Thanks for the shout out! I built the 4x8 WS Grand Valley Layout kit and had fun with that. I had a 4x8 when I was a kid, basically as simple construction as you can get, the 4x8 sheet of plywood sitting on top of a table.
I decided to start with the 4x8 because it gives me more room to work. Working in N scale, and the 4x8 layout gives me an inner and outer loop that don't look like two loops running side-by-side, room for a nice "main street" small-town area in the center and three industrial areas, a yard, a service area for my railroad, and a nice variety of terrain without getting crazy. :-) Drinking some Starbuck's French Roast today with half-and-half! :-)
Started a 4x8 layout as a kid using the “HO Railroad That Grows” booklet from late 1950’s. And the 4x8 fit easily on top of the Ping Pong tables everyone owned at that time. 5x9. Worked well. As I did lawn mowing and snow shoveling for neighbors, went to the local hobby shop and bought track, cars, engines, structures, bridges etc as my piggy bank allowed. Was multi level and multi directional, so learned about separately powered sections. The one item I loved and never got (just barely out of my budget reach) was the Heathkit Train Controller. And I would have been able to build it myself from bits and parts out of the kit box. But alas….. Used to drink coffee way back when. Destroyed my stomach. Love the smell of opening a new can, but taking a sip now days makes me wretch. I understand drinking Starbucks coffee is a badge of courage. Even one of the owners says he won’t drink it. 🤷♂️
I don't really understand Starbucks popularity. Their coffee isn't that great, it isn't offered as any particular variety except for their own goofy names (marketing), and they don't even use cream. Just half and half.
You probably dont care but if you're bored like me during the covid times then you can stream pretty much all the latest movies and series on InstaFlixxer. Have been binge watching with my gf for the last couple of months =)
Many years ago, my younger brother had a 4x8 HO set up in the basement. We had some good times working and playing on that simple layout. Then we added on a little 2x3 foot area for some industry outside the loop. That layout inspired me to start working on a layout of my own along a wall of the basement. But I decided to go with N Scale. That wall layout never really did go very far, but it planted the foundation for my love of N scale and model railroading in general. Now, 35+ years later, I am still into building N Scale layouts. My latest is a little 2x3 foot loop layout. I have a few videos of it if interested. Anyway (shameless plug aside) if not for my brother's 4x8 foot layout, I may have never discovered the fun (and sometimes frustration) of model railroading. Only thing I really regret right now is the lack of space for a proper layout. I am also forming ideas for a little 1x4 foot switching "shelf" type layout. Still in the planning stages with that one right now.
4x8 is where I started with Life Like snap track. Now I use several 4x8's to build this monster layout...lol. I plan on doing a 4x8 layout to build a Lego Layout in the future and install casters to allow it to roll under Freak Jr.'s bed. - Jason
My N-scale railroad in 1968 was somewhat unique, in that it was suspended at the centre point from the overhead joists by a block & tackle "Hunter's Hoist." This was the brainchild of my dad, who wanted to have that space "multi-use" as one end of his workshop. All of the electrics - switch machine power, block switching, and throttle/power pack was connected by a many conductor cable bundle, with the "operator's position" mounted against one basement wall. The hoist could be unhooked and hung out of the way; a large grain-loading terminal was then put over the protruding center "hook" fitting in the 4x8. The layout actually ended up having 2 levels at one end, with the upper level going through a tunnel built through a cloth & plaster mountain while an inner ground-level curve ran along the mountain's base. The backside of the mountain could be opened; it held a short 5-track yard for car storage. (manual switches). There was precious little available for rolling stock, particularly locomotives. I had a CN F-unit diesel, and an odd little steam shunting engine sent over by an aunt stationed on an air force base in Germany. It looked a bit odd, but was better than nothing. The mainline was most of a figure-8, and could be run end-to-end or as a continuous path. It was all done with Flextrack (radius was a problem) and some really cheezy electric switches. I was pretty good on the electrical side, so my block system worked. My scenery skills were very basic, I eventually had part of a town plus the light industry near the grain terminal, I used to look at MR pictures of John Allan's layout and drool. It was a bit annoying to have to winch the whole works up out of the way when not in use; I added hanger hooks at each corner, so that the whole thing was not held up in the sky by a single tied-off line in the "stored" position, waiting to brain somebody walking underneath.
I’m building a 3x8 - 3’6”x8 N scale, I am shaving between 6 inches to a foot off the width to help keep the layout maneuverable in a house. Also lets the curves look more natural and not too tight in comparison with a 2’ wide N scale layout, and allows nice train lengths. Setting up some track to let me visualize what I’m working with, I should be able to run about 22 cars with 2 engines and a caboose and it shouldn’t look like dog chasing it’s tail. I’m building it as a railfan layout that will have a track to join it to modules eventually so I can have some industrial operations. But for now I really want to see little freight trains slowly cruising through the scenery. Love your channel Jimmy!
@@michaelpfister1283I am big on scenery and making it convincing to the viewer, and stuffing a bunch of industries in the layout would detract from the scenery. I know a lot of people would quickly get bored with a deformed loop with a small yard, but switching the order of the cars as well as picking up and setting out cars will suffice all my switching cravings. I have a soft spot for rail yards, both sentimental reasons and aesthetics of the different cars and road names. I’m putting together a 3-4 track yard reminiscent of one that you might see on a branch line or short line. I am really trying to go the opposite direction from the spaghetti bowl central! haha 😁
You also saved yourself a huge amount of space just by cutting off those 6 inches. 3'6" is just barely within reachable distance, removing a large amount of necessary clearance space around the layout and dropping your effective footprint from 10'x11' to 6'6"x8'.
We're working on a 4x8 layout to get started. Just figured out how much Bachmann EZ track we can run without dead spots. Now that the train is running, we will start building some benchwork and get to building and landscaping!
A great HO scale 4 x 8 Model Railroader project layout was the 'Cripple Creek Central Railroad' built in the 1990s with a series of articles aimed towards beginners on it. It is a great layout with multiple industries, yards, scenery, and a town cleverly fit in. There is also a Kalmbach book on it for those who are interested.
And thanks for your videos! I'm just getting started, but I do plan to go digital and dip my toes into Arduinos. Your tutorials are great and easy to follow.
N-Scale on a 4x8 is an inefficient use of space. Not saying you can't do it, but just keep in mind that a 4x8 has a 10x11 effective footprint when you take clearance around the layout into account. And 10x11 is a common around-the-walls layout size.
@@tony791999 Doesn't change the fact that it's not an efficient use of space. Because of the need for clearance outside the layout with a 4x8, you can often find situations where you can fit a larger but more efficiently designed layout in a space where a 4x8 won't fit. For example, If you only have an 8x10 room, you could fit a bent dogbone that takes up two entire walls and still have more space left over than you would with the 4x8. The issue is that because of the 4x8's depth, you need access to both long sides of the layout, you're going to be hard-pressed to reach over all the way to the other side for switching or in the case of a derailment. And you need to keep one short side clear to be able to get around the layout. As a result, the space you would have saved with a relatively small layout ends up being spent on walkway space. Where the 4x8 does shine is benchwork simplicity. You can literally just take a 4x8 sheet of plywood or MDF and stick a 4x8 sheet of insulation foam on top of it, and then stick that on a pair of sawhorses. No tools needed. But once you start doing anything more complex than that, where you'd need tools anyway, you're better off cutting up your plywood.
I'm just starting out and am planning on the 4x8 simply because that is the biggest size I feel I can accommodate in my home. I'd love to go bigger but just don't think I can manage it space-wise. Great videos though! Dig the channel!
My first two permanent layouts were based on a 4x8 - both in HO. Had some fun with those. And I remember seeing at least a couple track plans that used a 4x8 plywood sheet as the base, but cut it in such a way that it resulted in a hexagonal table ten feet long. One of those was in Atlas's Nine N Scale Railroads, and used a minimum radius of 19". But something else that should be kept in mind is the space needed around a layout for access. If you want a two-foot aisle around it, then your 4' x 8' railroad really requires an 8' x 12' space. I didn't have that problem with the 4x8 I had as a kid - it was at the back of a very deep 2-car garage (with enough room for a '76 Mercury Grand Marquis and an old Suzuki motorcycle my dad left to rot in a corner). But this can be a problem if you're putting such a layout into a spare room.
I must confess that I definitely gave up the idea of a 4x8 from the very moment I got to know about Central Los Andes, built on a 6ft x 9in shelf layout. An amazing work, really operative. I recommend you to check it out if you're planning to build a model railroad in a small space.
I have both the 4x8 HO layout and a N-scale hollow core door layout. The HO layout is based on the MR "Redwing Milling" layout, that I've modified a bit. I have six industries that are in a plausible space, and they can have 1-3 cars spotted at them depending on the business. There's a four track yard with a capacity for 26 40' cars, and a passing siding. The N scale layout has 4 industries, a small two track yard and room to spot about 25 or so cars on it. Both have a continuous running loop. I plan to eventually double the size of them by adding to one end with another door and 4x8.
I started off with a 4 x 8 table. It came out pretty good. I got into the about two years ago. Thank you for your comment I just want to can I add anything else to the 4 x 8 table without fooling with my layout
Some useful information, and nice videography. Certainly, The oblong wants to force us into the dreaded oval, again and again. I’ve built two pikes with two ovals overlapping each other, using diamond crossings. I tend to run pretty old stock, BB Athearn and the like ( saw a Marx cattle car whizzing past), so the occasional bump doesn’t damage. Not something one would want with a hyper detailed model. Running these two trains on separate DC circuits can keep one or two operators pretty lively, especially if a rudimentary time table is assigned, requiring further coordination. If DCC was in the mix, keeping three or even four trains in constant motion would really be a challenge, with such rules as express passenger service having right of way over freight, or freight over a local passenger train, and so on. Short trains on a 4x8 don’t look too bad, 5 to 7 freight cars, two or three coaches, particularly shorties, yours looked good. Everything is compression, unless you own an airline hangar for multiple 747’s. As you point out, the 4x8 does dictate a lot of we can do, and some say a 4x8 is really an 8 x 12 in disguise, because you need two feet all around it to gain access. The human reach is not much more than two feet. This being the case, my layout Armodilloville, a 4x8, contains a double main line using three diamonds, two spurs, a working trolley layout and a working trolley bus layout. All of it in 4x8. Click on my avatar if interested. Good vid, chuff on.
I had 3 4x8 layouts in a U shape as a kid, just track, no buildings or ground cover, I didn't get that far. Now I'm lucky enough to have a room thats 11x12 but instead of a 4x8, it's going to go around the exterior, and I will be the 4x8 :D (not really, but close) I love watching the 4x8 guys builds and see how creative they are on a 4x8. I get amazing ideas from 4x8 layouts!
When I first saw this i knew it was the ubiquitous 4x8....but what surprised me was when i went through the comments and didn't see anything about the 4 1/2 x 5 sheet.....otherwise known as 1/2 of standard ping-pong table...which was my very first layout.
Personally I think the three greatest examples of 4x8 layouts (in HO scale at least) come from MR's projects, being the Beer Line (which you mentioned), the Virginian, and Rice Harbor. All three of these layouts use some form of modularity, either in the core benchwork as in Beer Line and Rice Harbor, or through expansions as on the Virginian. I think the most important thing all three of these layouts do is to have off-layout lines. They add interest and allow for easy expansion of your layout, should the need/oppurtunity arise.
As was pointed in one of the Kalmbach books. Just because that sheet was 4x8 did not mean it could not be cut into two pieces that provided a more usable 32 square feet of layout. Especially in N scale.
Almost every station wagon of the 1960s could accommodate a 4 x 8 sheet with the back seat down. When Chrysler brought out the long wheelbase minivans. They could fit a 4 x 8 sheet. For my 2000 Grand Caravan l made up a 4 x 8 load floor with 5 8 foot 2 x 4s laid one their wide sides. Worked great for hauling stuff. Everything from furniture to yard waste.
Seattle's Best organic fair trade with organic cane sugar 👍 Splitting up the 4x8 sheets to make your own shapes sounds better than a single sheet. So ready to start a build!!
I'm on the autism spectrum and a avid rail buff could you talk about a basic loop layout with adding switches and how to know how to make switches work with power for someone who knows nothing about wiring?
I remember I had a Bachman set and on the back of the box they gave you at least 10 different layouts you could do with a 4:8 sheet of plywood. I remember one design I thought was cool it involved a cross over track peace and it did a figure 8 I thought that was different for a 4:8.
First off, my coffee of choice is Peet's single source Sumatra, black... OK now that that is out of the way, my n scale layout is on a 4x8 sheet, which for me is a good compromise between space constraints and adequate track to keep things interesting. But I have had to make some compromises and be a bit innovative in my approach. My layout is housed in my 1.5 car detached (unheated) garage, which is also shared with my workbench and race car (Miata), so I need room for both. I built a rigid 8' long x 1' deep shelf along a side wall. My layout is on a set of folding legs equipped with casters. Both the shelf and layout are equipped with a pair of slot mount hinges. When not in use I simply roll the layout to the wall, hinge it, and tilt it up to a nearly vertical position. Of course the only 1' of standoff from the wall means the track plan is a single elevation and the scenery cannot extend more than a foot above the table surface. And of course everything needs to be permanently mounted (or removed before storage). But this gives me walkaround access to the entire layout, and the garage floor is level (enough). so far it works for me, my car is happy, but especially my wife is happy. I am in Sacramento btw, where the temperature and moisture difference between summer and winter is pretty extreme, so we will see how the layout holds up to that...
I think, by far, the number one advantage of a 4 x 8 is the vastly increased probability that it will get FINISHED. Ot at least, at a minimum, finished enough to have the track and run trains. I have known quite a few people that started a "basement empire", built all sorts of benchwork, maybe laid some track, and burned out. Once somebody does a 4x8, and learns from some mistakes, and learns what a larger effort will truly be like, THEN they can start on their next and larger layout.
The real problem of the 4x8 is that you need 2 feet of aisle space around 3 sides in order to reach everything. So now we’re about to fill the entire floor of the average bedroom. Usually, these tables end up in the garage or basement. Still, it was once discovered that the top reason most layouts DONT get started is the daunting task of bench work. The 4x8 turned many of us into self starters.
Almost Every Model Railroader Strives for realism on his layout. But they all seem to have the same thing in common, and here it is. The Lack Of Electrical Power Lines On Model Railroad Layouts It seems that Model Railroaders spend hours, months, years, and even decades upon building their wonderful model railroad layouts. It seems they all take such wonderful pride in designing, building, enlarging, and improving their layouts.
They spend hours, days and weeks, building scenery, trees, vegetation, backdrops etc.. They add DCC systems to include many sounds, lights and other features to both their locomotives, and layouts. They even go to the huge, wonderful extent of adding crossing signals, with flashing lights, and drop-down crossing gates. They add traffic signs to their layouts. They add interior lights inside the buildings, the locomotives, automobiles, and train passenger cars. They add streetlights to their many streets, parking lots, and other areas. The spend lot of time installing Electric Power poles throughout their layouts. In reality, they basically become artists and add great realistic weathering to almost everything on their model railroad layouts. Every one of their wonderful model railroading layouts would be the superb dream of artists the world over. I would like to congratulate every one of them for a wonderful job well done. However, with that said, and done, I would also like to take some of the wind out of their sails, and stop the swelling of their heads in pride by bringing something to their attention, or should I say the lack of something they seem to consistently overlook in their striving for true realism. What is that lack they are consistently overlooking and forgetting in adding true realism to their wonderful model railroading layouts of which is in everyday life of the real world? It is the lack of attention in adding electrical lines to the electrical power poles on their layouts. I’m not saying that some model railroad layout builders don’t add or haven’t added electrical lines to their layout’s electrical power poles. But so far in all of them I have personally observed over time (either in person), or on RUclips videos of which they have posted online, I have yet to see any electrical lines added to the electrical power poles their layouts. It makes me wonder why? Afterall, they all seem to take such wonderful pride in striving for true realism, so why not add even more realism by adding electrical power lines as well to their wonderful layouts.
My first layout started off as a 4×8 and then became a 5×8. In the 5×8 stage it was actually really nice for what it was towards the end. I'm pleased with some of the changes I made in its later years considering that it was a beginner's layout. My second layout was a huge mistake. I did a 6×12 in the form of a centralized table top. My current layout is only a small temporary set up since my household is now in a small house, but after we move again I plan to try and do a 10×20 with bare space in the middle to operate from. As for what kind of coffee I like... man I love my coffee so it's hard to decide. I definitely like the fancy coffees such as frappuccinos, lattés, cappuccinos, stuff like that. I love Starbucks even though they're expensive.
Easy to start with the 4x8 and have a lot of switching as I built the Black Rock Junction layout. Can’t stand coffee, isn’t enough surgery to make it taste good, and I live in the coffee capital of world. But those shops can make some good hot chocolate.
Yep. Had a 3 x 6 ft N scale layout under my bed I would pull out and play around with when I was a kid. My Uncle always gifted me N scale trains for Christmas.
Hi, Jimmy. I've been a subscriber and been following you for a little while, and I have an odd(ish) question. In this video you showed 2 different 4x8 layouts. One has a lot more screen-time. The other was basically a picture, and then a little bit of video coverage at track level. So, here's my question: How can I find out some information about the 2nd layout? I really like the track plan, and as I'm getting read to begin my first layout, and that one seems to have almost everything I want. Can you help me? Either way, thanks! I enjoy watching your videos, and as I'm scrolling through, I what you've got available, I can tell I'm going to be coming back to your channel over and over. Thanks for all of your content, and Happy New Year!
Just got my buildings from the etsey store. They look pretty good! Will be working on them with my usual cup of PEETS Italian Roast or Big Bang Roast coffee. My coffee cup co-stars, or at the very least has a cameo appearance, in all my videos 😊 Long ago, my first layout was on a 4x8 which i then expanded a bit. Then put away for college. 30 years later im starting over with a shelf layout. Keep up the great videos
OK, so here's my concept for my 4X8. Most 4X8 layouts seem to pack too much unrealistic trackage onto a 4X8 plywood sheet. I want to contribute my 1950's Southern Pacific central coast branch line to a modular club so that it will make sense, be dioramic worthy, and also feature the industry of an imaginary coastal farming town on California highway 1, looking left to right/ north to south being the focal point. The model railroading clubs I have visited here in Northern California are the Best, most welcoming group of modelers but I am an "old school" non-DCC modeler and operator so should I just stay in my little barn ? Any advice is most welcomed.
In Europe 15 radius (R2) is popular, in fact some long steam engines are articulated to run on tighter curves. Although the long passenger cars look funny going round the curves. R2 = 15 radius R3 = 18 radius R4 = 22 radius R5 = 30 radius? R9 =???
Your statement at 4:30 - 4:50 is wrong. I point to Model Railroader Virginian project layout. They were able to fit many industries, a yard and scenery in a 4 by 8 layout. Model Railroader Video Plus shows how they did it
Glad to see a fellow MRVP subscriber! I absolutely love the Virginian, It is a prime example of the creative thinking it takes to fit what they did into the space that they did. I actually think this is my favorite version of the Virginian I've seen. hitopbranchmodelrr.com/about/
@@DIYDigitalRailroad I unfortunately do not have enough money to subscribe to MRVP (now trains.com). I do watch the Virginian project as it is free for non-suscribed modelers. I have a 6 by 4 Ho scale layout so I am well aware of the challenges. I must ask though, can you do some product reviews so I won't have to turn to British and Canadian youtubers (like Sam's Trains) for American engine and car reviews.
And the 4x8 is terrible for that. A 4x8's effective footprint is 10x11 assuming 3ft clearance isles, unless you're an 8ft tall giant and can reach over 4ft. And 10x11 just happens to be a very common "around the walls" layout size, allowing for far more layout in the same space.
I live in Northern California,and enjoy peet!s espreesso, with almond milk and no sugar chocolate,that makes a mocha.Yum.Enjoy the Thursday video.Just a suggestion,you should show how little of a board you can go for certain scales. I have a n scale layout,30 inches x 4 feet,it sits at a angle on the coffee table,so i can still put my feet up.I am using Kato track. Stay safe everyone.🚂✌🇱🇷
what you can do with a 4x8 sheet is to cut it in half (long way), this now gives you two 2x8 sheets. With N scale you can then take that and make a 2x16 which gives you a TON of room to make a sizable layout with plenty of things to do. N scale is able to do double track inside 2', Atlas track comes in 11" and 9 3/4" radius curves. These are the tightest of curves available (from Atlas anyways) and are specifically designed to fit a double track in a 2' space (Kato has similar pre made double track even). So with a 2x16 layout your looking at plenty of room for, not only a good "main line" but also many industries. Doing something like this also can make it portable, many 4x8 layouts (and various configurations) can be seen at Swap Meets and Train Shows. N scale is truly a great scale to go with as it can fit in much smaller form factors then HO could ever dream of. A great book to take a look at is the Nine N Scale layouts book from Atlas, its been around for a very long time and all of those layouts usually fit or form to a 4x8 in some sort of configuration (one of them is a "door" setup too).
You could also add a small extension on one side to get a reverse loop in if going with HO (which cannot turn around inside 24") or on both ends to allow a continuous run setup that loops around the stub ended "yards". However N will still be the better choice in this regard since you get twice as much track (and thus more/longer train) in the same space as it would take for an HO layout. HO is good if you are looking for detail in modeling, N scale if you like to have more train's running. Although the detail portion is getting better with N then it was 20 or 30 years ago.
@@SirLANsalot If you're building that small of a layout, just build a shelf and don't have continuous run. Continuous run gets boring pretty quickly anyway, whereas a good switching design can provide for hours of operation.
@@woodalexander yes, the only reason I really suggest for people to have a continuous loop available is to make said switching a little more challenging. With DCC you can let a train run the loop all the time, add in block detection and you can then really make things more interesting. You have to play "dodge-ball" with the other train running around. This makes for great practice when having to do literally the same thing during an ops session at a club or large layout. Letting the other train be controlled by a computer hooked up allows it to obey red block signals ect. At 16' even in HO that is enough room to have at least 2 passing sidings, even if they are small ones (like all of 4 cars and a loco in size). In N scale...well that's a good sized layout and can even be double sided making for a much bigger layout in a small space (aka depth is 12" from edge to backdrop).
@@SirLANsalot A continuous loop is a waste of space when you've only got a small amount of it. Discussing block detection and automation is a whole different ball game than your standard small layout 2 wire dcc connection. There are advantages and disadvantages to HO vs N scale, but for a beginner in HO if they don't have the space to go around the room, I'd do a point to point shelf layout. The 4x8 really needs to die as an idea for a model railroad.
Ok can a 4x8. Deal with a sd-40-2,. What is the minimum curve for the sd-40-2. And also I want to run 89ft trailer on flats. What size do I need??? Thanks ...I am hopeless...
Hi there! I have a ho scale that I've been working on by watching RUclips videos, I'm at the point where I need hands on, it's so boring not have a fellow modeler that can teach me about things I can't comprehend.
I'm actually gonna be making a smaller layout (3x6) since I have limited space, but mine is going to be HOn30, so I have a bit more room to work with than standard gauge. I'm excited to build my first layout and I got a good 2 level track plan I made that I hope to use if the trains I get will run on the curves. I think they will, but I bought some track for testing anyway. If they don't, I'll just make a new track plan and buy other track.
Honestly, 3x6 is a better choice than 4x8. Sure, it's smaller, but the effective clearance footprint of a 3x6 is far smaller as well. The issue with a 4x8 is one of reach. 4 feet is just a bit too far to reach over for most people, and as a result you need to have access to three sides of the layout. Assuming 3ft clearances, a 4x8 ends up needing a 10ft x 11ft room minimum - there are around-the-walls layouts that use the same exact footprint but pack far more layout into the same space. Meanwhile, a 3x6 can be reached over easily assuming relatively flat terrain, and only really needs access to only one side, resulting in a 6ft x 6ft minimum clearance footprint. A 3x6 is also far more portable, you can fit it in the trunk of a typical sedan with the back seats down. A 4x8 needs a mid-sized SUV at least.
How do you stay so calm drinking all that coffee?😉 I drink Community Breakfast Blend with whole milk. I just started back in the hobby last January. I’m currently running a 4X8 HO layout. I plan on expanding but I went through an intense BUY BUY BUY phase of locos and rolling stock. Hopefully in 2024 I can start my EXPAND EXPAND EXPAND phase.
Coffee: I drink what ever is inexpensive and black. 4x8? I split mine into two 2x8 and have formed them into an "L". Right now i am not pleased with the support structure so will be dismantling what I have. But it will still me the L and N scale.
I am switching from HO and N to On30. I am working with SCARM to design what I am calling the Kaw River Valley Railroad. I follow Dave Meek of the Thunder Mesa Studios and Thunder Mesa Mining Railroad as well as Gary Beatty's Puerto Borracho Railway and have been inspired by these layouts. I am working with a Bachmann 2-6-0 Mogul, a Combine, a Coach, a Boxcar, two 18' flat cars, three wood frame side dump ore cars, an O scale laser cut wood ore bin and an O Scale Store and the Atlas and Peco HO gauge track. Do you have some ideas or advice?
Oh yes I own four sheets of 4 feet x 8 feet x 3/4 inch plywood. I am thinking of cutting one of the sheets up to make the framework. I did a design based of a Lionel 4 x 6 layout with a passing track, a two track industrial spur and a single track spur off the passing track and another single track spur on the opposite side of the "yard". I took the one spur and designed a switchback river front wharf branch that allows about five inches or twenty scale feet of river to be modeled.
Just re-subscribed to your channel. Sorry to hear about the Hack, glad you were able to comeback from it. The main reason I came back was something you did before you were hacked that I liked a lot but you haven't recovered them as yet. You did a series of setting up a speed trap per say to measure train speed using arduinos. I am finally getting around to that with the club layout and want to put a couple of traps around the layout to monitor train speed as we are running 6+ 20-25 car trains on a large folded dog bone, 240 ft of mainline, n-scale and run completely by Raspberry Pi's and Arduinos. We need to keep trains from running into each other. The hardware is the easy part, a couple of sensors and a nano or mini. The programming I can't quite get a handle on. As it stands now, the STOP button is becoming our best friend. Are you going to repost those on your "new" channel? I hope you do as it was very informative. thanks. PS: Starbucks is the best, Venti triple mochas no whip extra hot.
Just finished a Nescafe white with no sugar. No way am I trying to cram a 4x8 into my unit, excepting that one may saw it up and make multiple layouts, or a different shape. 4x8s are quite clumsy, but can improve if you cut them up and change their shape.
hey I have a big Train Table built out of 4x8 sheets-bolted to a wall, never built a layout on it, may do so now, appreciate comments on how to deal with reaching "the back" of the sheets, should I cut out some "notches" in the front of the layout so I can reach the back, or use steps, or a pole grip? Love any comments/thoughts.
If linear yes, use multi level to increase realism and more space...ie town at mid level, hills and scenery top and lower for goods yards etc..I'm a tea drinker....
I am new to model railroading i currently have both ho scale and s guasge and am haveing a hard time decideing what kind of layout i want to do. It is hard as i am on disablity and have limited funds so any advice to help would be a great help
Lol! It actually takes me several takes to get through an episode and I am drinking the coffee throughout. That was probably near the end of my takes because I am almost out!
Bom dia sou do Brasil, gostaria de saber se vc.vende esse conjunto da pista de trem. (a pista e as composições) Qual é o preço? Washington Luiz - Foz do Iguaçu- Paraná
Simple. That's the standard size of plywood and needs no cutting. Also any wider than 4'/120 cm would be harder to reach. That size at scale represents ~19 acres/~7 hectares.
I love Bones Coffee... a little pricey, but some of the best tasting coffee I've ever had. I just add vanilla oat milk creamer (when I can find it) and it's perfect! Jelly Donut is my favorite of the Bones Coffee Flavors. I don't have a layout yet. No real space as all rooms are taken, but if we redo the garage I'll take part of that to set up something HO.
Jones N to run trains while drinking my Black Rifles coffee,more wood on the fire & looking at this arduino stuff gonna figure which end..goes in the cement, lmbo
Pros and cons for N on a 4x8 are mostly the same as HO, but with a few differences: Pros: + N scale can fit quite a lot of track on a 4x8, you're not as limited as you are with HO. + 22" maximum radius is HUGE in N scale, you can run even the largest equipment on it. + Plenty of interior space for a branch line. Cons: - N scale doesn't do as well with "deep" layout benchwork unless you're doing heavy scenery or big yards. If you don't add a branch line or yard or have your line loop back into the interior of the layout, you end up with a very sparse-looking layout. - Unlike HO scale, where a 4x8 is kind of a minimum-size layout short of small switching layouts, N scale can easily go smaller. Combine that with the inefficient space usage of a 4x8 and you end up with a situation where you can do just as much if not more with a shelf layout made of two halves of a 4x8 split length-wise than you can with a 4x8.
If humans were, on average 7 foot 5 inches tall, we’d be building 6’x9’ plywood layouts. I was gifted a 14’ by 23’ room in the basement; a single 4x8 sheet of plywood looked lonely so I bought it some friends😀😅
Thanks for the shout out! I built the 4x8 WS Grand Valley Layout kit and had fun with that. I had a 4x8 when I was a kid, basically as simple construction as you can get, the 4x8 sheet of plywood sitting on top of a table.
i just got back into the hobby ,and that is what started with. but i had problems with the track ,so i went with easy track. and it has worked out
I decided to start with the 4x8 because it gives me more room to work. Working in N scale, and the 4x8 layout gives me an inner and outer loop that don't look like two loops running side-by-side, room for a nice "main street" small-town area in the center and three industrial areas, a yard, a service area for my railroad, and a nice variety of terrain without getting crazy. :-) Drinking some Starbuck's French Roast today with half-and-half! :-)
Started a 4x8 layout as a kid using the “HO Railroad That Grows” booklet from late 1950’s. And the 4x8 fit easily on top of the Ping Pong tables everyone owned at that time. 5x9.
Worked well. As I did lawn mowing and snow shoveling for neighbors, went to the local hobby shop and bought track, cars, engines, structures, bridges etc as my piggy bank allowed.
Was multi level and multi directional, so learned about separately powered sections. The one item I loved and never got (just barely out of my budget reach) was the Heathkit Train Controller. And I would have been able to build it myself from bits and parts out of the kit box. But alas…..
Used to drink coffee way back when. Destroyed my stomach. Love the smell of opening a new can, but taking a sip now days makes me wretch.
I understand drinking Starbucks coffee is a badge of courage. Even one of the owners says he won’t drink it. 🤷♂️
I don't really understand Starbucks popularity. Their coffee isn't that great, it isn't offered as any particular variety except for their own goofy names (marketing), and they don't even use cream. Just half and half.
4x8 is the largest non destructive setting readily available.
You probably dont care but if you're bored like me during the covid times then you can stream pretty much all the latest movies and series on InstaFlixxer. Have been binge watching with my gf for the last couple of months =)
@Jaxx Wade Yea, I have been watching on InstaFlixxer for since december myself :D
Many years ago, my younger brother had a 4x8 HO set up in the basement. We had some good times working and playing on that simple layout. Then we added on a little 2x3 foot area for some industry outside the loop.
That layout inspired me to start working on a layout of my own along a wall of the basement. But I decided to go with N Scale. That wall layout never really did go very far, but it planted the foundation for my love of N scale and model railroading in general. Now, 35+ years later, I am still into building N Scale layouts. My latest is a little 2x3 foot loop layout. I have a few videos of it if interested. Anyway (shameless plug aside) if not for my brother's 4x8 foot layout, I may have never discovered the fun (and sometimes frustration) of model railroading. Only thing I really regret right now is the lack of space for a proper layout.
I am also forming ideas for a little 1x4 foot switching "shelf" type layout. Still in the planning stages with that one right now.
4x8 is where I started with Life Like snap track. Now I use several 4x8's to build this monster layout...lol. I plan on doing a 4x8 layout to build a Lego Layout in the future and install casters to allow it to roll under Freak Jr.'s bed. - Jason
My N-scale railroad in 1968 was somewhat unique, in that it was suspended at the centre point from the overhead joists by a block & tackle "Hunter's Hoist." This was the brainchild of my dad, who wanted to have that space "multi-use" as one end of his workshop. All of the electrics - switch machine power, block switching, and throttle/power pack was connected by a many conductor cable bundle, with the "operator's position" mounted against one basement wall. The hoist could be unhooked and hung out of the way; a large grain-loading terminal was then put over the protruding center "hook" fitting in the 4x8. The layout actually ended up having 2 levels at one end, with the upper level going through a tunnel built through a cloth & plaster mountain while an inner ground-level curve ran along the mountain's base. The backside of the mountain could be opened; it held a short 5-track yard for car storage. (manual switches). There was precious little available for rolling stock, particularly locomotives. I had a CN F-unit diesel, and an odd little steam shunting engine sent over by an aunt stationed on an air force base in Germany. It looked a bit odd, but was better than nothing. The mainline was most of a figure-8, and could be run end-to-end or as a continuous path. It was all done with Flextrack (radius was a problem) and some really cheezy electric switches.
I was pretty good on the electrical side, so my block system worked. My scenery skills were very basic, I eventually had part of a town plus the light industry near the grain terminal, I used to look at MR pictures of John Allan's layout and drool.
It was a bit annoying to have to winch the whole works up out of the way when not in use; I added hanger hooks at each corner, so that the whole thing was not held up in the sky by a single tied-off line in the "stored" position, waiting to brain somebody walking underneath.
I’m building a 3x8 - 3’6”x8 N scale, I am shaving between 6 inches to a foot off the width to help keep the layout maneuverable in a house. Also lets the curves look more natural and not too tight in comparison with a 2’ wide N scale layout, and allows nice train lengths. Setting up some track to let me visualize what I’m working with, I should be able to run about 22 cars with 2 engines and a caboose and it shouldn’t look like dog chasing it’s tail. I’m building it as a railfan layout that will have a track to join it to modules eventually so I can have some industrial operations. But for now I really want to see little freight trains slowly cruising through the scenery. Love your channel Jimmy!
Sounds great! I am also considering setting mine up with a "main line" connection to ad modules in the future. :-)
@@michaelpfister1283I am big on scenery and making it convincing to the viewer, and stuffing a bunch of industries in the layout would detract from the scenery. I know a lot of people would quickly get bored with a deformed loop with a small yard, but switching the order of the cars as well as picking up and setting out cars will suffice all my switching cravings. I have a soft spot for rail yards, both sentimental reasons and aesthetics of the different cars and road names. I’m putting together a 3-4 track yard reminiscent of one that you might see on a branch line or short line. I am really trying to go the opposite direction from the spaghetti bowl central! haha 😁
You also saved yourself a huge amount of space just by cutting off those 6 inches. 3'6" is just barely within reachable distance, removing a large amount of necessary clearance space around the layout and dropping your effective footprint from 10'x11' to 6'6"x8'.
We're working on a 4x8 layout to get started. Just figured out how much Bachmann EZ track we can run without dead spots. Now that the train is running, we will start building some benchwork and get to building and landscaping!
I started on a 4x8 in Ho when I was 12. It's a good beginner size.
A great HO scale 4 x 8 Model Railroader project layout was the 'Cripple Creek Central Railroad' built in the 1990s with a series of articles aimed towards beginners on it. It is a great layout with multiple industries, yards, scenery, and a town cleverly fit in. There is also a Kalmbach book on it for those who are interested.
And thanks for your videos! I'm just getting started, but I do plan to go digital and dip my toes into Arduinos. Your tutorials are great and easy to follow.
n-scale on a 4x8 is the best. so many options!
z scale would be awesome too if you want even smaller than n
@@nocturnalmayhem0 totally
N-Scale on a 4x8 is an inefficient use of space. Not saying you can't do it, but just keep in mind that a 4x8 has a 10x11 effective footprint when you take clearance around the layout into account. And 10x11 is a common around-the-walls layout size.
@@VestedUTuber I think you can get pretty creative with n-scale on a 4x8 if you are willing to do some elevation change and bridges.
@@tony791999
Doesn't change the fact that it's not an efficient use of space. Because of the need for clearance outside the layout with a 4x8, you can often find situations where you can fit a larger but more efficiently designed layout in a space where a 4x8 won't fit. For example, If you only have an 8x10 room, you could fit a bent dogbone that takes up two entire walls and still have more space left over than you would with the 4x8.
The issue is that because of the 4x8's depth, you need access to both long sides of the layout, you're going to be hard-pressed to reach over all the way to the other side for switching or in the case of a derailment. And you need to keep one short side clear to be able to get around the layout. As a result, the space you would have saved with a relatively small layout ends up being spent on walkway space.
Where the 4x8 does shine is benchwork simplicity. You can literally just take a 4x8 sheet of plywood or MDF and stick a 4x8 sheet of insulation foam on top of it, and then stick that on a pair of sawhorses. No tools needed. But once you start doing anything more complex than that, where you'd need tools anyway, you're better off cutting up your plywood.
I'm just starting out and am planning on the 4x8 simply because that is the biggest size I feel I can accommodate in my home. I'd love to go bigger but just don't think I can manage it space-wise. Great videos though! Dig the channel!
My first two permanent layouts were based on a 4x8 - both in HO. Had some fun with those. And I remember seeing at least a couple track plans that used a 4x8 plywood sheet as the base, but cut it in such a way that it resulted in a hexagonal table ten feet long. One of those was in Atlas's Nine N Scale Railroads, and used a minimum radius of 19".
But something else that should be kept in mind is the space needed around a layout for access. If you want a two-foot aisle around it, then your 4' x 8' railroad really requires an 8' x 12' space. I didn't have that problem with the 4x8 I had as a kid - it was at the back of a very deep 2-car garage (with enough room for a '76 Mercury Grand Marquis and an old Suzuki motorcycle my dad left to rot in a corner). But this can be a problem if you're putting such a layout into a spare room.
I must confess that I definitely gave up the idea of a 4x8 from the very moment I got to know about Central Los Andes, built on a 6ft x 9in shelf layout. An amazing work, really operative. I recommend you to check it out if you're planning to build a model railroad in a small space.
I have both the 4x8 HO layout and a N-scale hollow core door layout. The HO layout is based on the MR "Redwing Milling" layout, that I've modified a bit. I have six industries that are in a plausible space, and they can have 1-3 cars spotted at them depending on the business. There's a four track yard with a capacity for 26 40' cars, and a passing siding. The N scale layout has 4 industries, a small two track yard and room to spot about 25 or so cars on it. Both have a continuous running loop. I plan to eventually double the size of them by adding to one end with another door and 4x8.
I used to have my bed below a 4×8 layout, so I didn't need a spare room. Later on I added an L shaped apendix.
I started off with a 4 x 8 table. It came out pretty good. I got into the about two years ago. Thank you for your comment I just want to can I add anything else to the 4 x 8 table without fooling with my layout
Some useful information, and nice videography. Certainly, The oblong wants to force us into the dreaded oval, again and again. I’ve built two pikes with two ovals overlapping each other, using diamond crossings. I tend to run pretty old stock, BB Athearn and the like ( saw a Marx cattle car whizzing past), so the occasional bump doesn’t damage. Not something one would want with a hyper detailed model. Running these two trains on separate DC circuits can keep
one or two operators pretty lively, especially if a rudimentary time table is assigned, requiring further coordination.
If DCC was in the mix, keeping three or even four trains in constant motion would really be a challenge, with such rules as express passenger service having right of way over freight, or freight over a local passenger train, and so on.
Short trains on a 4x8 don’t look too bad, 5 to 7 freight cars, two or three coaches, particularly shorties, yours looked good. Everything is compression, unless you own an airline hangar for multiple 747’s.
As you point out, the 4x8 does dictate a lot of we can do, and some say a 4x8 is really an 8 x 12 in disguise, because you need two feet all around it to gain access. The human reach is not much more than two feet. This being the case, my layout Armodilloville, a 4x8, contains a double main line using three diamonds, two spurs, a working trolley
layout and a working trolley bus layout. All of it in 4x8. Click on my avatar if interested.
Good vid, chuff on.
I had 3 4x8 layouts in a U shape as a kid, just track, no buildings or ground cover, I didn't get that far. Now I'm lucky enough to have a room thats 11x12 but instead of a 4x8, it's going to go around the exterior, and I will be the 4x8 :D (not really, but close) I love watching the 4x8 guys builds and see how creative they are on a 4x8. I get amazing ideas from 4x8 layouts!
When I first saw this i knew it was the ubiquitous 4x8....but what surprised me was when i went through the comments and didn't see anything about the 4 1/2 x 5 sheet.....otherwise known as 1/2 of standard ping-pong table...which was my very first layout.
Personally I think the three greatest examples of 4x8 layouts (in HO scale at least) come from MR's projects, being the Beer Line (which you mentioned), the Virginian, and Rice Harbor. All three of these layouts use some form of modularity, either in the core benchwork as in Beer Line and Rice Harbor, or through expansions as on the Virginian. I think the most important thing all three of these layouts do is to have off-layout lines. They add interest and allow for easy expansion of your layout, should the need/oppurtunity arise.
As was pointed in one of the Kalmbach books. Just because that sheet was 4x8 did not mean it could not be cut into two pieces that provided a more usable 32 square feet of layout. Especially in N scale.
Almost every station wagon of the 1960s could accommodate a 4 x 8 sheet with the back seat down. When Chrysler brought out the long wheelbase minivans. They could fit a 4 x 8 sheet. For my 2000 Grand Caravan l made up a 4 x 8 load floor with 5 8 foot 2 x 4s laid one their wide sides. Worked great for hauling stuff. Everything from furniture to yard waste.
Seattle's Best organic fair trade with organic cane sugar 👍 Splitting up the 4x8 sheets to make your own shapes sounds better than a single sheet. So ready to start a build!!
I'm on the autism spectrum and a avid rail buff could you talk about a basic loop layout with adding switches and how to know how to make switches work with power for someone who knows nothing about wiring?
I remember I had a Bachman set and on the back of the box they gave you at least 10 different layouts you could do with a 4:8 sheet of plywood. I remember one design I thought was cool it involved a cross over track peace and it did a figure 8 I thought that was different for a 4:8.
Awesome layout ! Love the theme ! I love it ❤
First off, my coffee of choice is Peet's single source Sumatra, black... OK now that that is out of the way, my n scale layout is on a 4x8 sheet, which for me is a good compromise between space constraints and adequate track to keep things interesting. But I have had to make some compromises and be a bit innovative in my approach. My layout is housed in my 1.5 car detached (unheated) garage, which is also shared with my workbench and race car (Miata), so I need room for both. I built a rigid 8' long x 1' deep shelf along a side wall. My layout is on a set of folding legs equipped with casters. Both the shelf and layout are equipped with a pair of slot mount hinges. When not in use I simply roll the layout to the wall, hinge it, and tilt it up to a nearly vertical position. Of course the only 1' of standoff from the wall means the track plan is a single elevation and the scenery cannot extend more than a foot above the table surface. And of course everything needs to be permanently mounted (or removed before storage). But this gives me walkaround access to the entire layout, and the garage floor is level (enough). so far it works for me, my car is happy, but especially my wife is happy.
I am in Sacramento btw, where the temperature and moisture difference between summer and winter is pretty extreme, so we will see how the layout holds up to that...
I think, by far, the number one advantage of a 4 x 8 is the vastly increased probability that it will get FINISHED. Ot at least, at a minimum, finished enough to have the track and run trains. I have known quite a few people that started a "basement empire", built all sorts of benchwork, maybe laid some track, and burned out. Once somebody does a 4x8, and learns from some mistakes, and learns what a larger effort will truly be like, THEN they can start on their next and larger layout.
It doesnt matter how you make it or what you use or what it looks like, If you enjoy and its sturdy it's perfect.
The real problem of the 4x8 is that you need 2 feet of aisle space around 3 sides in order to reach everything. So now we’re about to fill the entire floor of the average bedroom. Usually, these tables end up in the garage or basement. Still, it was once discovered that the top reason most layouts DONT get started is the daunting task of bench work. The 4x8 turned many of us into self starters.
Almost Every Model Railroader Strives for realism on his layout. But they all seem to have the same thing in common, and here it is.
The Lack Of Electrical Power Lines On Model Railroad Layouts
It seems that Model Railroaders spend hours, months, years, and even decades upon building their wonderful model railroad layouts. It seems they all take such wonderful pride in designing, building, enlarging, and improving their layouts.
They spend hours, days and weeks, building scenery, trees, vegetation, backdrops etc.. They add DCC systems to include many sounds, lights and other features to both their locomotives, and layouts.
They even go to the huge, wonderful extent of adding crossing signals, with flashing lights, and drop-down crossing gates. They add traffic signs to their layouts. They add interior lights inside the buildings, the locomotives, automobiles, and train passenger cars. They add streetlights to their many streets, parking lots, and other areas. The spend lot of time installing Electric Power poles throughout their layouts.
In reality, they basically become artists and add great realistic weathering to almost everything on their model railroad layouts. Every one of their wonderful model railroading layouts would be the superb dream of artists the world over. I would like to congratulate every one of them for a wonderful job well done.
However, with that said, and done, I would also like to take some of the wind out of their sails, and stop the swelling of their heads in pride by bringing something to their attention, or should I say the lack of something they seem to consistently overlook in their striving for true realism.
What is that lack they are consistently overlooking and forgetting in adding true realism to their wonderful model railroading layouts of which is in everyday life of the real world? It is the lack of attention in adding electrical lines to the electrical power poles on their layouts.
I’m not saying that some model railroad layout builders don’t add or haven’t added electrical lines to their layout’s electrical power poles. But so far in all of them I have personally observed over time (either in person), or on RUclips videos of which they have posted online, I have yet to see any electrical lines added to the electrical power poles their layouts. It makes me wonder why? Afterall, they all seem to take such wonderful pride in striving for true realism, so why not add even more realism by adding electrical power lines as well to their wonderful layouts.
You need to try Berres Brothers Cafe! It's made right down the road from me!
I absolutely Love Berres Brothers coffees. Some of the best out there.
@@NJP76 awesome to hear!
My first layout started off as a 4×8 and then became a 5×8. In the 5×8 stage it was actually really nice for what it was towards the end. I'm pleased with some of the changes I made in its later years considering that it was a beginner's layout. My second layout was a huge mistake. I did a 6×12 in the form of a centralized table top. My current layout is only a small temporary set up since my household is now in a small house, but after we move again I plan to try and do a 10×20 with bare space in the middle to operate from. As for what kind of coffee I like... man I love my coffee so it's hard to decide. I definitely like the fancy coffees such as frappuccinos, lattés, cappuccinos, stuff like that. I love Starbucks even though they're expensive.
Easy to start with the 4x8 and have a lot of switching as I built the Black Rock Junction layout. Can’t stand coffee, isn’t enough surgery to make it taste good, and I live in the coffee capital of world. But those shops can make some good hot chocolate.
AND a 4x8 will fit under most kids beds. Thats how I started more than 60 years ago
most beds are only a tad over 6' long... even a california king is only 7'
When I was in college I built an n scale 3x6 layout that fit under my bed.
Yep. Had a 3 x 6 ft N scale layout under my bed I would pull out and play around with when I was a kid. My Uncle always gifted me N scale trains for Christmas.
Hi, Jimmy. I've been a subscriber and been following you for a little while, and I have an odd(ish) question. In this video you showed 2 different 4x8 layouts. One has a lot more screen-time. The other was basically a picture, and then a little bit of video coverage at track level. So, here's my question: How can I find out some information about the 2nd layout? I really like the track plan, and as I'm getting read to begin my first layout, and that one seems to have almost everything I want. Can you help me? Either way, thanks! I enjoy watching your videos, and as I'm scrolling through, I what you've got available, I can tell I'm going to be coming back to your channel over and over. Thanks for all of your content, and Happy New Year!
Just got my buildings from the etsey store. They look pretty good! Will be working on them with my usual cup of PEETS Italian Roast or Big Bang Roast coffee. My coffee cup co-stars, or at the very least has a cameo appearance, in all my videos 😊 Long ago, my first layout was on a 4x8 which i then expanded a bit. Then put away for college. 30 years later im starting over with a shelf layout. Keep up the great videos
OK, so here's my concept for my 4X8. Most 4X8 layouts seem to pack too much unrealistic trackage onto a 4X8 plywood sheet. I want to contribute my 1950's Southern Pacific central coast branch line to a modular club so that it will make sense, be dioramic worthy, and also feature the industry of an imaginary coastal farming town on California highway 1, looking left to right/ north to south being the focal point. The model railroading clubs I have visited here in Northern California are the Best, most welcoming group of modelers but I am an "old school" non-DCC modeler and operator so should I just stay in my little barn ? Any advice is most welcomed.
Green Mountain Breakfast Blend with cream and sugar
3'6 x 5'6 n scale layout. Perfect size for my apartment
In Europe 15 radius (R2) is popular, in fact some long steam engines are articulated to run on tighter curves. Although the long passenger cars look funny going round the curves.
R2 = 15 radius
R3 = 18 radius
R4 = 22 radius
R5 = 30 radius?
R9 =???
Your statement at 4:30 - 4:50 is wrong. I point to Model Railroader Virginian project layout. They were able to fit many industries, a yard and scenery in a 4 by 8 layout. Model Railroader Video Plus shows how they did it
Glad to see a fellow MRVP subscriber! I absolutely love the Virginian, It is a prime example of the creative thinking it takes to fit what they did into the space that they did. I actually think this is my favorite version of the Virginian I've seen. hitopbranchmodelrr.com/about/
@@DIYDigitalRailroad I unfortunately do not have enough money to subscribe to MRVP (now trains.com). I do watch the Virginian project as it is free for non-suscribed modelers. I have a 6 by 4 Ho scale layout so I am well aware of the challenges. I must ask though, can you do some product reviews so I won't have to turn to British and Canadian youtubers (like Sam's Trains) for American engine and car reviews.
I was the 1000th like
It’s not the size, it’s what you do with the space you have.
And the 4x8 is terrible for that. A 4x8's effective footprint is 10x11 assuming 3ft clearance isles, unless you're an 8ft tall giant and can reach over 4ft. And 10x11 just happens to be a very common "around the walls" layout size, allowing for far more layout in the same space.
I live in Northern California,and enjoy peet!s espreesso, with almond milk and no sugar chocolate,that makes a mocha.Yum.Enjoy the Thursday video.Just a suggestion,you should show how little of a board you can go for certain scales. I have a n scale layout,30 inches x 4 feet,it sits at a angle on the coffee table,so i can still put my feet up.I am using Kato track. Stay safe everyone.🚂✌🇱🇷
I started with a 4x6 oval layout then quickly moved up to a 12x6 L shaped layout.
what you can do with a 4x8 sheet is to cut it in half (long way), this now gives you two 2x8 sheets. With N scale you can then take that and make a 2x16 which gives you a TON of room to make a sizable layout with plenty of things to do. N scale is able to do double track inside 2', Atlas track comes in 11" and 9 3/4" radius curves. These are the tightest of curves available (from Atlas anyways) and are specifically designed to fit a double track in a 2' space (Kato has similar pre made double track even). So with a 2x16 layout your looking at plenty of room for, not only a good "main line" but also many industries. Doing something like this also can make it portable, many 4x8 layouts (and various configurations) can be seen at Swap Meets and Train Shows. N scale is truly a great scale to go with as it can fit in much smaller form factors then HO could ever dream of. A great book to take a look at is the Nine N Scale layouts book from Atlas, its been around for a very long time and all of those layouts usually fit or form to a 4x8 in some sort of configuration (one of them is a "door" setup too).
That's a good idea for HO as well.... Shelf switching layout.
You could also add a small extension on one side to get a reverse loop in if going with HO (which cannot turn around inside 24") or on both ends to allow a continuous run setup that loops around the stub ended "yards". However N will still be the better choice in this regard since you get twice as much track (and thus more/longer train) in the same space as it would take for an HO layout. HO is good if you are looking for detail in modeling, N scale if you like to have more train's running. Although the detail portion is getting better with N then it was 20 or 30 years ago.
@@SirLANsalot If you're building that small of a layout, just build a shelf and don't have continuous run. Continuous run gets boring pretty quickly anyway, whereas a good switching design can provide for hours of operation.
@@woodalexander yes, the only reason I really suggest for people to have a continuous loop available is to make said switching a little more challenging. With DCC you can let a train run the loop all the time, add in block detection and you can then really make things more interesting. You have to play "dodge-ball" with the other train running around. This makes for great practice when having to do literally the same thing during an ops session at a club or large layout. Letting the other train be controlled by a computer hooked up allows it to obey red block signals ect. At 16' even in HO that is enough room to have at least 2 passing sidings, even if they are small ones (like all of 4 cars and a loco in size). In N scale...well that's a good sized layout and can even be double sided making for a much bigger layout in a small space (aka depth is 12" from edge to backdrop).
@@SirLANsalot A continuous loop is a waste of space when you've only got a small amount of it. Discussing block detection and automation is a whole different ball game than your standard small layout 2 wire dcc connection. There are advantages and disadvantages to HO vs N scale, but for a beginner in HO if they don't have the space to go around the room, I'd do a point to point shelf layout. The 4x8 really needs to die as an idea for a model railroad.
Italian dark roast with English Toffee syrup, Stevia, and (sugar free) Italian Sweet Cream creamer.
My room is 8ft 10in by 10ft 8in, my plan is to build an N scale shelf layout around my room.
Have you ever done 3d printing stuff
Been doing a 4x8 for my boys. A over and under with a few industry's. Its in ho scale but has zeroed my skills in alot.
Started with Hockey Table with 4x8 plywood on top then used 4 x8 folding pong table…In a L setup.. only drawback wires run on Top..
Ok can a 4x8. Deal with a sd-40-2,. What is the minimum curve for the sd-40-2. And also I want to run 89ft trailer on flats. What size do I need??? Thanks ...I am hopeless...
You could also drop to n scale for way more options
That's very nice!
o scale on 4x8? im sitting here thinking HO is too big for a 4x8 lol thats wild.
I hope to have a 5 x 8 one day.
The link to the beer line doesn’t work anymore.
Doing A 4x8 is a Step to Grow your Layout Bigger And it does get Bigger.
Hi there!
I have a ho scale that I've been working on by watching RUclips videos, I'm at the point where I need hands on, it's so boring not have a fellow modeler that can teach me about things I can't comprehend.
Is that a New Zealand car number plate on your wall? Drinking Java house espresso that I bought in Kenya, from my flair espresso maker.
Good eye! I spent a few months in New Zealand in 2009. I absolutely love it! Some of my favorite places on Earth are there.
I'm actually gonna be making a smaller layout (3x6) since I have limited space, but mine is going to be HOn30, so I have a bit more room to work with than standard gauge. I'm excited to build my first layout and I got a good 2 level track plan I made that I hope to use if the trains I get will run on the curves. I think they will, but I bought some track for testing anyway. If they don't, I'll just make a new track plan and buy other track.
Honestly, 3x6 is a better choice than 4x8. Sure, it's smaller, but the effective clearance footprint of a 3x6 is far smaller as well. The issue with a 4x8 is one of reach. 4 feet is just a bit too far to reach over for most people, and as a result you need to have access to three sides of the layout. Assuming 3ft clearances, a 4x8 ends up needing a 10ft x 11ft room minimum - there are around-the-walls layouts that use the same exact footprint but pack far more layout into the same space. Meanwhile, a 3x6 can be reached over easily assuming relatively flat terrain, and only really needs access to only one side, resulting in a 6ft x 6ft minimum clearance footprint. A 3x6 is also far more portable, you can fit it in the trunk of a typical sedan with the back seats down. A 4x8 needs a mid-sized SUV at least.
I have an ho 4 by 8 layout
How do you stay so calm drinking all that coffee?😉
I drink Community Breakfast Blend with whole milk.
I just started back in the hobby last January. I’m currently running a 4X8 HO layout. I plan on expanding but I went through an intense BUY BUY BUY phase of locos and rolling stock. Hopefully in 2024 I can start my EXPAND EXPAND EXPAND phase.
Coffee: I drink what ever is inexpensive and black. 4x8? I split mine into two 2x8 and have formed them into an "L". Right now i am not pleased with the support structure so will be dismantling what I have. But it will still me the L and N scale.
Is it possible to do the out and back on 4x8
I am switching from HO and N to On30. I am working with SCARM to design what I am calling the Kaw River Valley Railroad. I follow Dave Meek of the Thunder Mesa Studios and Thunder Mesa Mining Railroad as well as Gary Beatty's Puerto Borracho Railway and have been inspired by these layouts. I am working with a Bachmann 2-6-0 Mogul, a Combine, a Coach, a Boxcar, two 18' flat cars, three wood frame side dump ore cars, an O scale laser cut wood ore bin and an O Scale Store and the Atlas and Peco HO gauge track. Do you have some ideas or advice?
Oh yes I own four sheets of 4 feet x 8 feet x 3/4 inch plywood. I am thinking of cutting one of the sheets up to make the framework. I did a design based of a Lionel 4 x 6 layout with a passing track, a two track industrial spur and a single track spur off the passing track and another single track spur on the opposite side of the "yard". I took the one spur and designed a switchback river front wharf branch that allows about five inches or twenty scale feet of river to be modeled.
Just re-subscribed to your channel. Sorry to hear about the Hack, glad you were able to comeback from it. The main reason I came back was something you did before you were hacked that I liked a lot but you haven't recovered them as yet. You did a series of setting up a speed trap per say to measure train speed using arduinos. I am finally getting around to that with the club layout and want to put a couple of traps around the layout to monitor train speed as we are running 6+ 20-25 car trains on a large folded dog bone, 240 ft of mainline, n-scale and run completely by Raspberry Pi's and Arduinos. We need to keep trains from running into each other. The hardware is the easy part, a couple of sensors and a nano or mini. The programming I can't quite get a handle on. As it stands now, the STOP button is becoming our best friend. Are you going to repost those on your "new" channel? I hope you do as it was very informative. thanks. PS: Starbucks is the best, Venti triple mochas no whip extra hot.
Just finished a Nescafe white with no sugar. No way am I trying to cram a 4x8 into my unit, excepting that one may saw it up and make multiple layouts, or a different shape. 4x8s are quite clumsy, but can improve if you cut them up and change their shape.
hey I have a big Train Table built out of 4x8 sheets-bolted to a wall, never built a layout on it, may do so now, appreciate comments on how to deal with reaching "the back" of the sheets, should I cut out some "notches" in the front of the layout so I can reach the back, or use steps, or a pole grip? Love any comments/thoughts.
I don't even have a chance to have a shelf layout. Last 5 years an oval under the Christmas tree.
When are you going to restock you Etsy Store with n scale. I need a few store buildings 2and 3 story
I like your style
Some great content here, but the link for the beer train seems to be 404. Oh well.
I’m thinking MOST model train kits are 4X8.
For a lot of people space is the greatest obstacle. I use N scale because of limited space. 28" x 18 ft long in my garage. 4x8 plywood isn't feasible.
So you like your coffee with manure and 2 sugars ok! Atleast that was the Sbucks mods description 20 years ago!
Jimmy I really don't drink much coffee anymore since my health took a s. I've been drinking alot of Apple Cider and some Hot coco. Still though, Chris
Dunkin Donuts French Vanilla with sweetened condensed milk
If linear yes, use multi level to increase realism and more space...ie town at mid level, hills and scenery top and lower for goods yards etc..I'm a tea drinker....
I am new to model railroading i currently have both ho scale and s guasge and am haveing a hard time decideing what kind of layout i want to do. It is hard as i am on disablity and have limited funds so any advice to help would be a great help
Train guys never tell us what trains they run and the track they use.
The 4x8 is The Starting point And After that The Layout will Grow outward To Become a Monster when All Is Said and Done.
My layout is still small but a step above
9 foot by 4½ foot
but what if its 8x4 XD
Una pregunta 4x8 qué medidas sería en metrico muchas gracias
4:07 I don't understand your magic coffee mug, lol. Do you use magnets to keep coffee stuck to the bottom of the mug?
Lol! It actually takes me several takes to get through an episode and I am drinking the coffee throughout. That was probably near the end of my takes because I am almost out!
Bom dia sou do Brasil, gostaria de saber se vc.vende esse conjunto da pista de trem. (a pista e as composições) Qual é o preço?
Washington Luiz - Foz do Iguaçu- Paraná
Simple. That's the standard size of plywood and needs no cutting. Also any wider than 4'/120 cm would be harder to reach. That size at scale represents ~19 acres/~7 hectares.
But because of house layout and space issues I am unable to have a permanent layout and have given up on the idea
I’m in a sober living house, and I only have a Kato oval that’s partially underneath my bed…
Is HO scale more easy to build than N scale for beginner?
I would say HO scale is but it depends on your available space.
Beer line details blocked by a paywall🙄 Not beginner friendly
I love Bones Coffee... a little pricey, but some of the best tasting coffee I've ever had. I just add vanilla oat milk creamer (when I can find it) and it's perfect! Jelly Donut is my favorite of the Bones Coffee Flavors.
I don't have a layout yet. No real space as all rooms are taken, but if we redo the garage I'll take part of that to set up something HO.
Jones N to run trains while drinking my Black Rifles coffee,more wood on the fire & looking at this arduino stuff gonna figure which end..goes in the cement, lmbo
Thanks for mentioning pros and cons of a 4x8 layout in N scale... Not.
Pros and cons for N on a 4x8 are mostly the same as HO, but with a few differences:
Pros:
+ N scale can fit quite a lot of track on a 4x8, you're not as limited as you are with HO.
+ 22" maximum radius is HUGE in N scale, you can run even the largest equipment on it.
+ Plenty of interior space for a branch line.
Cons:
- N scale doesn't do as well with "deep" layout benchwork unless you're doing heavy scenery or big yards. If you don't add a branch line or yard or have your line loop back into the interior of the layout, you end up with a very sparse-looking layout.
- Unlike HO scale, where a 4x8 is kind of a minimum-size layout short of small switching layouts, N scale can easily go smaller. Combine that with the inefficient space usage of a 4x8 and you end up with a situation where you can do just as much if not more with a shelf layout made of two halves of a 4x8 split length-wise than you can with a 4x8.
If humans were, on average 7 foot 5 inches tall, we’d be building 6’x9’ plywood layouts. I was gifted a 14’ by 23’ room in the basement; a single 4x8 sheet of plywood looked lonely so I bought it some friends😀😅
good vid