Design my layout!!

[adurbin]

Hey guys, I need some ideas on track plans for my 4x8 layout that Im starting on next week. anyone have any overhead pics, or drawings of track layouts, or have any links where I can find some. Thanks.

 

[cajon]

There's been a zillion track plans published. Here's a few for HO scale 4'x8's on Google:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...sult&cd=1&q=ho+scale+4x8'+track+plans&spell=1

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

The only track plan I have on file is the one I used for my current layout. You're welcome to any ideas you can get from it.

 

[Beachbum]

Are you sure you want a 4X8? Google the HOG (Heart of Georgia) for an alternative layout using a single 4X8 sheet of plywood and / or foam.

 

[cajon]

Here's the link to the HOG Yahoo Group site:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HOGRR/

 

[ICG/SOU]

What is your vision (what do you want to have, see or do)?
What are your space limitations?

I found Chip's site very helpful. Space Mouse

 

[JohnyTRS]

On the Atlas website:

for True-track:http://www.atlasrr.com/WebTrue-Track/index.htm

or

for c83 / c100: http://www.atlasrr.com/Code100web/index.htm

 

[Selector]

If all you really want is the space occupied by a sheet of plywood (no judgement here...just determining a fact), try to keep the plan simple and reliable. Avoid trying to shoehorn another 24" of spur or another siding.

A 4X8 is a good first step as a learning tool and as a stepping stone to discovering what type of railroad you really want. I always encourage people to try for more, but it is risky. A person can get bogged down by indecision when confronted with many suggestions for re-thinking this and considering that.

It seems that the hobby is expensive at the outset, and part of that expense is the original mistakes we make in purchases and in decisions about what to use and how to use it. For example, a train is not a train in the hobby. Some models are better than others, and we learn that some track plans are better than others. It's just that getting to those realizations can set us back about $400! And if we are truly unlucky, about a year of modelling.

I can't in good conscience end without stating that you are sure to outgrow a slab Plywood Pacific before many weeks have passed. As such, I urge you to not glue anything permanently. Try different track arrangements. At some point, you may accept that you can cut the plywood into three pieces, maybe four, and get an entirely different and interesting track plan with more room for other things in the same space.

Good luck.

 

[adurbin]

Thanks for the help all. As far as space limitations, I am limited at this point to 4x8. I may be able to conjur enough space to do a 5 foot straight staging yard coming off of the 4x8 along the wall, but not at this point. As far as indecision and many choices, thats an understatement. I started off wanting to do an appalachian coal layout, now Im moving toward a CSX frieght set up. My wife is involved as well, and has stated that "she wants a feed store" so Im sure a grain mill will be in the works, along with some grain hoppers. I also like intermodal setups as well, but from what ive seen those take alot of space.