Comments on: N Scale 4 x 8 Layout Planned

By: Larry

Larry — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:37:36 +0000

What sort of layout are you looking at building? If you want just a point to point switching layout I would build a 2 foot wide L shape, 4 foot on the small leg and 8 foot on the long leg. If you are looking at a continuous run you would probably do well to start with a 3×8 hollow core door as your table.
The problem with being in the corner is you don’t want your benchwork to be any wider than you can comfortably reach the back of.

By: Darrell

Darrell — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:46:13 +0000

4 X 8 is plenty for a large layout. I am building mine on a 3 1/2' x 6' board and I will have over 100 feet of track, 7 side tracks, 2 sidings (off and back on the main line), 3 levels of track. Typically people use 4 x 8 for an HO layout. N is slightly larger than half the size of HO so you could do the same HO layout in N on a 2 1/2' x 4 1/2' board.

Find a layout you like (on-line, in a book, from memory of your childhood, etc.) and modify it to fit your desires and available space.

Are you trying to replicate a real rail line? Is your interest in just loops? Do you plan on a theme (mountains, cities, heavy on a rail yard,)?

By: Geof

Geof — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 02:03:57 +0000

Carl,

4 x 8 would give you the potential for a very large N scale layout. I suggest going to the library to get some model layout plan books or purchase some online to get you started.

Geof