4 by 8 train – Mike’s HO scale

Mike’s been in touch with how he eased himself into this hobby, and started his 4 by 8 layout:

“Hi Alistair

just want to say thank you for all you do.

I thought I’d share my story on how I got started, I have some pictures for my little article.

It all started with a Christmas train for my wife on the living room floor, O scale.

Then I had to buy a HO set on eBay, to put with her O scale on the floor.

Next thing I knew I bought a 4 by 8 sheet of plywood, put it on some saw horses in the garage started adding to it.

One thing led to another and I bought a second 4 by 8 sheet of plywood and connected it to the first one and bought more stuff LOL.

Then I decided I wanted the turntables, so I cut me a hole in the plywood, installed it and bought a 3-bay roundhouse building.

I built it, adding lights and was very happy with it.

After reading all your emails and looking at stuff on YouTube I put all my Bachmann EZ track on eBay and sold everything and start buying a bunch of Atlas Flex track.

I cleaned out a room in the house and started building benchwork.

I’ve included some pictures of the four by 8 sheet I started with, and then added another 4 x 8 sheet, took it all apart started it all over again.

This is how I got started. Just wanted to say thank you again for your blog and everybody that contributes to it, thanks again.

Mike”

bench and track

track laid 4 by 8 train

HO scale laying track 4 by8 train

HO scale track laying 4 by 8

HO scale locos running 4 by 8 train



HO scale roundhouse

HO scale just track

HO scale bench and track

A big thanks to Mike – I love the way it started as a 4 by 8 and then soon grew.

It’s also another post that proves if you’re having fun, you’re doing it right.

Now on to Dangerous Dave.

He’s made another youtube – but this time it includes his layout from the very start – that’s fifteen years of train fun.

“Here is a short video showing a few trains running.. and the very start of it back in 2007.

Regards

Dave”

model railway carriages

model railway with backdrop

model railway loco



A big thanks to Mike and Dave.

And if you’re sitting there enjoying the blog, today’s a great day to join in and make your start.

Mike took that first step and look at him now.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you get started – just like Mike – the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.








10 Responses to 4 by 8 train – Mike’s HO scale

  1. Dapperdave says:

    Mike, you’re a very lucky man. If I bought my wife a model train for Christmas I suspect I would spend Boxing day in hospital…

  2. Stephen Hiill says:

    I’m amazed at the detail , absolutely incredible .

  3. Erick says:

    Looks pretty kool. I hope mine turn out that good.

  4. Brian Messenger says:

    Great video Dave. It is nice to reflect back on what you have achieved in that time frame. I have followed your photos, narratives and videos for as long as I have been on this site.
    I have done the same with all my layouts past and present. My present layout has been photographed from day one 5 years ago when I had started the first shelf.
    I have often looked back on photos and said to myself, wow did I do that terrible stuff and then reworked the worst of it and then carried on with the rest.
    One lives and learns new techniques of modelling all the time.
    Keep posting Dave.
    Brian – the HOn3 guy in Knysna RSA 🇿🇦

  5. Rob Schweitzer says:

    Many, many thanks to Dave for posting another great video. These really do make my day. Please keep posting them as I always learn something from watching.
    Rob Schweitzer
    St. Goar & Murren Scenic Railway
    Ann Arbor, Michigan USA

  6. John Hauser says:

    Mike & Dave:
    These are perfect examples of how this hobby grows on us. We start small and it is all about the trains, then our layouts grow in scope and breath. We become landscape artists, scenery designers, building fabricators and electricians, as we add dimension, realism and beauty. The results are amazing! Alistair provides ideas, building plans and a world wide forum that everyone benefits from, how great is that!
    Thank You for sharing.
    John LI,NY

  7. John Simms says:

    In the short time that we get here on the earth, I like your concept of mixing the scales.

  8. Marc Robert Recker says:

    Just love how an airplane skips across the screen. Now that is a rough ride. LOL

  9. Bud Backus Mission Viejo.CA says:

    It is obvious you are aware of a couple of phrases that we have to live by. Ladies first, and happy wife-happy life. Great job Mike . To Dave, it is always great to reflect on how we all started. Not a lot of differences. To Al, thanks for the great job as always.

  10. robert dale tiemann says:

    very nice setups. keep going

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