4x8 Layout Ideas

Ace posts in spells here, so in case it is a while before he pops in again, I can explain the easement thing.

Easements are where you start a curve with a wide radius curve and then go to a smaller   radius curve. at the end of the curve, you finish with another large radius curve. In his layout, he has a curve that is made up with a o72 followed by a few o42s and then an o72. 

The easements make the engine enter the curve more gently, and makes derailments a bit less likely. 

Sorry I can't help you with the track list though.

J White

but i can make this layout with out easement right? and thank u for the answer

No, you cannot make this layout without the easement. It was designed that way and all of the other pieces fit with it. Trying to fit a three switch wye in a standard oval will be an adventure.

It makes the train look better on a small layout and track better. It keeps the couplers closer to the centerline.

Anyway, here it is in SCARM with some 3D's. You'll have to play with the clearance for the final height for your equipment. You'll have to cut some fitters and wiggle fit some places. The Atlas O flex on the parts list is only there to create custom fit pieces. The pieces on the reverse loop connecting the divergence are only there for the 3D effect. One 8.25" piece will work, so add a 10" straight for that and the other one up in the wye.

I haven't been on internet for a while and was surprised to discover this post. That's really cool to see that someone has built the plan! Thanks for posting the photos!

I originally drew it up with AnyRail before I knew about SCARM. SCARM is now my favored track planning software. I need to take a look at Moonman's SCARM file to see what that looks like.

For simpler starter layouts it's a lot easier to build something all flat, and the great thing with 3-rail track is it's relatively easy to change around for variety.

Hi everyone,

So I have an idea for a 4x8 layout that I am thinking of trying.  This would be for my 6 yr old son and I to run together, and later my younger son to run. 

Basically it would have 2 completely independent lines (green is upper, blue lower) on a two level arrangement.  The lower line would be o31 tubular track (because I have a bunch) and the upper line would be fast track with o31 tubular track yard sections.  The idea is to use as much of what we have on hand, and also be able to save costs by buying used Lionel 022 switches.  Those Fast track switches are expensive!

I thought the yard with some uncoupling sections would allow my son and I to get a lot more out of operating.  Plus he could learn to build a train, kind of like working a puzzle.  Also there is room for operating accessories such as our barrel loader and possible a log dump area.  I also have an idea for a coal transfer operation to be able to dump coal from the upper line to the lower, and then bring it back up in another operation.

I know it would be tight and require some creative landscaping & custom trestles, but I think it can be done.  So what do you guys think?

These are Lionel O made with Anyrail.

Just open Scarm, pick a track library on the left, and drag and drop pieces to get started.

Here's a SCARM file, right-click the attachment, select "save target as", save to your desktop, then double-click to open in SCARM.

Best explanation I have seen yet. Thanks!