Anyone have a great 4 X 8 layout plan? 1 or 2 trains?

For great running action build a oval and figure eight.  To add two train action with conventional control block the oval and install relays and sensor tracks to trip them to keep the trains from rear ending.

Diagram below shows inside loop with Oval and figure 8 using four switches .  If you could go to a 5ft x 9 ft ping pong table size you may be able to install an outside loop. 

Charlie

Well, mine is neither portable nor that great. I can run 3 trains and a bump and go trolley. I'm planning to add a small 4x4 extension (creating an "L" shape) to allow me to get up to 4 trains and a trolley running. 

This is a somewhat dated photo, guess I'll have to take an updated version one day. Several changes since I took this. Minor changes but I see many!

I have a couple of 4'x8' plans here, all depends on if you want operation or running. 

https://ogrforum.com/t...ge-layout-plans-here

I made up a couple a few years ago when I was first building my layout. When I get the chance, I'll try to find them.

Google Thors Trains, lots of good info there.

Thank you to everyone for some great ideas

Richard Cuozzo posted:

Google Thors Trains, lots of good info there.

great site!!!!

I just whipped this action packed layout out. I was bored so I did it right now in scarm.

I have had a 4x8. Adding six inches to the long side and 12 inches to length improves design options and running posibilities. 4x8 is just too small.

clayj posted:

Anyone have a great 4 X 8 layout plan? 1 or 2 trains?  I am looking for something portable.

Use The Lionel/LCCA Modules. 4 - small radius corners and two straight modules will provide a 60" x 105" when assembled and two loops in O48 & O36.

Also, you can use some club specifications that use a 2' x 4' module and Atlas or Gargraves track for four modules to make a 4' x 8'.

They are sturdy and look permanent when assembled, but are portable. Those modules will let you have a little more freedom, like two loops, a figure 8 crossover and such because of the track diameter and switches available.

Here's the National Capital Trackers module specifications. (attached)

Look here:

Small O-gauge train layouts & track plans

The second listed plan seems to meet your requirements:

Lucasville O-gauge 4x8 Train Layout

Other plans in the list may be also of interest with some good ideas.

Mixy

My 4x8 layout is going to be in my garage and it is going to have 2 loops of Lionel Fastrack and one loop of Lionel 027 tubular track on the back second level loop 

Hey Mike it's Colin from the club. 

Mike Peck posted:

My 4x8 layout is going to be in my garage and it is going to have 2 loops of Lionel Fastrack and one loop of Lionel 027 tubular track on the back second level loop 

O31 doesn't fit inside of O36, so it has to be finagled. Here's something like your plan. I thought if you went in or out of the inner loop, you would want to return.

Shorten the loops and increase the siding length as needed.

The caption didn't come through.. This is my 4x10.5 layout.. The 3 position toggle switches allowed me to control the blocks by left throw-transformer controlled, center- power off to the block, right throw-TMCC control.. I used all Lionel switches-red buttons, black buttons-uncouplers,  and Lionel O gauge track.. On my new layout I will be using Gargraves Phontom rail, tinplate track and all Ross switches.. Too many rerailing crews at the Lionel switches..

Sorry. But it's usually easier for me to copy and paste things for my layout from the Internet on my layout. But I may try to use SCARM instead.

Mike Peck posted:

Sorry. But it's usually easier for me to copy and paste things for my layout from the Internet on my layout. But I may try to use SCARM instead.

 

Mike,

I  wanted to demonstrate that your method is very close, but there are some fitment details that you can't find until you build.

The plan is cool and it will look good.

clayj posted:

Anyone have a great 4 X 8 layout plan? 1 or 2 trains?  I am looking for something portable.

A 4x8 is potentially 'transportable', but not conveniently portable. For truly portable in one piece, consider an O27 figure-8 or loop-to-loop on a 30" x 79" door panel (more interesting than ovals). I have one of each currently set up and still have fun with them as sideshows to my main layouts.

When space is really limited, consider a long shelf 30" to 36" deep along one side of a room, high enough to clear existing furniture. It's easier to maintain interest in a layout if it doesn't have to be repeatedly set up and put away.

https://ogrforum.com/t...plans-with-easements

4 2x4 modules should also work for portability

Here's one I threw together for a pair of grandchildren.  It's leaning against the wall waiting for Pops to clean out enough basement space.

RJR posted:

Here's one I threw together for a pair of grandchildren.  It's leaning against the wall waiting for Pops to clean out enough basement space.

Looks very nice.  May I ask what track is that you're mating the O22 (presumably) switches to?

If it is Atlas mated with 31-degree switches, are the curves all O36 or a mix of O27 and O36?

Regards...

The switches are all ancient Lionel 022 switches.  The track is all new Gargraves flexible track.  I used it so I could get maximum curvature.  The layout is cut up into toggle-switched blocks to permit operation of multiple trains conventionally, or, if using DCS, to have areas that can be rendered dead.

RJR posted:

The switches are all ancient Lionel 022 switches.  The track is all new Gargraves flexible track.  I used it so I could get maximum curvature.  The layout is cut up into toggle-switched blocks to permit operation of multiple trains conventionally, or, if using DCS, to have areas that can be rendered dead.

Thanks!