I literally just made the commitment to building a Model Railroad today - been talking about it for years ...decades... and finally decided it is time. Having said that, I am clueless to the basics and someone recommended your videos. I LOVE them! Thanks so much for creating these!! Please continue to do so as they have really motivated me and I have learned quite a bit having only watched a couple thus far.
Atlas has done 4 layouts in N Scale that used a 4x8 sheet in different ways. The first was the Mineral Range, which was a folded dogbone with a good size yard. Designed to allow longer trains with plenty of space for scenery. The second was the Atlantic Longhaul which cut a section out of one side to create an operators pit. The cut piece was then used for the top base of a mountain for double layered operations. The third was Broad Horizons which cut a 4x8 into 3 pieces and turned it into a hexagonal 4x10. The design was to take advantage of the natural curves of 19" radius track to allow realistic operations of long cars such as autoracks, auto parts boxcars, coaches and long-wheelbase locomotives. The fourth was the Gulf Summit & Susquehanna Valley. Basically a two-layer layout featuring a double track loop on the bottom and a double track figure 8 on the top with the ability to run one train over all 4 tracks. It used a cookie-cutter design to use one piece of plywood as a base for both levels. If you don't mind trains that go in every direction 4-5 times in a lap, these plans are a great example of what you can fit on a 4x8 sheet in N scale.
Nice recap of the good ol' 4x8. I love my 4x8 HO with a scene divider. It gives me continuous running plus switching between 9 "industries" in the towns of Hooterville and Pixley. It never gets old because of the switching. In a way, its like a 16' shelf layout.
I just recently purchased my first Lionel train set last Thursday, being the Polar Express in O-Scale. There are two possible design choices for the layout, which are yard master layout in an L shape, and a horseshoe design. Of course, there could be other layout designs that could be applicable, but that will be determined at this point in time. All in all, these videos are incredibly informative for model railroaders of all types, including beginners like myself. Looking forward to seeing more tutorials, and I especially can’t wait to get started on my Polar Express Christmas village. Have a good day! 🚂☕️
I've planned 4x8 HO and N railroads, but I am planning and building a 4x8 On30 layout. I am using a modified version of David Meek's Rimfire and Latigo plan.
I think making a layout to a reasonable stage of completion and reliability is more important than size. Large layout requires a large crew to operate. It's fun to read about and visit, but is that how you want all of your free time dedicated to? I'm 67 and have enjoyed this hobby since adolescence. I tried and got overwhelmed with a big layout. I tried branchlines with handlaid track( in O ,HO and N). Loved them. Life and its circumstances bring me to today . In a garden shed I have an around the wall HO with flex track, scenery, backdrop and stage yard. It's fun and visually enjoyable. Inside my house is a little (22"X44") N scale twice around also with a staging track ,a little switching,scenery and backdrop. I enjoy both. When I feel like sitting it's N scale day. Otherwise I could be in the shed. Both layouts are keepers. Enjoy the hobby, do your best and know you created something presentable.
My first layout was HO for my grandson 11 years ago now it’s my turn on a u shape in my train barn I had built I’m excited to see you build a HO on your channel. My issue is I only have enough room for 18 “ curves . Im still trying to figure out Patreon .
I decided to make a 4x8 train "garden", as we called them here in the Mid-Atlantic. I wanted it to be reminiscent of the Christmas Layouts I would set up. So I got lots of Revell and Tyco stuff, for example. Also found some of the old freight cars I once had online and at train shows. I set up a dual track DC arrangement. Would not interest the rivet counters, but when you haven't got the space to say, make Zane's type of layout, you do what you can with what you have. Sorry, I don't drink coffee.
I made a 4x8 L girder with a height of 42 inches straight out of a Kalmbach book when 15. But my mom refused to let the giant live in the basement. So it became a modular layout with two 2x6 and one 2x4 section. In the end, modular was better as I scratch built a detailed turntable from scratch using humidifier pulleys and a motor from a cassette player.
I'm building a 4X8 N scale layout. The table is the traditional 4X8 rectangle with a simple single track oval track plan. Doing the layout in N scale instead of HO I can run locos and trains I could never run in HO in that space like my Kato Big Boy locomotive and Excursion set, which looks and runs great on my layout's 19 radius curves and #6 turnouts. I have a nice size central ridge running down the middle of the layout with a decent size staging/storage yard on one side, and a small-town industrial setting on the other side.
The most popular project layout Model Railroader ever did was the Virginian - a 4x8 coal mining themed layout featuring continuous running, a small yard, and a coal mine - and of course, lots of scenery, Later, they published plans for two extensions: the Turtle Creek branch and the Thin Branch. See Model Railroader January through May, 2012 for details.
When I was 15 I built my 4×8 HO track plan on a piece of 5×9 plywood. They are for pingpong tables. That gives you a little extra space along the edge. I don't know if you can still get that size.
Do one on what you can fit into the space a 4x8 and 2ft aisles takes up....like an around the walls , maybe dog bone type loops at the ends or...? Approx 8x10 or small bedroom sized space...
I'm going to have a lot on my layout (HO scale) - Im going to try and fit an interesting loop, add a couple industries and maybe a yard - it's going to have 20" and 22'' curves, and it's probably going to be stretching the limits of the 4x8 but I'll try anyways
I am drinking Black Rifle Tactisquatch dark. I have a 4X8 N scale in my apartment. I have the table cut in half and the legs are bolted in for easy take down. I use Kato track and running DCC. My lower level is for switching and street running. And the upper level is a loop just in case I want to run a train.
I recommend 4x8 because it can be easily moved if you have to move. Unless you are going to spend the rest of your life in one home building a fixed layout won’t work. I wanted to do a model train layout for ever but I knew I wasn’t going to be in the same home forever so I grabbed the good old 4x8 plywood and just built my layout on the floor. Then when I moved we put the whole layout in the back of my sisters SUV.
With a4X8 sheet I have long wanted to divide the 4' in thirds, the center section is then divided in two (1.33'X4'). These two sections are then reattached to make 9.33' X 5.33'. This will allow for larger radius, along runs and a l slight open space in the middle for later imagination.
Great video. I’m new to the hobby and in the planning stages for an HO 4x8 layout. Also, I’m not really a coffee person so I’m currently drinking a can of Red Bull
You can cut the plywood into 4 12" wide sections and join them to make a 9' x 9' (12" wide) 'shelf' railroad. Best to search for "Heart of Georgia model railroad" and see it running.
My first thought is a saw. There are many disadvantages to building a layout in that standard shape, like fitting it into the room or reaching across it. The possibilities expand ridiculously if you start sawing it up into segments. I would only keep it that shape if I was building a wargames table. Trying to suck frozen LA Ice cola out of the can...
I agree with starting with a saw. Cut the board into three sixteen inch wide pieces and build a U shaped walk in layout. In HO you won't be able to do continuous running, but you can have a super switching layout that way.
I agree completely. I started by cutting the 4x8 sheet in half lengthwise, and built a nice switching layout on one 2x8 piece. Eventually, I plan to have either four or six 2x8 switching layouts, connected together to allow continuous running.
@@rwissbaum9849 For me, when I get the layout to a height I like (about 48" track to floor) my depth of reach is closer to 16" than 24". I would examine what your next switching districts could contain in 16". You might like the results.
@@cdjhyoung You are absolutely correct - 24" is quite a long reach. I am fortunate that I can access BOTH sides of the layout (at least until I get a backdrop installed :).
You can also cut a 4x8 into 12" wide sections and get yourslef 8x10 ish layout in the same sized room as a 4x8. There were some guys that did this about 10 - 12 years ago. They called it the better beginner layout and based it on a Georgia shortline called the Heart of Georgia. Their blog is still online I think.
I did a 3.5x8 and made the track plan a little asymetric to add some interest instead of a loop. However I'm into european HO and 00 so it differs a little compared to american ho
I am drinking Folgers Classic Roast and I am current working on a moddified Penn Central Hitop Branch layout using HO Gauge Unitrack. Will your HO project have any elevation changes?
What locomotives can run on 18 radious I am looking at the twice around layout it’s from an outdated atlas book but it looks like it will work for me what is your opinion of this layout. I like the Canadian national locomotives my mom likes steam engine so is it possible to run 2 trains on this layout
the only disadvantage with a 4X8 is you really need to have access at least along the long sides and one end. Jimmy, I thing that is why the shelf layout is so popular. You can build a very nice layout on a 4X8 but you still have to have access to do normal building, scenery, and track cleaning.
Don’t build the layout on a permanent structure. I put a 4x8 sheet of plywood on my kitchen table and built a layout there. Then when I moved it was easy to pick up and move into the back of my sister SUV.
Good discussion. You should follow it up with a video on structure sizes in scale for that 4x8. In my case for example. On30 track is basically HO scale track. However, you can figure on structures being four times bigger in footprint for 1:48th scale.
Do a shelf layout. That would have to be more if a point to point layout no continuous running but it could work as a space saver. This hobby whatever you make it
JIMMY WHEN GOING SHOW YOUR HO NEW LAY OUT I WANT BUILD WITH YOU AS YOU GO IM VERY HOP UP TO GET STARTED SORRY THEY WHERE SLOW SEND ME CARD I UP DATED LAST NIGHT IMSTILL REMAIN 5 DOLLAR MEMBERSHIP I REALEY ENJOY YOUR TIPS THANK YOU!!!!!
I literally just made the commitment to building a Model Railroad today - been talking about it for years ...decades... and finally decided it is time. Having said that, I am clueless to the basics and someone recommended your videos. I LOVE them! Thanks so much for creating these!! Please continue to do so as they have really motivated me and I have learned quite a bit having only watched a couple thus far.
Same mate - 35 and finally taking the plunge into something I have wants to do since I was 6
Great hobby. What scale did you select?
Atlas has done 4 layouts in N Scale that used a 4x8 sheet in different ways. The first was the Mineral Range, which was a folded dogbone with a good size yard. Designed to allow longer trains with plenty of space for scenery. The second was the Atlantic Longhaul which cut a section out of one side to create an operators pit. The cut piece was then used for the top base of a mountain for double layered operations. The third was Broad Horizons which cut a 4x8 into 3 pieces and turned it into a hexagonal 4x10. The design was to take advantage of the natural curves of 19" radius track to allow realistic operations of long cars such as autoracks, auto parts boxcars, coaches and long-wheelbase locomotives. The fourth was the Gulf Summit & Susquehanna Valley. Basically a two-layer layout featuring a double track loop on the bottom and a double track figure 8 on the top with the ability to run one train over all 4 tracks. It used a cookie-cutter design to use one piece of plywood as a base for both levels. If you don't mind trains that go in every direction 4-5 times in a lap, these plans are a great example of what you can fit on a 4x8 sheet in N scale.
Nice recap of the good ol' 4x8. I love my 4x8 HO with a scene divider. It gives me continuous running plus switching between 9 "industries" in the towns of Hooterville and Pixley. It never gets old because of the switching. In a way, its like a 16' shelf layout.
My first was an HO on 4x8 based on boys life article similar to the old railroad that grows.
I just recently purchased my first Lionel train set last Thursday, being the Polar Express in O-Scale. There are two possible design choices for the layout, which are yard master layout in an L shape, and a horseshoe design. Of course, there could be other layout designs that could be applicable, but that will be determined at this point in time. All in all, these videos are incredibly informative for model railroaders of all types, including beginners like myself. Looking forward to seeing more tutorials, and I especially can’t wait to get started on my Polar Express Christmas village. Have a good day! 🚂☕️
Thanks!
I've planned 4x8 HO and N railroads, but I am planning and building a 4x8 On30 layout. I am using a modified version of David Meek's Rimfire and Latigo plan.
I think making a layout to a reasonable stage of completion and reliability is more important than size. Large layout requires a large crew to operate. It's fun to read about and visit, but is that how you want all of your free time dedicated to? I'm 67 and have enjoyed this hobby since adolescence. I tried and got overwhelmed with a big layout. I tried branchlines with handlaid track( in O ,HO and N). Loved them. Life and its circumstances bring me to today . In a garden shed I have an around the wall HO with flex track, scenery, backdrop and stage yard. It's fun and visually enjoyable. Inside my house is a little (22"X44") N scale twice around also with a staging track ,a little switching,scenery and backdrop. I enjoy both. When I feel like sitting it's N scale day. Otherwise I could be in the shed. Both layouts are keepers. Enjoy the hobby, do your best and know you created something presentable.
Great video Jimmy. I really like the effort your are making with this series of videos.
My first layout was HO for my grandson 11 years ago now it’s my turn on a u shape in my train barn I had built I’m excited to see you build a HO on your channel. My issue is I only have enough room for 18 “ curves . Im still trying to figure out Patreon .
I decided to make a 4x8 train "garden", as we called them here in the Mid-Atlantic. I wanted it to be reminiscent of the Christmas Layouts I would set up. So I got lots of Revell and Tyco stuff, for example. Also found some of the old freight cars I once had online and at train shows. I set up a dual track DC arrangement. Would not interest the rivet counters, but when you haven't got the space to say, make Zane's type of layout, you do what you can with what you have. Sorry, I don't drink coffee.
I made a 4x8 L girder with a height of 42 inches straight out of a Kalmbach book when 15. But my mom refused to let the giant live in the basement. So it became a modular layout with two 2x6 and one 2x4 section. In the end, modular was better as I scratch built a detailed turntable from scratch using humidifier pulleys and a motor from a cassette player.
Always cheerful and always informative. Thanks Jimmy.
I'm building a 4X8 N scale layout. The table is the traditional 4X8 rectangle with a simple single track oval track plan. Doing the layout in N scale instead of HO I can run locos and trains I could never run in HO in that space like my Kato Big Boy locomotive and Excursion set, which looks and runs great on my layout's 19 radius curves and #6 turnouts. I have a nice size central ridge running down the middle of the layout with a decent size staging/storage yard on one side, and a small-town industrial setting on the other side.
My first model railroad was a 4x8 HO layout, based on The HO Railroad That Grows.
The most popular project layout Model Railroader ever did was the Virginian - a 4x8 coal mining themed layout featuring continuous running, a small yard, and a coal mine - and of course, lots of scenery, Later, they published plans for two extensions: the Turtle Creek branch and the Thin Branch. See Model Railroader January through May, 2012 for details.
That is my absolute favorite Model Railroader project railroad
When I was 15 I built my 4×8 HO track plan on a piece of 5×9 plywood. They are for pingpong tables. That gives you a little extra space along the edge. I don't know if you can still get that size.
Great basics video Jimmy. We've hit our head over here&are doing an N Scale Door🚂🚪🤪 Thanks for the shout out🇨🇦🇺🇲
Do one on what you can fit into the space a 4x8 and 2ft aisles takes up....like an around the walls , maybe dog bone type loops at the ends or...? Approx 8x10 or small bedroom sized space...
I'm going to have a lot on my layout (HO scale) - Im going to try and fit an interesting loop, add a couple industries and maybe a yard - it's going to have 20" and 22'' curves, and it's probably going to be stretching the limits of the 4x8 but I'll try anyways
Tim says--- Great info Jimmy as always. Wondering where to get a polo shirt like yours. Didn't see in the shop below.
Hello! Unfortunately Spring hasn't given me the option to sell those yet! This are custom.
I am drinking Black Rifle Tactisquatch dark. I have a 4X8 N scale in my apartment. I have the table cut in half and the legs are bolted in for easy take down. I use Kato track and running DCC. My lower level is for switching and street running. And the upper level is a loop just in case I want to run a train.
Love my Blk. Rifle Coffee
@@bernardc2553 never had it before until this past Tuesday. I really enjoy it
@@jontaylor6068 Been my go to I even travel with it & a French Press lol
@@bernardc2553 I have the k cup.
I recommend 4x8 because it can be easily moved if you have to move. Unless you are going to spend the rest of your life in one home building a fixed layout won’t work. I wanted to do a model train layout for ever but I knew I wasn’t going to be in the same home forever so I grabbed the good old 4x8 plywood and just built my layout on the floor. Then when I moved we put the whole layout in the back of my sisters SUV.
My first layout was a 4 x 8 . Right now, I am looking at building a small switching layout.
With a4X8 sheet I have long wanted to divide the 4' in thirds, the center section is then divided in two (1.33'X4'). These two sections are then reattached to make 9.33' X 5.33'. This will allow for larger radius, along runs and a l slight open space in the middle for later imagination.
Damn that word suggestion and auto "correct"! I mean longer runs.
Great video. I’m new to the hobby and in the planning stages for an HO 4x8 layout.
Also, I’m not really a coffee person so I’m currently drinking a can of Red Bull
While you couldn't have continuous running, cutting the sheet of plywood lengthwise will give you a great 2' by 16' switching layout.
You can cut the plywood into 4 12" wide sections and join them to make a 9' x 9' (12" wide) 'shelf' railroad. Best to search for "Heart of Georgia model railroad" and see it running.
My first thought is a saw. There are many disadvantages to building a layout in that standard shape, like fitting it into the room or reaching across it. The possibilities expand ridiculously if you start sawing it up into segments. I would only keep it that shape if I was building a wargames table.
Trying to suck frozen LA Ice cola out of the can...
I agree with starting with a saw. Cut the board into three sixteen inch wide pieces and build a U shaped walk in layout. In HO you won't be able to do continuous running, but you can have a super switching layout that way.
I agree completely. I started by cutting the 4x8 sheet in half lengthwise, and built a nice switching layout on one 2x8 piece. Eventually, I plan to have either four or six 2x8 switching layouts, connected together to allow continuous running.
@@rwissbaum9849 For me, when I get the layout to a height I like (about 48" track to floor) my depth of reach is closer to 16" than 24". I would examine what your next switching districts could contain in 16". You might like the results.
@@cdjhyoung You are absolutely correct - 24" is quite a long reach. I am fortunate that I can access BOTH sides of the layout (at least until I get a backdrop installed :).
You can also cut a 4x8 into 12" wide sections and get yourslef 8x10 ish layout in the same sized room as a 4x8. There were some guys that did this about 10 - 12 years ago. They called it the better beginner layout and based it on a Georgia shortline called the Heart of Georgia. Their blog is still online I think.
I don’t drink coffee so would Natural Lite do?
I did a 3.5x8 and made the track plan a little asymetric to add some interest instead of a loop. However I'm into european HO and 00 so it differs a little compared to american ho
Eight o' Clock coffee!
So, my main question for this, what can I do with 2 4x8 planks? I have HO scale for reference btw.
I am drinking Folgers Classic Roast and I am current working on a moddified Penn Central Hitop Branch layout using HO Gauge Unitrack. Will your HO project have any elevation changes?
Have you heard of rolling line? It's a vr model railroad game. I've been using it for layout ideas and for operations. I love that game so much.
I love that game! I bought a VR headset just for that!
How is that game
good vid on channel keep up the good vids thanks lee
What locomotives can run on 18 radious I am looking at the twice around layout it’s from an outdated atlas book but it looks like it will work for me what is your opinion of this layout. I like the Canadian national locomotives my mom likes steam engine so is it possible to run 2 trains on this layout
I like all kinds of Starbucks coffee the best one is Comodo Dragon
the only disadvantage with a 4X8 is you really need to have access at least along the long sides and one end. Jimmy, I thing that is why the shelf layout is so popular. You can build a very nice layout on a 4X8 but you still have to have access to do normal building, scenery, and track cleaning.
Don’t build the layout on a permanent structure. I put a 4x8 sheet of plywood on my kitchen table and built a layout there. Then when I moved it was easy to pick up and move into the back of my sister SUV.
PJ's Dark Roast Coffee. No cream . No sugar.
Good discussion. You should follow it up with a video on structure sizes in scale for that 4x8. In my case for example. On30 track is basically HO scale track. However, you can figure on structures being four times bigger in footprint for 1:48th scale.
Tbh, scale N would be max on a 4x8 imho.
Where do you find 4x8 tables
There is none I don’t think I ever had a table that big
I would like this 4 min of my life back please. Generally I have enjoyed your videos but this one said nothing !
I have my own 4x8 switching layout at home
I apologize I don't drink much coffee so I've got me a cup of tea I'd drink instead but sadly it's that modern Swiss tea
I am a barbarian , I drink bog standard Nescafee instant coffee lol :)
4ft by 8ft? I can only wish I had that much space!
Do a shelf layout. That would have to be more if a point to point layout no continuous running but it could work as a space saver. This hobby whatever you make it
Model Railroader has done a lot of model railroads ona 4x8 layout
Green Mountain Nantucket…
Anything COLUMBIAN!
A 4x8? Cut in half lengthwise for an “L”. Or splitting that into 4 12”x8’ for a 32’ shelf. I’m using N here. Lol
A 4x8 is nice but what can you do with a 4x6 for those who have one like me
My n gauge rail I made would you like to see it judy my coffee is nesgrade
When Goin on a 4x8 it Will Get Bigger one Way Or Another.
Tea
hello
JIMMY WHEN GOING SHOW YOUR HO NEW LAY OUT I WANT BUILD WITH YOU AS YOU GO IM VERY HOP UP TO GET STARTED SORRY THEY WHERE SLOW SEND ME CARD I UP DATED LAST NIGHT IMSTILL REMAIN 5 DOLLAR MEMBERSHIP I REALEY ENJOY YOUR TIPS THANK YOU!!!!!