4X8 Layout For Two Lines?

ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.


R

Richard Boddington

Member
Hi,

I'm new here.

I am looking for a great 4X8 layout that will incorporate two separate lines, with separate controllers.

I have a found many great track plans for single lines in 4X8 config. But I can't find a single 4X8 plan for two lines.

I know I can do a basic long oval around the edge with a figure 8 in the middle, but I find this quite boring. I want to "intertwine" the two lines, have them cross over each via bridges, etc.

Every time I try to adapt one of the single line 4X8 plans into two lines, it doesn't come out the way I want it.

I built a 4X4 for my five year old son that uses two lines, a circle inside an extended circle, plus a rail yard using flex track.

Now we want to build an advanced 4X8. I am also debating jumping up to a modular wrap around style if I can't find an acceptable double line 4X8 design.

Thanks in advance if any one has a link to the design I am looking for or a PDF.

Richard
 
Why do you want two separate lines with two separate powerpacks? Without blocks and a control panel, both lines have to always operate independently and basically just go round in a circle. It may take longer to get bored with two trains but get bored you will. Have you thought about DCC, where you can have a double mainline and run as many trains as you want, without complicated wiring, and have the trains be able to cross over to the other main? There are a couple of double mainline 4x8's at http://www.modeltrainguide.com/index.php?mode=displayarticle&section=3&article=3 but I'd urge you to consider DCC so you can do more operations.
 
Jim has it right. Go with DCC and you can run as many trains as you like on the same line.

One suggestion though. Build the layout for you. Your son will like anything you do, but the boredom factor of loops is great for adults. So if you want something that you can do with your son for a long time, pick a layout design that will keep your interest.

Here are some layout designs from a 4 x 8 design contest I hosted.
http://www.chipengelmann.com/Trains/4x8Contest.html

I'd also suggest a Beginner's Guide to layout design clickable in my signature.
 


If there plug an play all you need to do is add a decoder which is a 8 or 9 pin plug in, Very simple. However if there not you have to wire it in.
I have been adding Sound decoders to my athearn engines and there for the most part Plug and Play.
BTW if you cant wire it in some LHS's offer to install for you.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Richard Boddington said:
So is this the unit I need for DCC?

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_zep_basic_set.php

It appears that special little circuit boards need to be installed on the engines is that right?

I like the idea of two trains on a complex track, but I'm new to DCC so I'm not quite sure how it works?

Thanks
R,
Click to expand...

With DC you control power to the track. With DCC you control power to the locomotive.

Very simply, DCC is similar to AC and a constant voltage is applied to the track. A carrier signal is sent to the "decoder" which then operates the train. You can operate as many trains as you have power for. Wiring for DCC is easier than wiring for DC. The Zephyr you looked at is excellent, the NCE PowerCAD and MRC Prodigy are as well.

I have a Zephyr.
 
Take it from a DCC "late bloomer" [me] - the best time to go with DCC is now, not after you've acquired a fleet of DC locos where you'd need to install decoders into later on.
 
I spoke with the guys here in Ontario that sell the Zephyr, it sounds simple enough. I think I'll buy the system, put the boards in two of the locomotives and try it for a while on my 4X4 track. Might as well, it's going to take a few months for me to finish the 4X8 set any way.

Thanks for all the info, glad I came here first, never heard of DCC. Now that I have it sounds great.

R,
 


You must log in or register to reply here.




Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website (Learn More Here)

Back
Top