(UPDATED) The 48 Club *** Announcing Division 59 Membership ***

I plan on building a small n scale layout that will be cut from a single 4x8 sheet of plywood once lumber prices come down. If that's okay I would like to be a member.

@Mrhobby052 posted:

I plan on building a small n scale layout that will be cut from a single 4x8 sheet of plywood once lumber prices come down. If that's okay I would like to be a member.

All scales are welcome. Good luck with the build.

@ChooChoo1972 posted:

Hi all, this is timely as I am just about to start a new 4x8 Fastrack layout. Can anyone tell me what the outside dimensions of a 036 circle of Fastrack is, including the plastic roadbed? What about 031 Fasttrack? Thanks for all of the good hints, tips can ideas here. Also as a memorial membership I would suggest my late mother. In late 1980, after my grandfather was killed she built me (8 years old at the time) a 4x8 layout with a loop of track and some green construction paper. That was a huge undertaking for a single mother with four mouths to feed on a school teacher salary in the big city. Great memories.

An 036 loop of FT is approximately 39" to the outside edge. 031 is approx 34".

@Mrhobby052 posted:

I plan on building a small n scale layout that will be cut from a single 4x8 sheet of plywood once lumber prices come down. If that's okay I would like to be a member.

The requirements for inclusion are very simple...

C. In keeping with its seasonal origins the main focus will be S and O gauge, however if yours is one of the other gauges you are still welcome to join.

And please keep us updated on the progress once you start, I was always fascinated by the 4x8 layout plans that showed up in Boys Life every now and then when I was in Boy Scouts.

Jerry

Thank you. Once I can recover my scram account I will post the track plan on here. I will also post pictures once I start the build hopefully this spring.

  Steve

I need to work on my hollow door layout on my day off tomorrow. After working nine days in a row definitely should try and run some trains. The layout is designed to fit on a 36in x 80in hollow door. So I guess my layout falls under the 48 club.😏

Would like to add my admiration for the logo - Fantastic!

I wish you all the success with your venture. Unfortunately, I can not join since I haven’t had a 4x8 layout since I received my first train in 1962 or so (and, since we lived in an apartment in Brooklyn, it was just a 4x8 sheet of quarter inch plywood that my father screwed two ovals of track to - my older brother’s O-27 oval surrounded by my Super-O oval... I still have both sets of trains and most of the Super-O track!!!).

I agree about the beautiful logo - very 20th Century Limited!!!

And I hope, if you do produce a car, you will allow us (your big brothers ) an opportunity to purchase one. Let’s face it... most of us are 4x8ers under the homosote - we just got a little carried away with the number of 4x8s!!!

Perhaps I can be a seasonal member?  My layout at home is larger, but the one I have at work at Christmas is pure 4 x 8 027 (one loop has 042 curves).

@Apples55 posted:

And I hope, if you do produce a car, you will allow us (your big brothers ) an opportunity to purchase one. Let’s face it... most of us are 4x8ers under the homosote - we just got a little carried away with the number of 4x8s!!!

Probably never going to happen but I really would like to try. I remember all the issues VaGolfer1950 had in producing the Natty Boh reefer and I don't know if I want to have those kinds of headaches. Granted he had licensing issues to deal with and as far as I can find there is no The 48 Club out there but there are a fair number of Club 48s out there, give you one guess what kind of "businesses" most them are. Plus I wouldn't have the remotest idea who could do a run but I would like to do a 6464 style boxcar, maybe next year a 3 dome tank car. Man I start a club on Monday and by Thursday night I'm talking about a club car, I thought Elon Musk was the only one with that kind of hubris!  It's nice to dream tho.

Jerry

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

Man I start a club on Monday and by Thursday night I'm talking about a club car, I thought Elon Musk was the only one with that kind of hubris!  It's nice to dream tho.

I'm all in, but if the 48 Club starts trying to send people to space...well, it may be time to rethink this plan!

The River City 3 Railers, though we display large layouts: 6x11, 12x15 and 21x43, we believe in the concept of the 4x8.

We started to raffle off starter sets at your Holiday Displays as a way to raise money back in 2013. Since 2015, we have included a approximately 4x6 layout with the 1st prize, which now includes reworked donated structures.

This year, with train show participation coming up in late spring, we are going to have a 2 day raffle of a hollow core door layout, with scenery, train set and buildings.....

Here are some pictures from over the years......

2015

President Bill and member John with the winners......

2016

What could be cuter? The 2016 winner added her "My Little Ponies" to the layout!

2017-2019

2021 (with the siding)

Hollow core door layout which is under construction for a 2 day raffle in late spring this year.

Our updated Holiday 2021 Raffle layout (we actually built it last Spring, but given the pandemic, we did not hold a raffle).

At the River City 3 Railers, we embrace the 48 concept!  Bravo!

Peter

Fortescue supervises crews at the impact site of local flooding due to New Zealand Tsunami.

All carpet layout departures and arrivals have been Cancelled until further notice. All New Construction on the 4x8 club layout will be put on hold until repairs have been made and all residences at Hope Valley have rail services once again with food, shelter, lumber and clean water.

Chopper 5 news has latest reports:

Anyone here game for adding a suspended loop under their 4 x 8m for a subway run?

Adding a trestle set to such a creation would provide three levels of running within 32 square feet.

baltimoretrainkworks:  "Probably never going to happen but I really would like to try. I remember all the issues VaGolfer1950 had in producing the Natty Boh reefer and I don't know if I want to have those kinds of headaches. Granted he had licensing issues to deal with ....."

What about producing the Car with all the prototype markings except for the club logo?  leave a blank space for the logo, and club members et al can add their "favorite logo" later?  Would that avoid licensing/trademark issues?   "The Route of the Plywood Sheet" is just too good to not give it some serious thought imho.

"Man I start a club on Monday and by Thursday night I'm talking about a club car"   That's just proof that the whole shebang is a great great idea.

I'd be honored to join this club, and respectfully submit the following photos of the multiple 48's that I've created.

A hallow core door birthday-gift layout I made for my then 3yr old nephew. He's 29 now.

My first official "48". Trimmed the sides so I could load it into the van and run trains at family gatherings.

Last year's Christmas layout.

48's are great for townhouse living. This board is now part of the unqualified (too large) basement layout.

Beautiful Layouts All! Looking forward to my acceptance to this well attended group. Moving toward beginning "True Layout" status with those who have walked the path with experience.  -when I get dried out_ <great photos and posts> Thanks to all who take the time..

**p.s. As a subscriber to s.c.r.o.u.n.g.e and loving the repair the trash-can-beauties, could a Reefer (terminology, please pardon, (boxcar) be selected and then First Class decals be mailed from the "48" headquarters. Probably take a committee and perhaps sub committee to hammer out the placement of placards. Seems less daunting. but then again, I am n00b to Modelling and short run cars collecting.

Happy Friday Gents

@RSJB18 posted:

An 036 loop of FT is approximately 39" to the outside edge. 031 is approx 34".

I'm planning on a 36" x 80" O Gauge layout because of space issues. Since I have both Rail King and Post War I'd like to run, I'm wondering whether to go with tubular or Fastrack? Is there any scenario in a 36" x 80" where one gets two loops, 031 and 027? (I'm doubtful because of clearance issues, but I wonder if tubular gives one an edge?)

@Putnam Division posted:

At the River City 3 Railers, we embrace the 48 concept!  Bravo!

Peter

WOW!! Our first official endorsement! Thanks Putnam Division!

I'm going to update the Charter member list on Sundays until we reach 48  (I updated the number from 20 to 48... see what I did there? ) just to make it less of a hassle than updating everyday. Also going to do any "official" announcements or business on Sundays such as a weekly  32 SQ'  layout plan or idea. If anyone wants to post similar things just chime in with them.

Jerry

@pdxtrains posted:

I'm planning on a 36" x 80" O Gauge layout because of space issues. Since I have both Rail King and Post War I'd like to run, I'm wondering whether to go with tubular or Fastrack? Is there any scenario in a 36" x 80" where one gets two loops, 031 and 027? (I'm doubtful because of clearance issues, but I wonder if tubular gives one an edge?)

It would probably fit. The biggest issue would be clearances for pilots and trailing trucks. It would be best to do a mock up and see if it will work. Tubular is obviously a narrower footprint since there's no road bed. The center to center rail spacing is the same for both.
If you need a bit more room, you could get a sheet of rigid foam board and lay it on the 36X80 (door?). A couple inches overhang on either side would not flex much.

Bob

@pdxtrains posted:

I'm planning on a 36" x 80" O Gauge layout because of space issues. Since I have both Rail King and Post War I'd like to run, I'm wondering whether to go with tubular or Fastrack? Is there any scenario in a 36" x 80" where one gets two loops, 031 and 027? (I'm doubtful because of clearance issues, but I wonder if tubular gives one an edge?)

Watch eBay, and pick up some Marx 034.  It will leave a fraction of margin on the width of the door, and there is plenty of clearance between the loops.  The 034 line of track uses 027-sized rail, and you can find 5-tie straights that are longer than the regular 027 straights which, depending upon your actual plan, might eliminate a track joint or two.  Mark 034 can be found in essentially pristine condition if you are not in a great hurry.

@Coca Cola guy posted:

I'm all in, but if the 48 Club starts trying to send people to space...well, it may be time to rethink this plan!

To boldly go where no train club has gone before!

Could be an alternate catch phrase for the club.

@Apples55 posted:

I wish you all the success with your venture. Unfortunately, I can not join since I haven’t had a 4x8 layout since I received my first train in 1962 or so (and, since we lived in an apartment in Brooklyn, it was just a 4x8 sheet of quarter inch plywood that my father screwed two ovals of track to - my older brother’s O-27 oval surrounded by my Super-O oval... I still have both sets of trains and most of the Super-O track!!!).

I agree about the beautiful logo - very 20th Century Limited!!!

And I hope, if you do produce a car, you will allow us (your big brothers ) an opportunity to purchase one. Let’s face it... most of us are 4x8ers under the homosote - we just got a little carried away with the number of 4x8s!!!

Face it Paul- you really want to join. That leaves you two options:

1- rip out your current layout and build a 4 X 8

2- Build a second layout on a 4 X 8 sheet of ply.

Wait- I just thought of a third-

add a 4 X 8 layout ABOVE your current one.

Now we're cookin' with gas!

Your friend and enabler

@RSJB18 posted:

To boldly go where no train club has gone before!

I swear if by some chance I win that seat on Inspiration 4 I am going to get a club car and a shirt or hat made and take it up with me... and a corned beef sandwich ! How many will get that reference?

Jerry

I have a 4X8 Atlas O track layout. I would like to join the 48 Club.

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

I swear if by some chance I win that seat on Inspiration 4 I am going to get a club car and a shirt or hat made and take it up with me... and a corned beef sandwich ! How many will get that reference?

John Young would be proud of you. 

Mitch

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

After much discussion on an old post by fellow forumite Amfleet25124 about the trials and tribulations of those of our brethren who for one reason or another have embraced the model railroad world of the 4x8 sheet of plywood I am announcing the formation of The 48 Club. Much like the Brotherhood Of The Crappy Basement Layout it is some what informal, no dues, no officers, no meetings or the other nonsense that comes from being in a formal organization.

         

The requirements for inclusion are very simple...

A. The layout can be no larger than a 4x8 sheet of plywood or what can configured from a single sheet

     1. Hollow core door slab layouts are definitely allowed

B. It can be permanent or seasonal since many 4x8s are set up during the Christmas season

C. In keeping with its seasonal origins the main focus will be S and O gauge, however if yours is one of the other gauges you are still welcome to join.

Now to get a bit of club business out of the way...

For providing the inspiration for this club the titles of Founding Member, Honorary Member and Charter Member are given to:

    Amfleet25124

There are 4 forumites who are conferred with the title of Honorary Members for with out them this forum would not exist:

    Alan Arnold

    Allen Miller

    Rich Melvin

    Ed Boyle

If I've left anyone out please let me know.

In addition the first 20 forumites who join will be considered Charter Members, currently from the original post Amfleet started they are following:

   RSJB18

   Conductor Earl

   bptBill

   CA John (his layout is 3x9 and his love of keilbasa and kishka gets him in on that alone LOL, you're a braver man than I john when it comes to kishka! )

So let's see what you have done with the venerable ol' sheet of plywood or post track plans you've come up with that will fit the bill. To get the ball rolling here's one I've been working on in SCARM.

It uses 4 12"x96" strips of plywood to create a 9'x9' layout, I know it begs the question if I have room for 9x9 why am I just using a single sheet but one of the reasons many go with a 4x8 is the cost or work involved in a larger layout. This one allows you to have long runs while keeping scenery and buildings to a minimum. Besides I'm from the school of go big or go home and I'm pretty sure someone out there can come up with something even larger given the same constraints.

Jerry

Been so busy that I just now had a chance to comment!  Now I have to get busy on a 4x8 layout!!  Just when I thought I was going to have time to finish the current layout, now I have another one to build...LOL!!  Hey, that is just fine...no complaining at all!  Neat idea to have a Club that is based here on the OGR forum...and we are just fine hosting it!  This will be great!

Thanks!

Here's my current project, I really want to use that logo!

@OGR CEO-PUBLISHER posted:

Neat idea to have a Club that is based here on the OGR forum...and we are just fine hosting it!  This will be great!

Thanks!

And it goes without saying...

But I will say it, Thanks Alan ! Didn't expect a 9 year old thread that I clicked on before realizing it to evolve into an idea like this and even more surprised by the response and enthusiasm. Just wanted to give a voice to those of us who don't have the time or space or money or skill to go all out but still enjoy trains. Don't know if this will ever evolve into a full blown club but that would be kinda cool but if we stay an informal group of friends with a shared interest it will be worth it.

Jerry

To go back to my 48 Roots, you have to travel to 1958-1963.....starting at 3:50 on this video....

Peter

I can't believe I didn't think of this before, even the TCA and the NMRA don't have a song they can coattail on like we can. It can be our theme song...

Jerry

That's perfect Jerry.

Well....almost.....should be,

Will it Go Round in Ovals 😂😂😂

I look forward to seeing these, but will have to avoid membership. When I get to starting ( hoping my 1st preorders will put a fire under my rear) I’m either at 5.5x~7 or ~5x~9. I hope One of you does a hi rail 4x8 to give me some ideas.

My layout is a 3.5'x8' and is a modified plan from the Kalmbach book "HO Railroad that Grows".  It's got 2 connecting levels, 2 reverse loops, and can run 2 trains using 2 MTH Z-1000 transformers and Atlas selectors.  It's a work in progress and is a lot fun to run.  It also fits pretty well in our utility room.

I’d like to sign up. We have a 4x8.  

Mark

@RSJB18 posted:

That's perfect Jerry.

Well....almost.....should be,

Will it Go Round in Ovals 😂😂😂

I remember someone in the post by AmFleet about how unless you are in one of the smaller scales you're just watching your trains "GO ROUND IN CIRCLES" and that kind of rubbed me the wrong way and started me on this journey. I usually pick and choose my battles but every now and then something doesn't set well with me like that comment and I will keep pushing back. I guess it's a sad commentary on life these days where someone just can't let you enjoy what you have unless they approve of it or worse, treat you like you just don't realize or know better. The only restriction we have is 32 square feet of floor space taken up by the actual layout, other than that knock yourself out! One thing I did learn from building even my larger layout ( 5.5 x 10.5 which by the way was still just 5 trains going around in a circle, OK one was a figure 8 and the other was a dogbone with 2 switches but still ) was that if I went smaller I had more things to choose from or use for the given area at my disposal so it seemed more action packed so for me going smaller was more of a what don't I have room for choice. So I'm looking forward to seeing what others have been able to do in a smaller space.

Jerry

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

John Young would be proud of you. 

Mitch

The Master of the Scrounge and the know-er of obscure references

Hi fellow 48ers.

Here are a few photos of my 4X8.  Atlas 0-45 track helps to widen the curves on the outer main and the tie spacing helps to minimize the toy like look. Crossover switches are O-54 and the yard/engine facility switches are 0-72.  I operate scale equipment with DCS and Legacy.  Since our club layout is mothballed during the COVID pandemic, this is my place to run some of my engines and do some switching.  This layout has served me well since I haven't had a big basement layout for about 15 years. I am planning for a larger walk-in for a 17'x 25' space in separate building that I recently made available.  But the 4x8 will  stay. Nothing like an after dinner running session with a glass of Porto....Living Large!       

@Conductor Earl posted:

Hi fellow 48ers.

Here are a few photos of my 4X8.  Atlas 0-45 track helps to widen the curves on the outer main and the tie spacing helps to minimize the toy like look. Crossover switches are O-54 and the yard/engine facility switches are 0-72.  I operate scale equipment with DCS and Legacy.  Since our club layout is mothballed during the COVID pandemic, this is my place to run some of my engines and do some switching.  This layout has served me well since I haven't had a big basement layout for about 15 years. I am planning for a larger walk-in for a 17'x 25' space in separate building that I recently made available.  But the 4x8 will  stay. Nothing like an after dinner running session with a glass of Porto....Living Large!       

Great looking layout!

Welcome to the club!