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4×8 HO Layout
Larry asks several questions which are answered in the Model Train Help ebook:
“I am considering getting back into model railroading and have to limit my layout to no more than 4X8′. Can a decent layout be made for HO gauge, or must I downsize to N gauge. Also, is there more reliability to the larger stock of HO? Is there more of a variety of buildings and other scale items for HO?”
If you wish to offer Larry some helpful advice, then please comment below.
4 Responses to 4×8 HO Layout
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To be honest all depends on your budget, what you want to show in your layout (mine is a Coal to Synthetic Oil Refinery scene circa post 1990)and purpose.
HO scale is perfectly fine if you are after a modest layout, however go N scale if you want something more grand or complex.
Consult and research all the literature you can first
What I am posting here is high end gear for a 8×4 HO scale set
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?quick=785-1483
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?quick=785-1484
As for more variety, yes HO scale usually does have more variety how N-Scale is become more and more diverse as time goes on
Hiya Larry, I been into model railroading for many years.I’m on my 5th layout.The best thing is to know, is what kind of railroad you want to have.The layout I have is rather small. Its 56″x40″, the track is Power-Loc, I got in a small room next to my computor. So the best thing is to buy pieces one purchuse at a time. I bought from on-line hobbydealer in Cal. The way I got my trains is by old railroad companies. I run 5 railroads at a time. HO is the best to have. Its easyer to work on. To me it looks more realalistic.Now im at 5 years at building it and still growing. And where I got my info is to get model railroad mags for ideas. Or some I just came up with my own ideas. If you are a true railroader, you will come up with a great layout. Good luck with it,hope you have many hours of enjoyment.
We started with 4×8, but remember, if you can’t go out, then go up. Lay your track in a fig. 8 on a 4x8plywood. Trace & cut out. Cut lengths of 1″ dowels (covered with faux stone/brick contact paper) to screw into the underside, measuring carefully to ensure engines, etc., will clear when running on the 1st level.
We even had a 2-story mountain with 2 tracks going thru on the bottom and 1 track thru the top and bridges where the fig 8 crosses.
Don’t know how to post pics here, otherwise I’d attach for you to see (worth a thousand words).
Take a look at Woodland Scenics layout kits… plenty of ideas in them.