David’s been in touch with his Hornby 8×4 track plan:
“Hi Al,
I always look forward to you daily email and have used many tips to build my layout.
I am new to this, and it is far from complete, but I thought I’d share some piccies of how I am getting on.
The layout is 8’x4′, based on Hornby DCC.
All the best
David”
Thanks to David for sharing his Hornby 8×4 track plan. Looks like it’s going to be a cracker.
I love how David has made a start, and that’s what it’s all about.
What’s more, he’s got busy with a theme in mind. I think that’s important because over the years the layouts that turn out the best always have a theme in mind from day one.
And that goes for the simple layouts too. A theme really does ‘glue’ all the visual parts of a layout together.
In fact, over the years, I’ve noticed these three things time and time again:
1. Make a start! It doesn’t matter how hard you think over your layout, those tracks won’t lay themselves.
2. Pick a theme.
3. Go out your pace – one of the most relaxing things about this hobby is you can potter and go at your own pace. There’s no hurry. It’s all part of the fun.
That’s all this time.
Don’t forget, the Beginner’s Guide is here, if you want to get going on your own layout.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
I always open your mail up. I get a lot of great ideas from them. Even though I’m into :O: gauge, I print out those ideas that could apply to my layout.
I used to have a lot of Lionel trains in the 60,s to the 80,s but then sold them all because we bought a Greyhound bus, had it converted into a motorhome and traveled for the next 10 years.
I decided to get back into the hobby as I enjoy it very much. Since I’m 94 years old, I,m.a little slow doing things, but my daughter helps me at times.
Keep sending the pictures and ideas. Thanks to all, John
Loved the bottle trains! Which DCC decoder do you use in them?
Looks real good to me, has lots of promise. Look foward to more fotos as work progresses. Keep em coming.
You seem to be doing a reversing loop layout – I am sure you would have taken care of the track polarity issues.
Very impressive layout. I would like to see after it is finished with all the “bells and whistles”.
Their is a bias conflict on this modelers layout. Save yourself some headaches by modification of your inner loops. A short circuit.
hello , i really enjoy looking at all the great railways being built…!!! i’ve been collecting all the fantasic tips for about a year and i’m now ready to start my own build , i am gathering all sorts of materials [ most of them free ] things like styrofoam , wood scraps and many other things i’ve picked up from all the great tips you all have given me and i have been buying items on ebay , trains , tracks buildings , trees , people , vechicles all at a fraction of the price of new ones , you see i’m retired and on a fixed income so every month i buy a couple of new items .
i spend 30 to 40 dollars a month and so far i have a good collection to start with .
so thanks for all the tips… when i actually start the build i will take pics and send them in .
Nice looking Layout, I look forward to seeing more pics as it comes on.
Rick
Hi David. Going to look great when done. Like to see more picture’s in the future if possible. thank’s. looking good.
Looking good! Glad to see that the layout has a working yard in the works. One gets bored looking at layouts that run in meaningless circles. Even a layout with an endless circle has possibilities for destinations. Can’t wait to see the final result.
Keep up the good work.
Don – Yardmaster
West B end, WI USA
nice layout for a 4×8 sheet as this is probably the most reasonable and economic size for a layout
good plan and keep it running
Best thing to do with a 4×8 is cut it into four 8x1s and pick a couple of walls that give you 16×9. After all, what do you do in the lounge? Sit and watch the TV? It’s not good for you, you know!
Rod
It’s going to be a great looking layout. Bet it get’s Larger.
Looks Real neat, can’t wait to see the completed project.
Paul Otway
I like the giant viaduct as well. Not many dare to include on a 4×8 OO layout. 🙂
In dcc reverse loops are no problem. You just isolate both rails on each end and then add an auto reverser. Both of mine are from digitracks and work smoothly. I did have one issue on one of my reverse loops. I had to make it longer. I operate 20 plus car passenger trains with lighting and the switch would not work corectly with a passenger car spanning the gap when the locomotives went across the other end. This is a great looking 4×8 Layout. I look foward to seeing pictures further along.
That’s a nice setup I can’t wait to see the final product.
looks great for a starter layout, I started with a small 4×8 and have added new modular sections, it is disassembled right now and getting ready to set up again in a new room and it will be “U” shaped this time I’ll send pictures when it is set up
Don
Yes, like to see the beginnings and progress. What comes to mind lately and haven’t seen for decades is the cookie-cutter. This is a pre planned under structure with top cut into curves and when you put precut sheet down on frame…. It’s bent and stretched to conform with frame. Screwed down with elevation difference ready made as much as 4″ or more.
Secret is to use homosote as it’s more flexible, absorbs sound and easy to work. 3/4″ plywood- forget it, could never spring it to meet the contours. Atlas track plans has the perfect 4’x8′ plan dating to the 1950’s. They weren’t exactly dummies back in those days. Yes, have built it with yard on side attached extension.
Looks good to me! You have managed to pack a lot into a relatively small space – well done!
EXCELLENT — Love the water bottles.
Think you used the wrong radius turns.Too sharp for passenger cars. Derailment is inevitable.I learned my lesson and from now on I use 22 /24 degree radius’s.Other then that the layout is coming along great.
The Critic
Also I would think you are painting over your fascia?You got ur work mess all over it.I would have put the fascia on last. I like the wood grain look.Too late now you must paint.
The Critic
What a great track plan and love use of elevations
Great Job!!! Very well done good luck in the Hobby!!
Hi Dave,
Model railways are NEVER FINISHED! Every time you look at it, you always see something out the corner of you eye and you forget what you whent there for in the first place…
David, That looks like a very nice plan for a 4×8 layout with plenty of operating possibilities and future expansion potential. I really like the step-by-step series of photos showing your progress. Approximately how long has it taken to get from your bare table to the layout’s current status? Also, where did you finnd such a great suspension bridge model?
Thanks for sharing your photos. I look forward to future updates on your progress.
Pretty kool.!!!!!
Your layout is very much like my layout, however I have a problem with the reverse loop in that it reverses if you are traveling clockwise but there is no way to reverse back to counterclockwise.
Would you be able to list the track that you used. Eg track part no. I Love it. I’m a beginner and just starting. Wouldn’t mind doing something similar