Jim’s been in touch – he’s added to the model train layout plans 4×8 on the blog:
“Hi Al,
My name is Jim from Palm Coast Florida. I started my layout in 2020 when I retired.
Almost all of my trains and accessories are from the 60’s and 70’s, and have been boxed up for about 50 years.
I started my layout with the 4 x 8 first level.
I didn’t have a specific time or subject for my layout, I just started with what buildings and materials that I had. Then I decided to make a second level and a third level.
I have a total of Six Trains, all running on separate Tracks with no Inclines.
On the Lower Level there are two separate Trains running on two Tracks.
On the Upper Level are three separate Trains running on three Tracks and the very top or Third Level is one Cattle Train on one Track.
Here are some pictures of the body shop, 50’s car wash, the park with the dogs and the salvage yard for the body shop.
Here are some pictures of the level two.
Model train layout plans 4×8:
The farm on level three. Can you find the black cat chasing the black snake in the garden
The lumber yard that I made. I cut each of the lumber pieces from balsa wood strips and added a wood shop.
I tried to put as much detail in every scene.
Jim”
A big thanks to Jim for sharing his layout. There is something magical about ‘finding’ your old locos and track in the cupboard, and then the idea takes root…
There’s quite a few 4×8 layouts on the blog now, here’s a collection of them:
Now on to another Jim who has been dipping his toes into the water of printable buildings:
“Hello Alistair from across the pond
Luv the website and videos… I just tried my first cardstock building in N-scale!
Very challenging, but all in all I believe it came out reasonable for a first go round!
BTW: N-scale figures without bases are very difficult to pose, don’t mind the drunkard, “Jim”, face down on the sidewalk…
Thanx for all you do!
Jim”
Of course I’m biased, but the printable buildings are great value, great fun and look spot on once you get the hang of them.
That’s all for today folks, a big thanks to Jim for adding to the model train layout plans 4×8.
Also thanks to the other Jim for sharing what you can do with the printable buildings.
Lastly, a HUGE big thank you to anyone who has taken the time to answer a question on the new forum. You know who you are!
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you get started on your 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.
looks like a double descker, really cool. it kinda looks like a real small city, conjested. thats not a bad thing.
Agreed with RTD, to me this would be the ultimate home layout, it encompasses the building frenzy and inter-city expansion theme. So if you like to build small venues and structures, what next… place them for display on layout absolutely and still room for more as I see it.
Actually modeling here and RR just happens passing through. Yes, the trains could be representative of the 70’s. Think I’d weather and graffiti them up, way fun there squeezing delinquent railroad tracks through even more progressive collection footprint.
Redards, Rich
ITS A LOT IN A SMALL SPACE GOOD JOB
I’m sorta keen on your layout , it looks fun , there’s a lot going on and it’s all very cool , awesome detail . Love the cars , the dragster is too cool . A really fun and enjoyable layout you have . I like it .
Nice job Jim. I noticed you store your paint cans upside down on your storage shelf under your bench, is there an advantage to storing them upside down?
Thanks. TJK
That’s awesome. Even better that all of your trains and scenery is 50 years old. Reminds me of my dad’s layout from growing up in the 70’s.
Thats one busy looking place somewhere I would not like to move . WOW !!
First Jim, what a awesome and impressive layout. Well done, lots of awesome scenes, love how you did all the levels.
the farm is great, love the 2 tier setup
Plenty of scenics ..looking good
Very impressive, it takes you down memorie lane thank you for your hard work, that it’s not only notable but it keeps us trying new things again thank you, Benny.