First Layout, suggestions?

My layout is 5x8 with 2 loops of FasTrack. With a small layout, you need to decide 1. Track/operating, or 2. Mainly scenics. I chose scenics, but either is fine. The 5' allowed me to have 48" outside and 36" inside loops. I only have one siding.

Having just re-started into trains myself, I would suggest starting slow and building towards your goal.  For me, I have found that the adult train enthusiast is interested in different things than the kid train enthusiast was.  My main example is the track with bed built in.  As a kid, I salivated over that stuff...so I KNEW that's what I was getting this time around.  But the adult in me is now annoyed by it and wants the ties under instead, and my own ballast, but am stuck with it for a little while.  Just a pretty weak example, but you probably get what I mean. lol  Give yourself time to rediscover the hobby.    But enjoy it, and welcome back! 

FWIW, I am nearing completion on a 4x7 size, what I'm calling a trick or treat layout.  Its a temporary deal, and simple, but a small loop eats up the space pretty quickly!  (Trick or Treat Layout)

Sounds like a great plan. With 4 switches it will allow you to go from inner to outer, or outer to inner, and then return without having to back up the train.

Have you thought about which type of track you'd use? Fastrak, Ross, Tubular, Realtrax, Atlas, etc.? Each has different radiuses available which may fit your layout scheme best.

The 5 x 9 would be better than the 4 X 8 if you can do it.

1469,

The geometry of Atlas O track will permit the track plan you are thinking about. This is O54 outer, O45 inner, O36 elevated 8 with a 30° crossing at a height of 6" on a 5' x 9' table. 

Add 30" for an aisle and you need an 10' x 14' room for a walk around island layout.

I hope it helps to visualize your ideas and decide how you want to go forward. 5' x 9' is a good size for O trains.

Go for a 5 x 9 instead of 4 x 8. You won't regret it.

Tommy posted:

Go for a 5 x 9 instead of 4 x 8. You won't regret it.

what he said!

Do connect the tracks.  The comment above about interest changing from a kid's perspective to an adult one hit the nail on the head.  You will soon tire of watching a train loop and chase its tail continuously.  

It is always nice to be able to change the direction of train without physically picking it up.  It is good for all trains to be able to reach all tracks; without picking them up.  It is fun to switch them from track to track while avoiding the other.

Take some time before you jump in and plan what you'd like to do.  You can

always use the temporary Lionel or MTH tracks to make an oval of track and circle to your heart's content.

If you are planning a toy or display layout disregard my next paragraph.

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN a permanent layout if it is going to be a model of a railroad.  What is the name of the railroad your are modeling?  Where is it--location?  What does it do for a living?  I.e., what is it hauling or picking up?  Does this railroad still exist?  Do you have information about what you are trying to model?

It is a lot of fun, challenging, stimulating and interesting to plan a layout that is: plausible--believable, has a purpose for being being and offers participation for those who will operate it.  Those three elements brings life to a layout.     

I understand you are at square 1.  I was there long ago and as I searched for where to turn I was bombarded by well intended people with track plan after track plan that did nothing but loop and loop and loop.  If you are doing a display or toy train layout that's fine.  If you want to build a model of a railroad, it's much more involved.

Sorry.  I know that's a lot to take in at once.  Regardless, take some time and research and plan what you want to do before investing a bunch of money and then discovering you aren't happy or satisfied.

That's far more than my two cents.  :-)