Trainplayer Beginners need to build skills, make a few mistakes, and learn the hobby. The essence is 1) give newcomers an entry point which is not too intimidating, and 2) that provides enough near-term success to be gratifying. First built a 4’ by 8’ table on 6 sets of casters that could move around while building and for maintenance. There are 400 designs ranging from small branch line stations to cement terminals and even large city termini, perfect for your Hornby, Bachmann and Heljan trains to run on! The simple sheet of plywood creates a surface where the rookie can play and begin to work with the materials and concepts of the hobby quickly. I built several track arrangements on the surface and learned a lot about what works and what does not. Designs of various sizes are in Layout Plans; Layouts for Britain's top manufacturer are in Hornby Plans They do take up a fair amount of space, a but they're is easy to move out of the way when you need the room for something else. Reply. Model Railroader is the world's largest magazine on model trains and model railroad layouts. is a page of his that looks like a discussion of how a 4×8 wastes space.. Next time a rookie asks about starting in the hobby, promote the 4×8 so they may have fun and learn (like you did). The link to Byron Henderson’s article is dead. My first layout was the classic 4×8 sheet of plywood. John was a planner…he enjoyed this process and even built a tiny scale model of that model railroad. A basic freestanding table is the first layout for many if not most model railroaders. For this HO train layout, first I built a 4x8 ho scale table on 6 sets of casters that could move around while building and for maintenance. No Problem!” newcomer/starter layout article…. I really don't have a name for this layout. With only 32 square feet to work with, vertical separation between scenes helps the overall effect, and the grades keep train length short. I’d like to get started on a project that my grandson can carry on when my time is over. Thank you so much for this article–so many helpful tips here. ... Software is available from various companies if you wish to design your UNITRACK layout on a computer. Why Waste the Space on a 4X8? A newcomer needs to do something and get their feet wet. A rite of passage is a ritual event that marks a person’s transition from one status to another. The following are some informative resources for 4×8 layouts: Can anyone recommend a material that is lightweight and fairly easy to move? This oval track plan in this 4’x8′ HO train layout allows for the locomotives to journey across the entire landscape and adds a level of realism that helps encapsulate the overall theme. Here are Free Resources to Help Build Your Model Railroad, Top 3 Costly Model Train Mistakes & How to Avoid Them, 5 MUST KNOW Flaming Hot Tips for Model Railroading, Choosing the Right Scale with Limited Space, Installing Model Train Buildings and Roads, How to Build Model Train Hills & Trees Perfectly Every Time, Top Rated Track Plans for Model Train Beginners. This type of track plan is ideal for HO scale as the 4×8 ho train layout provides enough space to build multiple loops while still allowing for model train scenery items such as tunnels and bridges. It will be taken apart and what can be salvaged, put into a more interesting layout, which fits the space better. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. Foam board for nearly all the foundation and hills which are easy to work with and mold. The HO train photo series walks you through the construction of the benchwork, track plan, model train scenery and provides views of the control board as well. Use a plywood sheet. 5 Tips to Avoid Derailments, Erratic Stops, and Costly Building Mistakes, The ONLY Time Tested Way to Lay Model Railroad Track, Model Train Layout Sharing w/ Grandkids (Open Letter), How to Avoid Costly Mistakes When Building Model Railroad Benchwork. I believe that new model railroaders should be encouraged to build a 4×8 layout. Everyone has their own theme to pursue when building a layout but this shows what can be done especially with an HO scale layout. beneath the layout and replaced with another one holding a different train. My idea was to build an 8X4 layout to learn/make mistakes. It’s powered by DCC and the throttle allows for easy control of the locomotives and engines across the board. They had enough fun with it to stay in the hobby, learn from the their mistakes and go on to build better layouts. Model train tunnels are needed when building scenery that contains mountains or larger hills. The unfinished view will eventually contain the hill with a tunnel. It allows simple two-train operation with blocks, it also allows siding work and switching. I have been a model railroader for many years. Yes, big project but, again, something for him to carry on–Thanks for any help you can provide–, Um, the list of “further reading” links is missing Lance Mindheim’s “No Skills? I learned much from my 4×8 layout. Ironically, the G&D you cited was not built on a plywood sheet. This entire series shows a detailed view of an HO train layout and provides different angles of the scenic views, which include a mountain, tunnel and ground cover. This is a great example of how to create awesome model train layout. Are you looking for step-by-step instructions on building your very own model train layout? This, in my opinion, is the important takeaway. I agree, it is an art form and those are great points on vertical separation! The layout actually folds in half and stores on it's side. See more ideas about model railway, model railway track plans, layout. (by Byron Henderson), Model Railroad Forums thread on “best 4×8 layouts”, https://modeltrainsforbeginnerssecrets.wordpress.com, https://lancemindheim.com/2012/12/no-skills-no-problem/, https://www.layoutvision.com/why-waste-the-space-on-a-4×8, The 4x8 Layout - A Right of Passage for the Model Railroad Rookie, Hamilton Feeds - A Switching Prototype with a Trestle, Small Layout Ideas - The Terminal Railroad, Huron Bay Terminus Railway - Slate Mining in Michigan, Lionel Garing's O Scale Industrial Layout. The next step in creating a real layout is to add switching opportunities to expand your run. See more ideas about model train layouts, train layouts, train. Reply. Check out the images below! Red Dead Redemption 2 Collectorâs Box Edition Recent Comments. Other plans leave it up to you to study the cata- ... HO scale layout (4x8 feet) N scale layout (3'-6"x7 '-0") HO scale layout (4x8 feet) N scale layout (3'-6"x7 '-0") www.GreatestHobby.com 9 BUILDING A LAYOUT Train tables There are many different ways to build the support structure of your railroad, but Thanks for confirming my initial thoughts on how to get into this hobby. I have been working on this 3.5' wide by 8' N scale layout off and on for 20 years. Yes, this was the intent of the article. This is the complete view of this amazing layout. Main Level: Staging Level: You can read about and comment on my layout plans here. The foam bed was built into six different parts for easier assembly and elevated to allow for the model train scenery such as hills to be proportional to the overall layout. I agree Free-mo is a great place to start! You can choose any scale you like to create your layout, and you can create similar layouts with HO Scale, N Scale, or O Gauge tracks. They hope to save the inexperienced rookie from making the same mistakes they did. Most experienced model railroaders (dare I say) started on their own 4×8 layout. This layout is intended to form the nucleus of a larger system that might be built at a later date in ⦠This seems to be lost on the anti 4×8 crowd. Model Railroad Forums thread on “best 4×8 layouts” A 4x8 layout really does not have enough space for a proper elevation. Adding model train scenery including mountains, hills and rock edifices are an excellent way to provide more detail to the overall layout. They learned the pitfalls and they learned that the hobby was fun. https://www.layoutvision.com/why-waste-the-space-on-a-4×8 So, start with KraftTrains.com and see how to start building your own 8x4 HO scale train set layout. 10 HO Track Plans for 4âx8â² ... and the grades keep train length short. The substrate product is called Woodland Scenics Turf Fine Green and helps add course texture to the scenery without causing a mess of a low ground spray. They are physically hard to move up or down stairs, around corners, etc. 7. Jun 10, 2019 - This digital download from the Model Railroader Track Plan Library includes 10, 4x8 track plans. 4x8 layouts are easy and cheap to build thanks to readily available sheets of 4x8 plywood. Excellent arguments for good reasons, and that St. Louis layout looks like a primer on just about everything. Ho 4x8 examples -- if you must! It is very basic; it is a perfect layout for illustrating how it can be extended. Many experienced model railroaders will tell you the 4×8 sheet of plywood is a bad idea. Some (reluctantly offered) track plans for the HO 4X8 "sacred sheet" As I've noted elsewhere in the site, most of the time there is a better alternative than an HO scale 4X8 layout for any space. This bare bones view of the overall track plan shows the figure eight loop along with a smaller more circular loop. Remeber that subway stations are 4' long (if you use a six car train). Byron Henderson, in his article “Why Waste the Space on an HO 4X8?“, discusses some very good reasons and alternatives to 4×8. These are all valid facts, but all fail to consider the position of the model railroad rookie. I came upon this because it’s exactly what I’m doing. It first seems logical building a table underneath a sheet of plywood hollow core. All the basic design rules are strictly followed in this layout to give it a realistic look. Model train layout track plans often begin as 4 x 8-foot track plans in HO. Ho 4x8 shortline track plan - layoutvision, An alternative to the humdrum ho 4x8 model train layout is to focus on a particular industry and a shortline railroad. Nice around-the-walls layout in HO scale with peninsula and lift-off bridge in the center, situated in a dedicated train room. Then, provide a path forward that allows for trial and error and revision and success. The ONLY Two Things EVERY Model Train Beginner Must Know..! The control board provides a simplified version of the HO scale mainline and branches. a) nothing to throw away A model railroad rookie needs to get something started, try something new and play with it with little to no effort. . Since a first layout will nearly always be dismantled in the end, why not promote the 4×8 as the Model Railroading Right of Passage? John Allen used open grid bench work, cut roadbed from boards and homasote, and perhaps most ironically, didn’t toss this first layout. HO Scale Era: 2008 to Present Minimum Radius 32.5â Mainline Run: 152ft Dimensions: 55ft x35ft. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. See more Marklin HO C-track plan 260x180 14455 views since 05 Apr 2018 The 4x8 Layout - A Right of Passage for the Model ⦠Nice 4x8 HO-scale train layout with single line in oval, passing around a small town and several industries. Maybe Woodland Scenics could package it as kits. Use a shelf board. I take this layout once a year to a nearby train show (Great Train Expo). For example a door is an easy way to get a layout up and running, but a train layout table do have many advantages. That suggests the standard size for N scale should be 2 x 4-feet. See all the 8x4 HO scale model train sets layouts krafttrains.com can offer you, and then Build your dream 8x4 HO scale model railroad that you always you wanted. HO Model Train Layouts â How To Find The Best Layouts. If possible I want it to include main line running for 2 trains running at same time possibly in opposite directions with sidings for some industry too if possible. The Chess Armory 15 Wooden Chess Set. Well on a 4x8 I'd have to use a 4 car train ⦠…oh, wait a minute…, I was not sure where you were going with this statement. I agree, it is an art form and those are great points on vertical separation! I read with interest your comments on the 4×8. Note: The quantities shown on the following plans reflect piece, not package, quantities. Many experienced model railroaders act like well meaning, overprotective parents. It is restrictive, will grow boring fast and takes a lot of space that could be better utilized. HO-Scale Unitrack Track Plans: We frequently get requests for Unitrack Track Plans, so we have put together this section to feature some plans. Try open grid or L-girder. Try rigid foam. b) easy to to throw it in the car and go to a friend’s house for help Layout dimensions are included in each layout⦠A new modeler’s first layout, 99% of the time, will be thrown away in the end. Model Railway Layout plans. This is a common and simple layout type that can be found in all scales. ... 4x8 Lionel Fastrack Double Loop 69 tracks 15.10.2020. As a 73 yr ole ROOKIE, I’m just starting. 46 tracks in model scale N. Schönwald neu 46 tracks 14.10.2020. Hi, does anyone have any track plans that utilizes 22 degree curves for larger locomotives on a 4 x 8 or bigger (medium size) layout. I did my first scenery on that layout, first sectional track, first flex track and many other firsts. 10 HO Track Plans for 4’x8′ - layoutvision, Although there's often a better choice than an ho 4x8 layout, these three ho 4x8 model train track plans may offer some helpful ideas. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! My 4x8 Layout is complete, lets see how it looks and talk about what I have learned thus far! 4×8 O Gauge Layouts, These are useful ideas. The variety of rolling stock is therefore only as limited as the space allotted to storing extra cassettes. Feb 4, 2021 - Plans I've worked on over the years using Anyrail. Making a two-level layout in a tiny space is hard. Grades eat up a lot of space. One thing that helps when designing a small layout is to think vertically. This is not because the layout was done poorly, but because the modeler has expanded their knowledge through trial and error, and wants to do more. The other advanced skills will come later when they want more from the hobby and go beyond the 4×8 layout. Plan Name: HO-36x78-05. There is an outer loop and an inner loop which has an inverted dogbone over itself. Dec 17, 2020 - Explore Ron's board "4x8 HO Layouts" on Pinterest. c) connects the newcomer to the comaraderie of clubs and meets. The bottom right corner of the layout is using medium ground cover for model train scenery. I’ve read a ton of stuff about model railroading but have no experience. This angle provides a dramatic view of the entire model train tunnel including the red brick detail and ground turf. But TRY. Atlas Layout Packages are a hassle-free way to get started in the hobby and include all of the track needed to build your own layout so you can get to the fun part of running trains. 4X8 HO Train Layout Track Plans - Bing images H0 Gleisplan in L-Form mit diagonalem Durchgangsbahnhof Dieser H0 Gleisplan in L-Form auf 2 Ebenen und durchgehend zweispuriger Hauptstrecke bietet noch viel Raum für eigene Ideen zur H0 Modellbahnplanung. Select from one of our pre-packaged HO Scale Atlas Layouts which are split into five categories, based upon the Atlas book includes them. Next, you'll select or build towns, stations, businesses, and scenery to give your railroad purpose and character. We are model railroaders because we want to run trains, not learn about design and construction. This is loosely based on Lionel's D-290 display layout. Trackplan updated on Nov 7, 2013 with new Emerson arrangement. Dec 16, 2018 - I finally figured out that I don't have room to do everything I want (2 trains, etc) on a small layout so I'm starting with something simple. HO SCALE CODE 100 LAYOUT PACKAGES. I agree, amazing how much they packed in there! 10 HO Track Plans for 4'x8' <- Layout Design <- Home 10 HO Track Plans for 4'x8' Recommended Books: Ho Railroad from Start to Finish (Model Railroad Handbook, No 36)-by Jim Kelly(Editor), Michael Emmerich(Editor) (Paperback - July 1993) 48 Top Notch Track Plans : From Model Railroader Magazine (Model Railroad Handbook, No 39)-by Bob Hayden (Paperback - February 1994) Minimum Space HO Layout (4x4 feet) Parts List - Minimum space layout (4x4) 1 Flex track (Minimum 3ft long) 3 9" Straight 14 Full Section 18" radius 2 6" Straight HO scale 5X9 model out and back railroad island layout offers much more operating interest and broader radii than many HO 4X8 track plans Four fun-filled 4 x 8 track plans: Boston & Albany RR Industrial mite on a 4 x 8-foot O gauge track plan See more ideas about model railway track plans, model train layouts, model trains. In either case, that is not really the best size because, in HO scale, you really should aim for a "medium" radius of 24 inches, broader if possible. Attaching a bridge to the model train mountain and running track on either side of it along with a basic river bed below provides incredible detail. This might be a good starter layout, or it could be a nice demo layout.. Plan Name: HO ⦠Lets get started…. The 4×8 sheet supports this endeavor. Model Railroading in only 4x8 feet... One of the easiest and best ways to get started in model railroading is with a 4x8 train layout in HO Scale. Laying trackwork and wiring the HO train layout is the next step after building the benchwork and track plan. This a unique layout, I have looked at over a 100 videos on HO Trains andI have yet to see a 4x8 3 Track layout. Build *something*. I did some searching around and stumbled onto this cool article⦠I thought it was helpful⦠https://modeltrainsforbeginnerssecrets.wordpress.com. HO Scale Layouts (1-12) includes beginner layouts that can all be built on a flat plywood base. We feature beginner and advanced help on all model railroading scales, including layout track plans, model railroad product reviews, model train news, and model railroad forums. The entire HO train layout setup is literally assembled on hands and knees! Classic Toy Trains magazine offers information about toy trains operating and collecting, toy train product news and reviews, toy train layout tips, toy train layout designs and track plans, and more. Foam board for nearly all the foundation and hills which are easy to work with and mold. They do not need to learn other skills first like planning, layout design and bench work design. It also contains basic electrical switching capabilities and location based turnouts. Welcome to FreeTrackPlans.com - the home of model railway layout plans.