Skip to main content

So after seeing all the amazing layouts you guys do in a much bigger size, I'd like to see what you guys think about this mini 4x8 layout.  I am trying to get as much into the space as possible, without having any of the track come over the edges.  I would actually like to see if I could get a second level to this, but I have not been successful in doing so.  this is not a permanent layout and is really just a stepping stone as I continue to expand (planning to build on to the table soon) and learn along the way.  Also I could not get the top of the track to properly connect no matter what combination of track I put in.  How do you calculate the needed length and track pieces in scarm? 

My4x8Layout

Attachments

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

There isn't enough room for the inside siding at the top. I modded your plan to a Figure 8 with a passing siding. The roadbed will be right on the edge of the table.

 

if you can fit a 4 1/2' x 8 1/2'(like Tommy said), you can fit another feature or two.

 

Small layouts need switches for interest. The cost would be the same for a 5' x 9' with less switches and more wood with many more layout options available.

 

So, is a space of 4' x 8' really a given?

 

 

Attachments

Last edited by Moonman

Ok, minor changes to your plan. Connected top straight and entry to siding. use 1 3/8" for block power control. There's a center rail jumper wire under it.

 

Layout attached and the FasTrack Lengths reference to assist with fitment. When there isn't a combination for a short length add a 4.5, 5 or 10 and try to fit that combo. Use measure tool to get length of space then check the chart. Sometimes + or - and 1/8" fits.

When there isn't one like 4, 6 or 8, you can cut a straight to make one.

Attachments

Last edited by Moonman

Raddo,

    Let me make your life a lot simpler, when building a FasTrack layout I now custom cut FasTrack pieces, to any angle & length I desire, using the Rockwell X2 Blade Runner portable table saw, this incredible saw makes perfect cuts on FasTrack at any angle and length, you will ever need.  In this manner your close out pieces will never be a problem again. In 10 minutes you have a perfect custom track piece, eliminating all your close out design problems.  Purchase the X2 Blade Runner at Lowes, if you are a Military Vet, total cost $89.00.  If you make FasTrack layouts all the time, it will be one of the best investments you ever made.  I use mine all the time when I re-design my FT layouts, especially nice for making custom track pieces for the 2nd and 3rd levels.

PCRR/Dave

 

Last edited by Pine Creek Railroad
Can the X2 be used to cut RealTrax and Scaletrax with same results as FT? 
i presume so.
 
Originally Posted by Pine Creek Railroad:

Raddo,

    Let me make your life a lot simpler, when building a FasTrack layout I now custom cut FasTrack pieces, to any angle & length I desire, using the Rockwell X2 Blade Runner portable table saw, this incredible saw makes perfect cuts on FasTrack at any angle and length, you will ever need.  In this manner your close out pieces will never be a problem again. In 10 minutes you have a perfect custom track piece, eliminating all your close out design problems.  Purchase the X2 Blade Runner at Lowes, if you are a Military Vet, total cost $89.00.  If you make FasTrack layouts all the time, it will be one of the best investments you ever made.  I use mine all the time when I re-design my FT layouts, especially on the 2nd and 3rd levels.

PCRR/Dave

 

 

Sam,

   The problem with the RealTrax & ScaleTrax is the foolish way MTH has the electrical couplings made at the end of each track, its a heck of a lot of work, although I have done it, I do not recommend it, its way to time consuming.  With FasTrack the FT pins can be removed from the end of each track pretty simply, to re-install in the custom cut track piece, with RealTrax & ScalTrax this is a complex rework, that unfortunately takes way to much time and effort.

IMO it's a no go for RT & ST building, unless you want to design & make your own custom track join pins, completely different than MTH uses.

PCRR/Dave

 

Last edited by Pine Creek Railroad

Thanks for all the feedback guys. 

Tommy, I am realizing that the 4x8 is quite small and already plan to add on.  The question now, is how big. 

Moonman, thanks for the modifications and that PDF.  It will surely come in handy.  The 4x8 is what I currently have, but that doesn't mean it is staying that size.  I built the table based on a video that Lionel has on youtube for building your first train table.  It will expand slowly from here. 

PCR, I'll have to look into the saw.  I'm sure it will make life a lot easier rather than trying to make a bunch of small pieces kind of work. 

Originally Posted by Raddo:

Moonman, I just switched my layout to have the siding as suggested in your second modification.  Works out great.  Thanks again!

You can always connect the top of the 8 with two switches.(same as bottom) That could be an add-on later. I hope you have some ideas now to help you complete the layout.

 

Have fun!

Last edited by Moonman
Thx Dave, I see
 
I think the MTH #45-1033, lock on power strip can be used after one cuts the ScaleTrax. If all fails,  short wires soldered and jumpered at the joints will be extra effort but will work ok. I have a bunch of Scaletrax already and I do like the rail profile, plus I can set it up as 2R or 3R. I do agree though that FT pins make it a lot easier for custom cuts...I need to buy a table saw any way for some wood work, so may be a special blade for cutting any track can be used on the saw such as used on the small Dremel tools...
 
 
 
Originally Posted by Pine Creek Railroad:

Sam,

   The problem with the RealTrax & ScaleTrax is the foolish way MTH has the electrical couplings made at the end of each track, its a heck of a lot of work, although I have done it, I do not recommend it, its way to time consuming.  With FasTrack the FT pins can be removed from the end of each track pretty simply, to re-install in the custom cut track piece, with RealTrax & ScalTrax this is a complex rework, that unfortunately takes way to much time and effort.

IMO it's a no go for RT & ST building, unless you want to design & make your own custom track join pins, completely different than MTH uses.

PCRR/Dave

 

 

Add Reply

Post
The Track Planning and Layout Design Forum is sponsored by

AN OGR FORUM CHARTER SPONSOR

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×