and I was not allowed to put holes in the walls for my layout, wife would not allow a large middle of room layout (she likes wide open spaces)(we live in New England.....[banghead]) Disclaimer:  This is not knocking the 4x8, Im just curious if 4x8 is still the defacto standard. My first layout that I called my own was an L shaped piece of plywood that was less than 4x8 (I want to say that it was a 4x6 sheet or something like that with a notch cut out of one side in N scale).   The first Ho layout I had (shared with cousins) still exists and was a 4x8.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag
E-mail Subscribe
Check the box below if you want to receive e-mail notifications when replies are made to this thread.

Receive notifications

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit topic

Subject

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

E-mail Subscribe

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community