Need Layout Help - Lionel 456R on 4x8?

On the ramp, it can be a little tricky to get the car coupled to the bumper.  It helps if you have several lengths of straight track at the bottom of the ramp, which makes your space problem even more critical.  Do not over look the 497 coaling station.  It is also a lot of fun and works right into your coal empire.  it will require you use two different kinds of cars. I use a small dedicated vacuum cleaner to collect the coal that ends up all over the board.

I just picked up a 497 on Sunday. Didn't arrive yet, but looks the be the best of the coal accessories.  The 397 I had just spilled coal everywhere, but that's part of the charm I guess   Never had the ramp, as I could never figure out a spot to fit it.    Take a look at the MPC version of the 497 - model 2315.  Should go for a lot less money & is pretty much the same design except for a gray roof

MPC, thanks for the tip on that!  My son loved the flying coal, I think it really was more fun for him picking it up than the accessory itself.

I guess I have to get a 497 back now!

Some pics for reference and ideas. The 397 and 456 would occupy considerable space on a 4x8 layout. Maybe better to build it on an extension if possible, as in first photo.

Do these dimensions sound right?

397 Diesel Oper Coal Loader 7½ x 10 1/8 x 7½

456 Coal ramp w Hopper 3¼ x 35 x 6¼

http://www.slsprr.net/features/layoutplanning.htm

I understand this is a 497 in the last photo, which does coal unloading and reloading in one compact gadget.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlVRJMaFx9g&feature=player_detailpage

Ace,

Yes, those dimensions sound pretty accurate.  I am thinking the only way to do it is with a point-to-point track that terminates at the Ramp, and then an inner loop or something similar.