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

Jerry- I'm honored to be a charter member ! Thanks.

Funny thing is I never had a 4 X 8 layout till now. I had two different HO layouts growing up, one was a 8 X 10 L, and the second was 8 X 12.

I'm in for kielbasa any time too!

Here's my track plan and another plan for a switching layout I can fit on a 30" door.

Bob

Jerry, great idea for the club and nice use of a 4x8 in the plan you shared.  May I suggest another honorary member, Thor Sheil of the Thortrains website which has recently been reborn by forum member @Dennis-LaRock as  http://www.thortrains.us/  His website is an inspiration to those operating in a small space and his hints, tips, and tricks are a great resource.

Sadly, at 5.5ft x 8ft I am on the outside looking in, but maybe I'll throw something together on a single 4x8.

@RSJB18 I always enjoy seeing your layout

Here's one that I set up for Easter before COVID stopped family visits.  BTW: I am showing images of another Easter layout that I set up this year in Scott Smith's weekly photo fun - 2 or 3 images per week.

- walt

Walt, what kind of floor covering is that you're using under the track? I came across a green 6x8 indoor/outdoor carpet made from recycled plastic that I used under my tree/trains this past Christmas, kind of like a heavy duty 1/8" felt. It was easily cut with scissors and the color and texture was pretty good match for something used with toy trains. Lowes website lists it at about $22 but I picked up a couple in York for $16 each. The only draw back I see to it is sawdust and straw from my manger scene was a bear to remove even with a vacuum cleaner and sitting it directly on a hardwood floor it would slide easy so unless it were attached to an underlayment of some kind I'd recommend a non skid mat under it.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/EcoRu...W-x-8-ft-L/999992360

Jerry

You can't have 4 x 8 without the Razorback Traction Co!

And, of course, Norma Bates Kitteh...  ;-)

Mitch

I think I qualify.  Pictured is my very standard single loop layout with two sidings.  It’s on a 4x8 slab of 1/2 inch thick plywood and a layer of homasote.  This layout is S Gauge.  

I love the spirit of this topic and would have been a proud member up until recently when I dismantled my 4x8 train layout and build a 5 x10 Crappy Basement Layout.   Here are some shots of my old 4x8 layout

Here are the rough beginnings of a 32” x 84” trolley layout. Notice my crappy basement layout in the background!

My own layout is 4x12, but I've always read that the most popular size is still 4x8 despite what you might see in all the magazines. Even the simplest oval on green-painted plywood is still fun!

My 4x8, a work in progress (to say the least). First is original layout. Second image hard to see: Two more spurs added near cross, and long spur was converted to a passing siding. Third image: No basement, and no extra rooms to take over for trains, so i hung it off the garage ceiling. Lower (and raise it) with pulley hoist onto sawhorses, so a little tedious. Otoh, wiring relatively easy.

love the art deco logo of the 48 club!
Mark

I qualify to be a member. My postwar Super O layout is a 4x8 table. Currently it is an accessory focused table which runs two interconnected loops.

Great stuff folks. Keep it coming. 👍

Well my layout started out as a 5x8 and grew from there so I never qualified but I just wanted to comment that I love the Logo! Looks and sounds like a great place to go for a drink! Anyways, carry on and enjoy running trains!!

That came about by virtue of the name, I thought it sounded like a Night Club from the 20/30's so I ran with that idea. I did consider The 4x8 Club but the logo didn't look right with an X in it  and The 32 Club logo (32sq' of a 4x8) looked too soft and rounded, I liked the sharpness of the 4 better. I had a heck of a time getting that font to play well with all 3 graphics packages I have, finally resorted to going with a ridiculous size in Word and then copy/pasting it into Inkscape to get the yellow to completely fill the thin areas in the characters and then shrinking it back down to a reasonable size.

@JD2035RR posted:

May I suggest another honorary member, Thor Sheil of the Thortrains website which has recently been reborn by forum member @Dennis-LaRock as  http://www.thortrains.us/  His website is an inspiration to those operating in a small space and his hints, tips, and tricks are a great resource.

Duly noted and membership amended to show Thor Sheil as an Honorary Member in The 48 Club !

@Madockawando posted:

I love the spirit of this topic and would have been a proud member up until recently when I dismantled my 4x8 train layout and build a 5 x10 Crappy Basement Layout.

I think a title of Member Emeritus would be most applicable to you then, consider yourself a member. That's the nice thing about starting a club, you can make up things as you go along !

Jerry

And for your first Club Car, might I suggest one of the 40 & 8 boxcars from WWI??? They were so named because they supposedly could carry 40 men or 8 horses to the front. A number of them were given to the US in gratitude after the war - this one was in the B&O Museum in Baltimore when I visited some years ago...

Shucks - over by four square feet...

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

Walt, what kind of floor covering is that you're using under the track? I came across a green 6x8 indoor/outdoor carpet made from recycled plastic that I used under my tree/trains this past Christmas, kind of like a heavy duty 1/8" felt. It was easily cut with scissors and the color and texture was pretty good match for something used with toy trains. Lowes website lists it at about $22 but I picked up a couple in York for $16 each. The only draw back I see to it is sawdust and straw from my manger scene was a bear to remove even with a vacuum cleaner and sitting it directly on a hardwood floor it would slide easy so unless it were attached to an underlayment of some kind I'd recommend a non skid mat under it.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/EcoRu...W-x-8-ft-L/999992360

Jerry

It's just painted Homasote.

Hi Jerry and all the other members of the 48 Club!  I’m honored to be a Charter Member of the Club!  It’s too late now, but it reminds me of the Groucho Marx quote “I wouldn’t want to belong to any club that would have me as a member.”  

John

@Kelunaboy posted:

Shucks - over by four square feet...

"DILLY DILLY!" welllllllllllll, I was never too good at math. (luving on the layout) <salute> I am still learning about how to create interest in layouts, and yours looks fun.

@Madockawando posted:

I love the spirit of this topic and would have been a proud member up until recently when I dismantled my 4x8 train layout and build a 5 x10 Crappy Basement Layout.   Here are some shots of my old 4x8 layout

Great video, and I love the flying broomstick with a Witch in the background! what was your layout design please.

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

You can't have 4 x 8 without the Razorback Traction Co!

And, of course, Norma Bates Kitteh...  ;-)

Mitch

and, what about a subchapter for those that renew the Dusty,  the Tossed, The forgotten, the scrounged? Vote MITCH and Fortesque for president of the chapter

@CA John posted:

Hi Jerry and all the other members of the 48 Club!  I’m honored to be a Charter Member of the Club!  It’s too late now, but it reminds me of the Groucho Marx quote “I wouldn’t want to belong to any club that would have me as a member.”  

John

Like Minds...... <salute>

Here's my 4x8 based on the D-190 display layout.

@Apples55 posted:

And for your first Club Car, might I suggest one of the 40 & 8 boxcars from WWI???

I had thought about a boxcar and kicked around a couple ideas. Yours is interesting, I remember seeing it several times when I visited the B&O Museum, might be kind of hard to find an O gauge model of it to try it on. MTH has made a similar boxcar that might make a passable clone. Might make for an interesting modeling project.

This is what I worked up this evening, I'm figuring in keeping with the Art Deco style of the logo make it all black with yellow/gold lettering except for the hobo graffiti on the car. I wanted to use the Art Deco font for all the markings but they just didn't look right, almost overkill

And in an effort to actually make this car I'm looking into an HP Ghost White printer that uses colored toner and  white toner to make the decals. I've watched a few YouTube videos and it looks pretty good at making decals. Problem is it clocks in around $600 and a white toner cartridge is $200-300 depending on where you get it. I know I can use it for my other printing/computer needs but OUCH!  Another option would be to buy a less expensive printer that can take those toner cartridges. But I would then also be able to do my other 3 projects, an all white train with black lettering, an all black train with white lettering and an all glow in the dark train with black lettering using the standard boxcar, gondola, tank car, hopper and caboose pulled by that venerable work horse the Lionel 675.

I'll be totaling up the Charter Membership to see where we stand, I was going to do it this afternoon but I was busy watching SpaceX blow up another rocket, kinda making me rethink that whole buying a chance to go into space on a Falcon 9 thing, but I digress. I will post the membership roster hopefully tomorrow.

Jerry

Just got finished updating the membership roll, not a bad start.

Founding Member
1. BaltimoreTrainWorks

Honorary Founding Member, Honorary Charter Member and Honorary Member
1. Amfleet25124

Charter Members
1. RSJB18
2. Conductor Earl
3. bptBill
4. CA John
5. Walt Rapp
6. M. Mitchell Marmel
7. OKHIKER
8. Coca Cola guy
9. Nucci
10. Rich Wiemann
11. CSXJOE
12. graz

Honorary Members
1. Harry Miller ... My grandfather
2. Jerry Makowiecki ... My dad
3. Thor Sheil
4. Alan Arnold
5. Allen Miller
6. Rich Melvin
7. Ed Boyle

I included my grandfather and Dad as Honorary Members since they were the ones who got the ball rolling for me train-wise. My grandfather started setting up trains under the tree on a 4x8 before WW2 and handed the trains over to my dad after I was born in 1960 to continue the tradition. My dad set up trains until I took over in 1978 and I've had trains set up in some way ever since then. I still have my grandfathers first locomotive, a Lionel 1666E, which every now and then will see some run time at Christmas.

Jerry

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

I included my grandfather and Dad as Honorary Members since they were the ones who got the ball rolling for me train-wise.

Very rarely do I run into a first-generation train person any more.  Seems that we are all 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation and begin with a set handed down from above, so to speak.  Of course, there's nothing wrong with that...and it's my story, too!

Thank you Jerry.

I am honored to be a charter member of THE 48 CLUB. I hope to fulfill my duties and discharge my responsibilities in a manner that befits the high standards of the club. 😁 Appreciate the backstory and all the effort that went into the logo creation!

That logo would look great anywhere. I can easily see it on some high end private varnish Pullman on The Twentieth Century Limited.

And the boxcar: sign me up! (Wait; what did i just sign up for?) Looks great. Nice tie in to the WWI 40&8 boxcar. Great idea by Apples55

Mark

I will have to see if the depth and color saturation of the logo can be achieved on my Canon Pro 100. Callie would be the pro way, She just makes it happen. inkjet need to be sprayed finish coats. Salute

Great update Jerry. I work with a local sign shop if you need some outside assistance. They could probably pull off what you want to do.

Bob

We still have the 4x8 Christmas Layout up and running.

Is there a link to sign up

Thanks Melvin

@Miggy posted:

Great video, and I love the flying broomstick with a Witch in the background! what was your layout design please.

Please see: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...y-larger-with-photos

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

This is what I worked up this evening, I'm figuring in keeping with the Art Deco style of the logo make it all black with yellow/gold lettering except for the hobo graffiti on the car. I wanted to use the Art Deco font for all the markings but they just didn't look right, almost overkill

Spiffy!  I like! 

I'll be totaling up the Charter Membership to see where we stand, I was going to do it this afternoon but I was busy watching SpaceX blow up another rocket, kinda making me rethink that whole buying a chance to go into space on a Falcon 9 thing, but I digress.

That's "RUD (rapid unscheduled disassembly)", if you please. 

Mitch

LOL when I first saw the title of this thread, I thought it was a take on being over 48 years of age, which I thought was a bit superfluous that would constitute over 99.99% of O gauge hobbyists  (including myself)

Well actually I think it would be more accurate to say that 99.99% are WAY over 48! 

@Melvin P posted:

Is there a link to sign up

Nope, just a declaration by you that you are a member ( whether your layout is permanent or seasonal is irrelevant), much like the Brotherhood Of The Crappy Basement Layout. We don't even have a FB page mostly because it's a boring pain in the butt to deal with something like that unless there is a lively and robust membership and a back and forth of ideas. For now we're just a small group here on the Forum.

@Nucci posted:

That logo would look great anywhere. I can easily see it on some high end private varnish Pullman on The Twentieth Century Limited.

HMM, you're right, that would make a cool looking drumhead.

@graz posted:

We still have the 4x8 Christmas Layout up and running.

Consider yourself in the club. (see roster above)

Jerry

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

That's "RUD (rapid unscheduled disassembly)", if you please. 

What ever you want to call it, it definitely wasn't norminal!

Jerry

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.

@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.

Hi Frank, my old 4x8 layout had an O-36 outside loop with a half length straight track on the ends in the middle of the loop.

On the inside I had an O-36 figure 8. All track was Fastrack.

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!

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

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

I hear you Jerry. I felt the same way when I read that in the original thread.

Coming along nicely!

Peter

Lookin' good Peter!

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

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

Even if your layout is 40x50, you’re still watching trains go in circles, right? I mean, yeah, they’re bigger circles, but technically...

Earl, I noticed the green aspect on your Plasticville signal bridge was on the bottom, as was correct for Erie-Lackawanna! I did the same!

"My layout is a 3.5'x8' ... It's got 2 connecting levels, 2 reverse loops, and can run 2 trains..."

Hi Jon,

Do you have a diagram or drawing of your layout?  I'm very curious to see how you packaged all of that action in the space you have.

John

Great idea Jerry!!  Lots of nice 48's here folks!

Does this count?

Or how about this?

How about this?

@Mark Boyce posted:

Great idea Jerry!!  Lots of nice 48's here folks!

Does this count?

Or how about this?

How about this?

Works for me Mark. How many square feet is the ceiling central anyway?

@RSJB18 posted:

Works for me Mark. How many square feet is the ceiling central anyway?

Bob, Thanks!  I just measured the Ceiling Central Railroad.  43 square feet!  It was pretty easy since the shelves are all 1 foot deep.

Gracious sakes!!  When the lift bridges are up, the Blackwater Canyon Line measures 45 square feet!!  All of mine are under 48 square feet!!  I know how to hack up plywood into little pieces!! 

Here it is before I added the lift up bridges.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Gracious sakes!!  When the lift bridges are up, the Blackwater Canyon Line measures 45 square feet!!  All of mine are under 48 square feet!!

Here it is before I added the lift up bridges.

Sorry Mark, but 32 square feet is the limit.

8 X 4 = 32

The Christmas layout still qualifies tho.👍

@RSJB18 posted:

Sorry Mark, but 32 square feet is the limit.

8 X 4 = 32

The Christmas layout still qualifies tho.👍

Ooohhh!  I didn't think that through!  48 = 4x8 =32!  Duhhh!!

Hi CA John,

Appreciate your interest in my layout.

I  pretty much followed the plan from the Kalmbach book "HO Railroad That Grows" and made a few modifications to make it fit in the space I have.

I'll post more pics soon.

@Jon Stachowicz posted:

Hi CA John,

Appreciate your interest in my layout.

I  pretty much followed the plan from the Kalmbach book "HO Railroad That Grows" and made a few modifications to make it fit in the space I have.

I'll post more pics soon.

Looks great!  I built an HO layout based on that book when I was in high school in the early ‘70s.

Thanks Mark!

Forgive me for breaking the # 1 rule of this thread, my 4x8 has grown many times over.

Why do I think I deserve forgiveness? Click on the "Articles" link on my website and you will see that my original 4x8 still exists in Warrenville - ALMOST 40 YEARS LATER NOW.  That's gotta count for something - right?

At least can I be a sub-honoree member?

@Coca Cola guy posted:

Even if your layout is 40x50, you’re still watching trains go in circles, right? I mean, yeah, they’re bigger circles, but technically...

I guess if you built a 4x8 switching layout that would defeat their argument. It's been a cold dreary day here so I was using SCARM to try and come up with this weeks layout idea. It has been kicking my butt big time, I must have a bug in it. It won't let me layer things like for a 2 level layout, sometimes the 48x96 green rectangle I use for a template gets locked to whatever I'm moving or deleting and it goes bye bye on me and the scrolling doesn't always work.  I miss my RR-Track, probably going to have to bite the bullet and get a new one. I miss not being able to put Plasticville and accessories on my plans. But I did come up with an idea for an O27 layout that might be good for a Halloween set up, lots of curves and turns that would let your train wind thru a haunted scene. It is the first time I've ever designed a layout with O gauges little brother, not as elaborate as the one I can't get to work out for me but now I have a whole week to figure out what I'm doing wrong. I might go old school and just take a box of track into the garage and try out some ideas on a sheet of OSB I have in there

It uses 24 - O27 curves, 4 - 8.75" straights, 2 - 7.37" straights custom cut for the 2 loops, 2 - 7 3/4" custom cuts for the entrance straight away into the switches, 1 - 2" custom cut in the middle of the figure S and 2 - O27 LH switches.

I know, the color sucks, wanted it to look like the brown ties of O27 track.

I'd also like to thank RSJB18 for welcoming new members, I have been some what remiss in my dutys in that respect! I do want to welcome everyone to the 48 Club and I hope for a long life for it like The Brotherhood of The Crappy Basement Layout has enjoyed over the years, in fact I would hazard a guess many 48ers are probably members in that group also. And Mark like RSJB18 said, your Christmas layout gets you in but your misunderstanding does raise a point, should we as a club call ourselves THE FORTY EIGHT CLUB or THE FOUR EIGHT CLUB ? A 4x8 is 32sq' not 48 but 48 is usually pronounced forty eight, and a 48sq' layout is a monster, maybe I'm over thinking this and should just play with my trains!

I also kicked around this as an idea...

I can see a NYC  J3 Dreyfuss Hudson pulling a string of these cars!

I think I missed my true calling, when I worked in retail back in the days of actual for real stores I used to get tasked with dealing with the store displays, I really liked the creativity it allowed me, that plus it got me out of real work!

Jerry

@Lionelski posted:

Forgive me for breaking the # 1 rule of this thread, my 4x8 has grown many times over.

At least can I be a sub-honoree member?

I remember when my dad let me set up a "small" 4x8 in the basement during Christmas after I had gotten an HO set for my birthday, at the time they were putting I-95 thru the area and us kids had a field day in that construction site! My layout grew by leaps and bounds with every piece of scrap plywood or lumber I could drag home, it was truly the Golden Era of fort and tree house building for our neighborhood! I don't think there was one day in several years when most of us weren't covered from head to toe with orange clay from our explorations!

As for your inclusion I think Member Emeritus is a good title for those whos layouts started out as a 4x8 and then moved up in real estate! Welcome aboard!

Jerry

@Coca Cola guy posted:

Even if your layout is 40x50, you’re still watching trains go in circles, right? I mean, yeah, they’re bigger circles, but technically...

You mean something like this?

Jerry

Here’s my 4x8

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...-in-its-present-form

Here's a sneak peek of the new track plan:

The basic RTC concept is a glorified test track for my many projects, so we have a 42" oval for larger locos and cars, a 27" oval/8 for smaller trains and a bump and go track for trolleys.  Since I plan to have the ZW at the lower right corner, I'll probably flip the plan and have the manual track switch for the bump and go cars at the right.  I'll be using a postwar 1022 switch, taking advantage of the anti-derail feature to control power to the individual branches... 

Mitch

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

You mean something like this?

Jerry

Haha, yes!  That’s about 10,000x my talent level for sure!

@baltimoretrainworks  Jerry, I think 4 more 027 switches would really make this neat.  Incorporate the switches to make a "loop" on the perimeter. Lots of different routes then.

another great looking car!  Hmmm.......can i squeeze that onto my O36 curves?

I humbly submit my application to the 48 Club: Tinplate Chapter, with my 45" x 75" prewar Lionel display layout. Although a Christmas theme, it does not change from year to year and so is technically a permanent layout set up seasonally. Prewar O is perfect for a small layout, especially the 4 wheel shorties from the 1920s, and is completely at home with the Art Deco theme of your stunning logo.

Jerry, I love the logo.  The responses to your club formation have been amazing and gained a lot of traction the past few days.  I'm glad to be honored as the Founding Member.  

@Tom Tee posted:

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.

Great idea! With an independent upper loop on trestles, two separate loops and a bump and go track on the main level, and one or two subway loops underneath, you could have as many as 6 trains running! Hmmm, I may try this one of these days.

@Nucci posted:

another great looking car!  Hmmm.......can i squeeze that onto my O36 curves?

You can now! 

Mitch

@Amfleet25124 posted:

Jerry, I love the logo.  The responses to your club formation have been amazing and gained a lot of traction the past few days.  I'm glad to be honored as the Founding Member.  

I just followed the link to your airport model.  Astounding. I knew that people modeled planes, terminals, and hangars, but did not know that anyone did entire airports, except for in museums.  What is the footprint of that model (I'm guessing it's more than 4x8 ), is it a permanent setup, and where do you put it?

Just a couple more for the 48 Club's catalog of layouts.

The 027 tubular layout is actually smaller than 4x8. Had to size it for the recessed surface of an air-hockey table.

@Mallard4468 posted:

I just followed the link to your airport model.  Astounding. I knew that people modeled planes, terminals, and hangars, but did not know that anyone did entire airports, except for in museums.  What is the footprint of that model (I'm guessing it's more than 4x8 ), is it a permanent setup, and where do you put it?

Mallard4468, unfortunately, my 1:400 model airport has been shuttered since 2017 when we moved.  I still keep the link active on that website as a reminder that I need to get back to including scale airports in my hobbies.  Right now, some of the airplanes are just displayed on a shelf and I shifted to larger 1:144 and 1:200 scale models, which are sometimes seen in the background  of some of the photos that I post here on OGR.

Model Airports?  That is whole other rabbit hole that one can go real quick. Many modellers far more advanced than me that include illuminated lighting all over (terminal, runway, light pole towers, etc).  Heck, I had just started getting into it and hadn't purchased ground support vehicles yet, etc. Some build from scratch, others build using kits and ready made ground foils.  Here are two kit providers that I used to frequent

https://www.modelairportsandairliners.com/  The original name for this site was, wait for it..... 4by8 Airports! as he sells 4x8 ready made foils for people to build on.

https://www.nopoint-airport.com/pd-26321-2/product  This group is out of Holland and makes top notch stuff.

As for my Stanstill Airport, it was built on a 36x80 hollow core door and at the time was on the opposite from my model train layout in the living room.  Good times .  The dream then was to have both a 4x8 train layout and 4x8 airport.

Mallard, thank you for point out Kevin’s model airport link.

Kevin, you did a really nice job on the model airport!  Thank you for the other links

@Will posted:

I humbly submit my application to the 48 Club: Tinplate Chapter, with my 45" x 75" prewar Lionel display layout. Although a Christmas theme, it does not change from year to year and so is technically a permanent layout set up seasonally. Prewar O is perfect for a small layout, especially the 4 wheel shorties from the 1920s, and is completely at home with the Art Deco theme of your stunning logo.

I've always liked Tinplate, I have a number of Lionels older tinplate 2430 type passenger cars that I pull with my 221,1668E and Grandpas 1666E and over the years have toyed with the idea of selling everything and going Standard gauge, now that would be a challenge in 4x8 !

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

You can now! 

Mitch

Selective compression, I like it! I was thinking about a set of Lionel 2400 series for the smaller layouts but that works too!

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

Here's a sneak peek of the new track plan:

Now that's what I'm talking about! Packing as much in as we can and still not looking too overcrowded. Now if I had built something like that I'd be making myself nuts trying to come up with a way for the trolley to alternate between the tracks on the left side. That figure 8 plan in the center is perfect for a 36" hollow core door layout.

Jerry

Welcome to The 48 Club to both Will and randr !

Here's an updated membership list:

          Founding Members
1. BaltimoreTrainWorks
2. Amfleet25124
          Charter Members
1. RSJB18
2. Conductor Earl
3. bptBill
4. CA John
5. Walt Rapp
6. M. Mitchell Marmel
7. OKHIKER
8. Coca Cola guy
9. Nucci
10. Rich Wiemann
11. CSXJOE
12. graz
13. Melvin P
14. Mrhobby052
15. Khayden93
16. palallin
17. John E K
18. Miggy
19. pdxtrains
20. SouthernFan56
21. randr
22. Will
          Honorary Members
1. Harry Miller ... My grandfather
2. Jerry Makowiecki ... My dad
3. Thor Sheil
4. Alan Arnold
5. Allen Miller
6. Rich Melvin
7. Ed Boyle
8. Putnam Division

Jerry

Mitch is The Man!!

@Amfleet25124 posted:

...Model Airports?  That is whole other rabbit hole that one can go real quick. Many modellers far more advanced than me that include illuminated lighting all over (terminal, runway, light pole towers, etc).  Heck, I had just started getting into it and hadn't purchased ground support vehicles yet, etc. Some build from scratch, others build using kits and ready made ground foils.  Here are two kit providers that I used to frequent

https://www.modelairportsandairliners.com/  The original name for this site was, wait for it..... 4by8 Airports! as he sells 4x8 ready made foils for people to build on.

https://www.nopoint-airport.com/pd-26321-2/product  This group is out of Holland and makes top notch stuff.

As for my Stanstill Airport, it was built on a 36x80 hollow core door and at the time was on the opposite from my model train layout in the living room.  Good times .  The dream then was to have both a 4x8 train layout and 4x8 airport.

Thanks for the info.  Really amazing that they are 4x8 or smaller.

I'm assuming you've seen video of Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg.

I forgot about this one, Jerry.  And yes, this one is 4x8=32 not 4x8=48!!  No wonder they pushed me out with an early retirement.  An engineer who doesn't remember his times tables needs to be put out to pasture! 

Here it is, my first in O gauge.  My 4x8s in HO and N were easy peasy.

@Amfleet25124 posted:

Mallard4468, unfortunately, my 1:400 model airport has been shuttered since 2017 when we moved.  I still keep the link active on that website as a reminder that I need to get back to including scale airports in my hobbies.  Right now, some of the airplanes are just displayed on a shelf and I shifted to larger 1:144 and 1:200 scale models, which are sometimes seen in the background  of some of the photos that I post here on OGR.

Model Airports?  That is whole other rabbit hole that one can go real quick. Many modellers far more advanced than me that include illuminated lighting all over (terminal, runway, light pole towers, etc).  Heck, I had just started getting into it and hadn't purchased ground support vehicles yet, etc. Some build from scratch, others build using kits and ready made ground foils.  Here are two kit providers that I used to frequent

https://www.modelairportsandairliners.com/  The original name for this site was, wait for it..... 4by8 Airports! as he sells 4x8 ready made foils for people to build on.

https://www.nopoint-airport.com/pd-26321-2/product  This group is out of Holland and makes top notch stuff.

As for my Stanstill Airport, it was built on a 36x80 hollow core door and at the time was on the opposite from my model train layout in the living room.  Good times .  The dream then was to have both a 4x8 train layout and 4x8 airport.

Kevin, its truly a shame that some dreams take longer to come true than others.  But don't despair,'  There is still time'........😪 

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...-in-its-present-form

Here's a sneak peek of the new track plan:

The basic RTC concept is a glorified test track for my many projects, so we have a 42" oval for larger locos and cars, a 27" oval/8 for smaller trains and a bump and go track for trolleys.  Since I plan to have the ZW at the lower right corner, I'll probably flip the plan and have the manual track switch for the bump and go cars at the right.  I'll be using a postwar 1022 switch, taking advantage of the anti-derail feature to control power to the individual branches... 

Mitch

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

Selective compression, I like it! I was thinking about a set of Lionel 2400 series for the smaller layouts but that works too!

(grin) 2400s sound good too! 

Now if I had built something like that I'd be making myself nuts trying to come up with a way for the trolley to alternate between the tracks on the left side.

Well, I'm using the manual switch so I can leave one track dead for car storage, then send the stored car out for a run. 

But if you're using a remote switch, perhaps some sort of relay to automatically switch tracks?  Use the far bumper as a sensor, and when it bumps, the switch switches tracks. 

Mitch

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

You can now! 

Mitch

This is what I came up with for smaller layouts based on the 2400's...

I'm thinking passenger cars are all black with a yellow stripe along the car thru the windows bordered by a gray stripe top and bottom with a yellow "pinstripe along the roof and floorline, black lettering (art deco font for the "THE 48 CLUB" moniker which appears only on the lead end of the baggage/post office car) on yellow parts of the car. Yellow lettering on black areas (Trebuchet font), not sure if I want to go with 481, 482, 483 etc like the first cat or go with 21481, 21482, 21483 to signify the year of the founding but if we go with that minimal lines thing art deco was known for I'm liking the 3 digit numbers better. All the other passenger cars would be black, yellow/gray striped and only carry the car number to keep the lines looking clean. Of course the observation car would have a drumhead with the logo on it. I have been thinking about taking a page from the Lionel Blue Comet cars and naming the cars after American authors from the 20s and 30s, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Eliot, Steinbeck et al. As you can probably tell I've had a lot of time on my hands today for long range day dreaming. I think a string of passengers cars in that livery would look slick running around a layout.

Jerry

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

(grin) 2400s sound good too! 

if you're using a remote switch, perhaps some sort of relay to automatically switch tracks?  Use the far bumper as a sensor, and when it bumps, the switch switches tracks. 

On my old layout I used the coil and 2 sets of contacts from an old set of O22 switches that let me alternate 2 trains in different directions on the same loop using a passing siding. When one train would enter one of the passing sidings it would thro the relay which A killed the power to that siding and B powered up the other siding allowing that train to move on. The switch tracks were wired together so when one went straight so did the other and the same on the curves. I had a lower lever that only showed about 6 feet of straight away and it would flip people out that one train went by left to right and a few seconds later another came thru right to left. Some where I still have the diagram I drew up and the schematic for it operation, if I find it I'll post it here, might be somehting that could be used by others.

Jerry

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

This is what I came up with for smaller layouts based on the 2400's...

Yellow lettering on black areas (Trebuchet font), not sure if I want to go with 481, 482, 483 etc like the first cat or go with 21481, 21482, 21483 to signify the year of the founding but if we go with that minimal lines thing art deco was known for I'm liking the 3 digit numbers better.

How about 4801, 4802, 4802 et cetera?  This would imply at least 100 cars in the series... 

Mitch

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

This is what I came up with for smaller layouts based on the 2400's...

I'm thinking passenger cars are all black with a yellow stripe along the car thru the windows bordered by a gray stripe top and bottom with a yellow "pinstripe along the roof and floorline, black lettering (art deco font for the "THE 48 CLUB" moniker which appears only on the lead end of the baggage/post office car) on yellow parts of the car. Yellow lettering on black areas (Trebuchet font), not sure if I want to go with 481, 482, 483 etc like the first cat or go with 21481, 21482, 21483 to signify the year of the founding but if we go with that minimal lines thing art deco was known for I'm liking the 3 digit numbers better. All the other passenger cars would be black, yellow/gray striped and only carry the car number to keep the lines looking clean. Of course the observation car would have a drumhead with the logo on it. I have been thinking about taking a page from the Lionel Blue Comet cars and naming the cars after American authors from the 20s and 30s, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Eliot, Steinbeck et al. As you can probably tell I've had a lot of time on my hands today for long range day dreaming. I think a string of passengers cars in that livery would look slick running around a layout.

Jerry

While I don’t have a horse in this race, I must make an observation... wouldn’t a bar car be more efficacious???

Sign me up! Out here in ”Basement-less Land” (a.k.a. California) most layouts are squeezed into extra bedrooms, as is mine. 4x8 as a necessity.

We make do.

@RSJB18 posted:

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

Bob... I think not!!!

1 - It took me nearly 60 years to finally get a decent sized layout, so there will be no ripping!!!

2 - I have too much work to do on the current layout to even consider embarking on another layout!!!

3 - please refer to #2 above

And I don’t consider you an enabler, Bob... I have no need for enablers, I am dangerous enough without any help. Now bad influence... that seems a more appropriate appellation

P.S. my central Engine Yard/Servicing Facility is 4x8... does that count???

4x8 is a state of mind.  Logo and paint scheme are excellent.  But the paint scheme should only be allowed on 15" or shorter passenger cars.  Putting it on a 21" car would be a cruel joke.

@Apples55 get out the skill saw and separate the engine service yard from the rest of the layout than your in . Just kidding.

Sounds like the club is on to a very esoteric future. I suggest using the Esopilian language at meetings. It is basically German written in the Cyrillic alphabet, and was invented to talk to telemarketers.

"No English. Gurdrura Esopilia?"

I thank you humbly for the inclusion and the elevation to charter member status. And at the risk of being presumptuous, I feel we need a tinplate chapter for myself and our prewar brethren, and so I took the liberty:

And we would need the appropriate club car, both in style and diminutive size:

I will present these to the membership for consideration.

Regards, 

@Will:  Nice!  I like it! 

I really wanted to join, but alas, I exceeded the limits but a few square feet.   I'll just watch from the sidelines...

That’s very nice, Will!!

My last table top loop runner layout was a 52x96 in 2017-18 that used for my 2017 Christmas layout, so it wouldn't qualify.  As it is, I can't locate the photos .  I had extended the sides by 4 inches so that I could run O-36 and O-48 loops when I ran O Scale and have a 24-inch radius curves when I ran my HO Scale trains with 80+ foot long cars.

So up for consideration is putting two Cosco banquet tables side by side: 60" wide, 72" long. Throw a green table cloth on, set up some Fast track, Plasticville, a few accessories-- instant layout.With such an arrangement I figure I can get at least two independent loops, one Fast track at 036 and maybe a tubular 031?

Does a 5x6 make it under the rules of the 48 club?

@pdxtrains posted:

So up for consideration is putting two Cosco banquet tables side by side: 60" wide, 72" long. Throw a green table cloth on, set up some Fast track, Plasticville, a few accessories-- instant layout.With such an arrangement I figure I can get at least two independent loops, one Fast track at 036 and maybe a tubular 031?

That's actually my show setup.  I generally get a 48" Fastrack oval, a 36" Fastrack oval, an O27 oval and a trolley back and forth in that space, with Plasticville structures scattered about. 

Mitch

@Apples55 posted:

While I don’t have a horse in this race, I must make an observation... wouldn’t a bar car be more efficacious???

It would , just trying to show the most decorated car of the consist. But since you brought it up...

The number 485? Well 48 for the club and it's 5 o'clock somewhere. Now what would be your adult beverage of choice back in the day ? Me? Martini with 2 olives, since Jack and Coke hadn't been invented yet.

Jerry

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

The number 485? Well 48 for the club and it's 5 o'clock somewhere. Now what would be your adult beverage of choice back in the day ? Me? Martini with 2 olives, since Jack and Coke hadn't been invented yet.

Sprite and peach Crown.  And that's now.  Only being 40, my "back in the day" is now!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I really wanted to join, but alas, I exceeded the limits but a few square feet.   I'll just watch from the sidelines...

However...

Looks good John, what's the overall size of that puppy? Kind of reminds me of Lionels showroom layout from that view.

Jerry

The whole layout is 23 feet long and the width varies from 11 feet for ten feet on the near end and 13 feet wide for the rest of the length at the far end.  Obviously with the curves, there's also some variances there as well, the larger bump-out sticks out another 18 inches on the left side far.  The layout program says 350 feet of track, I suspect that's pretty close.