4'x8' layout

I would build the village over the tracks on a separate, detachable platform. Let the trains run in front of a retaining wall maybe with a depot overhead and stairs leading down to the platform. Then the train runs into a tunnel underneath the town.

I would go with the 2x4 sections if possible. 4x4 sections are rather bulky(and heavy) and hard to move around obstacles in the room-- and to get thru the other rooms to where you intend to store them.

I think I am going to do a 2'x4' sections, but how do I hide the seems?  how do I make it easy to take apart?  Should I not permanently attach the track?  I attached the layout that I am thinking.  I got the layout from a website so its not my design.  I am open to suggestions

My Christmas layout is 39 inches by 9 feet.  It has most of the village on an upper level. 

The layout breaks down into 4 sections.  The lower level breaks into two halves each 39"x54".  The frame is made from 1"x4"s and uses 1"x3"s on 18" centers.  The two frames then bolt together and then I bolt on 2"x4" legs.  The upper level is two halves each 27"x54".  The frame for the upper is made out of 1"x2"s and also uses 1"x2"s on 18" centers.  The upper level uses 12" inch 2"x2" legs that then bolt onto the frame of the lower level.  The frames are light weight enough that my wife was able to get them all out last year by herself while I was away on a work trip.  I was afraid I would not have time to get the layout out and setup last year.  But when I got home she had the layout out and tree up.  I was thrilled.

My track is screwed down after I put down the felt (snow).  The felt is used to hide the seems of the plywood.  This year I plan to add a cliff face or retaining wall between the 2 levels.  I also added a switch on the lower level so that I could switch between two trains.  On the upper level I have a point to point street car.  This year I am adding Z stuff DZ1220 auto reversing controller so that I could use and MTH PCC streetcar or a short commuter passenger train.  

Here is a picture and a video of the results.

-Ryan 

heres an action packe layout that fits on 4x8!

take the blue loop out, and the elevated, then make a hill with tunnels, and presto! mountain village and lots of fun!

salvagni, give me a bit, my grandson needs to play with me, i will rework this layout and post it here in a few hours

here you goo buddy, did my best here, could use a bit more massaging

maybe, not my job. then i would have to refigure the track and stuff, this is just to get him going