4×8 HO scale train layout – Frank’s

Frank’s been in touch with his 4×8 HO scale train layout:

“Al,

I enjoy seeing the info you share, but I have never shared my layout with you so here are some pics.

This is a 4×8 that has been in the works for 10 or so years.

I now have it in a loft that is 16×20 and I am building a new layout and this 4×8 will not work into it well at all so I will be dismanteling it in the next few weeks to get started on the new one so I thought I would share some of it with you.

Thanks,

Frank,
Salina Kansas”

4x8 HO scale american model railroad

HO scale 4x8 road crossing

HO scale 4x8 overhead view

HO scale locomotive

HO scale fishing lake

HO scale mountain side

HO scale car showroom



HO scale 4x8 houses

A big thanks to Frank for sharing his 4×8 HO scale train layout.

There’s quite a collection of HO scale layouts on the site now – so I’ve created this page and I’m slowly adding to it:

HO scale train layouts.

Now on to Laurence:

“Hi Al,

thought your readers might like to see my layout.

I started to build it for my grandson last summer, but I’m afraid I got carried away a little bit. The layout is OO on a 6’x4’ plywood base. The tunnel and rocks are made of insulating foam which I found to be great to work with and when painted looks very realistic.

I wanted it to be busy but not overcrowded, so I tried to give enough space for different parts of the layout, ie: quarry, farm, station and manor house.

There’s still more to do, but there always is when you build something like this, you always find that little bit that’s missing. Hope your readers enjoy my efforts.

Yours Truly,

Laurence”

model train engine shed

model train layout

model train layout factory

model railroad factory

model railroad factory night

steam locomotive

model railroad station night

model railway with cars

model railroad town night

A huge thanks to Laurence and Frank.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if you want to your start, on your very own layout, 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.





model train answers

25 Responses to 4×8 HO scale train layout – Frank’s

  1. I would be interested in seeing Frank’s 4×8 track plan..looks like it is a good deal of track age for such a small area.

  2. Richard says:

    It must be hard to tear it down if for no other reason that you got where you wanted it.

  3. David Michael Spear says:

    I’d be interested in buying the layout thanks

  4. Kurt says:

    Thank you for your interessting Infos.

    Kind regards

    Kurt Fiert

  5. David Ryder says:

    Frank, I would enjoy seeing your track plan.

  6. Michael Childs says:

    Frank and Laurence – two beautiful layouts. Frank- it seems a shame to dismantle yours but I’m sure the new one will be even better. I especially liked the Plymouth Fury parked at the gas station. One of my all time favorite cars.

  7. Both Frank and Laurence have layouts with plenty of detail..so much going on , very nice …Dangerous Dave

  8. Greg Marples says:

    Hi Frank! I’m from Marysville so we are fellow Kansans. I really like your scenic work! I am about half done with a pretty good size “L” shaped N scale layout of an interpretation of Marysville and the UP Central Division Hub yards here circa 1920’s. Track is all laid and works, the town is laid out and mostly built, one end loop of countryside is complete and I have most of the yard structures built. I have a book published by a local fellow and a railroad historian that is full of photos and original plans for the various structures that I have been relying on. Good luck with your new layout! Greg Marples

  9. Robert Brady says:

    Frank, That’s probably one of the best looking HO 4×8’s I’ve seen. A lot of work and time went in to that. If you can top that one can’t wait. clickable photos and a video
    The Critic

  10. Robert Brady says:

    Laurence” Very nice and Picturesque. Quaint little town and yes it seems busy
    Great job.
    The Critic

  11. Erick says:

    Pretty Neat i hope mines come like that.

  12. Lynn Janes says:

    Shame to tear down, would you sell it

  13. Jan says:

    Two lively layouts 🙂

  14. Gary M from Long Island says:

    Frank and Laurence…….very nice layouts…….both have great scenery and detail.

    Frank…. it must be difficult to dismantle a model railroad layout. Decisions on what to save and what to throw out must be difficult. I would guess most of the track goes and you have to make decisions on the turnouts. BUT, good luck with the new layout. Have fun.

    Laurence……I love that first picture of the engine house……great detail….nice job.

  15. Dwight in Toronto says:

    Three months ago I had reached the same point as Frank … just over 10 years to complete a wonderful 4’ x 8’ N scale dcc layout, and decided that it was time to start over. It took over three weeks to completely dismantle, discard, and pack away the reusable materials. Hope to make a new start on an entirely different approach within the next few weeks.

  16. Mark T. Pianka says:

    Nice looking layouts good luck and have fun with the new layout!

  17. Mr Ron says:

    It is amazing what people can do in such a small space.

  18. Allan Jelinek says:

    It looks a lot bigger than a 4X8. Are you sure you’ve got that right?

  19. Jim AZ says:

    Nicely done. Details look great and the modeling skills are first rate. Thanks for sharing.

    Jim AZ

  20. Rich in NJ says:

    Frank

    Great layout! if there is anything you can use on the next generation would co sider selling off?

  21. I thought that was a modern high-rise hotel before I realized it was a pair of windows with a blind across them!!! Great layouts, both.

    D.J.Radanovich, Milwaukee.

  22. Alabama Mike says:

    Hey Frank and Lawrence, I like so many others that have commented on your layouts, think they are very nice and great job on them. Keep up the good work gentlemen.

  23. Terry Miller says:

    Laurence–I’d be interesting to hear about your experience with insulating foam and how you did it.

    Terry/Idaho USA

  24. Steve Ruple says:

    Frank I would also like to see your track plan, it looks very interesting. If you wouldn’t mind please share the plan with use.

  25. robert dale tiemann says:

    interesting .

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