Layout design for 4X8

Welcome to the forum!

 

This website has a ton of layout plans for different track systems and would be a good place to start:

 

http://thortrains.net/

 

--Greg

Welcome!

That depends on the track you choose.  Do you have track and a train yet?

An investment in RR-Track software will give you a chance to create a multitude of different layouts for any size area.

 

When I got mine, I had a blast seeking the perfect layout for my (46" by 76") small area.

Forest, welcome to the forum!

 

It's important to decide what type track you want to use for your layout which will dictate what radius turns you'll have available.

 

An example of a Fastrack layout under/over in 4x8 using 031 and 036 radius turns:

 

Have Fun!

 

Bruce

One caution if considering layout design is to make sure it contains libraries for the type of track you want to use. I like RR-Track, but the version I got with my set contains only the library for RealTrax. Adding additional libraries comes with a cost. SCARM is free, but it doesn't support RealTrax or ScaleTrax (http://www.scarm.info/index_en.html#features).  XTrackCAD is also free, but suffers the same problem. One cool thing about XTrackCAD is that it lets you simulate running multiple trains on whatever layout you design. It's actually kind of fun to play with even if you don't use it for layout design.  RR-Track now lets you simulate running one train. There is also AnyRail and probably others.

I'll second the recommendation for SCARM. RRTrack is great if you plan to build a big layout or multiple layouts but it's pretty pricey whereas SCARM is free. I'm in the process of planning my FasTrack layout and am constrained on space. I would strongly suggest trying to go bigger than 4x8. 5x9 really opens things up though it does mean having to buy (and cut) two sheets of plywood. More effort but it's amazing how much more you can squeeze in with a little extra room. 

I use the free version of AnyRail track planning software, good for up to 50 pieces of track which is adequate for small layouts. It's easy to learn and fun to work up different track plan ideas. Here is an example, something different from a typical oval in only 4'x 7'. "Non-derailing" switches wouldn't need any wiring or controllers, and provide an interesting 'random-route' feature.

 

 

I use conventional old-style secondhand 3-rail track because it's cheap and reliable after clean-up, and I've accumulated enough to change track around for variety sometimes.

Ace:

 

I really like that layout. I've been trying to come up with something that includes a crossover and allows for the train to reverse direction while not looking like an 8 nested in an oval. Might have to go with this layout. 

I want to thank all that have posted answer to my question. I have not bought the train nor tracks yet as i am busy setting up my bench.  For the train, i am thinking of MTH steam engine for starter and looking at GarGraves track. This again is not set in stone as this is a learning process for me and I am hoping not to make to many mistakes.

forest 

Can't go wrong with that line of thinking....Greg