First layout help needed

Perry,

Actually, the next step needs to come from you. What is it that you want to accomplish on your layout? Is there a theme? What accessories do you want to include on the layout? What size curve do you plan to lay? Take some time to think about this, then get back to us.

I think Stewart is correct....it depends on what kind of trains you are going to run and what size radius (circle) you will need. 

Alan

I hate being the first one to reply but. 

You have gone about it a little backward.  First how far can you reach from the front of your layout? It’s not going to be 4’. If you make the layout in an “L” shape you will need to have access hole in the back corner.  You need to be able to reach comfortly to the back of your layout without knocking over the train on the front track.

Next just how much room to you have and what are the dimentions?  Do you have track?  If so lay it out on the floor and move it around.  Don’t forget when you are designing your layout to include a reversing loop.  If you really would like to play with track layouts and not use the floor then invest in some layout software such as RR Track.  There are others.

I have enough room to set up the tables and walk around both sides of them either way. Are you suggesting that I should consider utilizing the walls of the room and keeping my tables narrower? I also just got a MTH Railking "ready to run" set which came with Track layout software.

Yes I would use the walls so you can add painted scenery to it. Make the tables smaller. If you have enough room to walk around all sides you should have enough room to make a Peninsula that could be a rail yard.

Does the MTH railking software have all brands of track listed?  Are you going to stay with just MTH track, pick a track type and stay with it as not all tracks have compatable connectors.

One very important thing.  What is the Max radius corner you are going to need?  With 4X8' layout you will be restricted to 42" on the 4' width.

Buy yourself a basic track layout book and start dreaming You can make alot of mistakes reading the book and using the software that don't cost you any money. Have fun.

One more thing. Go onto U Tube and look at the videos of layout.  Also click on the thread for Kons Layout here on this site.

I also just got a MTH Railking "ready to run" set which came with Track layout software.

A big part of layout design is choosing the track that works best for your layout. Lionel, AtlasO, MTH, Williams, Gargraves, Ross and RMT offer a large variety of track pieces. Some manufacturers can be combined with others with special sections, while some can not. Some offer curved track with more radius choices than others. And some offer flex track that allow you to bend the track to your requirements. Take a couple of days to go over each manufacturers track offerings which can be found on their  respective websites.

Using MTH's free track software is a good start to get the creative juices flowing, but will only allow you to create a layout with their track. This may be all you need as some nice layouts have been built with MTH track, but again, choose the track that works best for your layout. Good layouts are built by informed modelers.

Here's a Reader's Digest version of a formula I've developed:

1. Self discovery. What is it about model trains that draws you in? Is it a classic train set or a sleek modern one? Is it a certain type of locomotive or rolling stock? Is it a road name you grew up loving? Is there an item that you want to build your layout around? I call this the theme of the layout. It's what will keep your layout cohesive and helps the layout tell a story. Now is the time to go find your eye candy. Look through catalogs, magazines, websites and videos. Find what you like and take notes of anything you think you might like to model on your layout. This could be certain accessories, track plans, electrical wiring and scenery
2. Layout area. As you ponder the questions above, go to the space where you would like to build your layout for measurements.
3. Track, part 1. Start researching track. What brands do you like? What features about the track interest you? It's ok in this step to have more than one choice. What you are doing is learning about the flexibility and limitations of each manufacturer's track.
4. Doodle. Grab some paper, a pencil and an eraser or a computer program. Make a sketch of the area available and start to draw. Go back to your notes and begin to incorporate those items (excluding wiring.)
5. Track, part 2. Now is the time to make your final decision on which track brand/s you will use. Compare your sketches to your choices from the first part on track. Decide which manufacturer offers the most suitable track your plan.
6. Final design. Finalize your track plan. Make sure you have planned for accessories and scenery. If you have questions or want advice, publish it in the forum. Make sure you are happy with the design and function.
7. Electrical. Now is the time to plan out the electrical part of the layout. How much power do you need? Do you need additional power for lights, working accessories, etc.? Are you wiring for command control, conventional or both?
8. The really fun part. Now it's time to build the bench work, lay the track, run the electrical, finish the scenery and enjoy watching trains run.

I have enough room to set up the tables and walk around both sides of them either way. Are you suggesting that I should consider utilizing the walls of the room and keeping my tables narrower?

This question will be answered following the steps above. It is wholly dependent on the design of your layout. BNSF has a table layout 8' x 32' built by TW TrainWorx. You can view the Traindame's blog here. Though over twice as large as your proposed table layout, it gives you an idea of what can be accomplished. Since you have clearance for movement on both sides of the layout, a 4' wide layout will be no problem. However, it will affect the largest radius you can use.

WOW!, It looks like I came to the right place for advise. It will take me a little time to absorb all of the tips that you fella's have given, but this advice won't be wasted. I like the idea of using a larger radius for turns and one of the things that i wanted to do from the beginning was to have a longer distance for the trains to run. I really didn't have a particular Railroad in mind to duplicate but i can see that I should think about running track to two Cities or locations.

THANKS to all for your help and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Don't fret too much.  If my example is typical, I've built a number of layouts.  Started with recreating my grandfather's basement layout in our living room on the carpet, then built a tabletop layout in the living room on sawhorses.  Later, I built a permanent layout in the basement which last several years until we had a flood.  I finished the rebuild of it last year but the kids negotiated giving up a bedroom in exchange for them getting back the basement space, so I'm back to the drawing board.  Each build was a great learning experience.

Perry,

Take a look at this thread.  https://ogrforum.com/topic/layout-progress-5

The author is building a nice layout in a similar size to your platform. 

Chris

Hi perry sr.,

Can you float an 8' x 8' in you room or area an walk around all sides?

Here is an old Dealer Display layout based on a 8' x 8'. (example only, I am not suggesting this plan)  It would allow larger radius curves for two trains with room for scenery and accessories.

Also, attached is a nice article.

Super jealous of your space! I just made enough room to squeeze in a 3x6 layout area...Ugh, I have lots of Fasttrack...Thinking in my case classic O27 may be best for area I have?