What is the best scale for 4x8 train layout?


That's a loaded question! 😁

In my opinion, anything larger than N scale is going to be on the small side. For me, a 4x8 is on the small side for N scale. But for most, 4x8 is a decent size for N.

You can also do creative layouts in HO on a 4x8, but for me... it wouldn't give me enough space. I like long meandering curves and some elevation changes. It's hard to get enough elevation change within a 4x8 footprint with HO (or larger) to do an over/under with trestles or a bridge.

But if you'll be happy with a switching type layout on a single elevation, a 4x8 is plenty of room for HO.
 
homersimpsonlikestrains said:
Let’s say for example you have a 4x8 table. What scale would be the best for this size and why?
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There is seldom a correct nor even good answer for a "best" question. Best operating trains, best selection of equipment, best operational possibilities, best for long trains, best possible scenery, best with children, best with pets, best for showing off equipment, etc infinity.

Usually one would consider N, HO, HOn30, or O-27 for a space that small. One could squeeze a loop of O-42 on there though.
 
A n y t h i n g you desire ! That decision is entirely up to you. The smaller the scale the more land mass you have..
Tell us though, why you choose flat 4x8 and not four other types of benchwork, IE. around the walls, shelf, open grid, or, L girder ?
4x8 is easiest to jump to, but at the same time can be thee hardest to achieve a realistic RR with..(which I'll explain if you wish)...
 
I would think the 4x8 sheet of plywood is the starting point to just get the hang of model railroading. Ya have the track to roll stuff on and the small area to try your hand at scenery.
As far as considering 4x8 as the terminal size of your pike, don't put too much into it because you'll lose interest and turn it over to the kiddies so they can do train races and smashing.
 
dennis461 said:
Hmmm. How old are you?
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For that matter, do you have any young children who will be around it, working with you, playing with it? For children younger than, say 7 or 8, they might not have developed the hand-eye coordination to re-rail a locomotive or car in Z or N scale. If you, yourself, are getting up in years to where your eyesight and hand coordination are starting to go, the same might apply. You could go to S-scale, but there are fewer choices of equipment. On a 4 x 8, O-scale would probably be too big, even in O-27 tinplate, unless you opt for a logging layout, maybe without continuous running.
 
dennis461 said:
Hmmm. How old are you?
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His Bio says 34. That might be the prime age for having kids that might have interest in a 4' x 8'. HO would work, and if using 4 axle power and 50' freight cars, you could fit a double oval on a 4'x8'. You could fit a couple of industries in the center for variety from just running in circles. It would help if we knew what the purpose is.
 
I'm running this HO layout on a 4x8 sheet of plywood. The grades are 3.9% , slightly steep, but they work out OK .

Layout.jpg
 
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