Hello everybody

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by Gavinn Swann, Nov 29, 2021.

  1. Gavinn Swann

    Gavinn Swann Member

    Hey, I found this forum by accident, just a little bit of background I was on the internet one day and ran across a picture of a High Hood Frisco GE U25b. It stuck with me and since I'm already a plastic model builder, I wanted to recreate it. I have space for a 4x8 layout and need ideas, I would like to model the 60s and have mailing running and switching opportunities @ industries. I am still a newborn at this and will need my hand held when it come to wiring, preferably for DC. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
     
    Ozarktraveler and Joe Lovett like this.
  2. Joe Lovett

    Joe Lovett Member

    Welcome Aboard Gavinn!

    My N scale layout is DC so I can help you with it. What scale do you model? There are very knowledgeable members that will be happy to help you with everything you can think of. They're hundreds of years of experience with this group and they don't bite. lol. I've been in model railroading since 1967 and some of the guys a lot longer. Everyone is very friendly here.

    Don't be afraid to ask questions, we are ready to help you.

    My first suggestion is to start a build thread for your layout and we love photos of your progress.

    Joe
     
  3. Gavinn Swann

    Gavinn Swann Member

    Thanks for the kind words. I want to model HO scale, I don't even have a track plan yet so If anyone has an idea for a 4x8 then it would be greatly appreciated.
     
    Joe Lovett likes this.
  4. Joe Lovett

    Joe Lovett Member

    There are several books for small layouts that
    you might find interesting. I don't remember the name of them but a Google search would be a good start. Most of them are fairly low cost. Do you have a hobby shop in the area?

    Joe
     
  5. Gavinn Swann

    Gavinn Swann Member

    Yes, I do about 20 miles from my home. However, I do not have a method of transportation right now, but it's working out.
     
  6. Gavinn Swann

    Gavinn Swann Member

    I did buy "Build your First Layout" by Kalmbach. But it is for a 4x6 layout and DCC, I want to wire for DC as I have previously stated.i did find a layout that appeals to me on the site I will post it here.
     

    Attached Files:

  7. Iantha_Branch

    Iantha_Branch Member

    Welcome aboard. There's tons of layout plans out there for 4x8 HO scale layouts. If you would like to design your own, you can do so with computer software. I like to use AnyRail. There is a demo version you can use that lets you place 60 pieces of track, which is enough to design a small layout.

    https://www.anyrail.com/en

    I'll share the 4x8 plan I used for most of my years in High School until I moved out. For some reason I can't find the file, but I can redraw it from memory.
     
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2021
  8. Gavinn Swann

    Gavinn Swann Member

    Thanks for the advice don't worry about that layout plan if you don't want too. I may try out that software it's intriguing.
     
  9. Iantha_Branch

    Iantha_Branch Member

    I've got something fairly close to my old layout. The main loop is 22" radius curves. There are two separate yards and an industrial lead with 4 industry tracks on it.
     

    Attached Files:

    Joe Lovett likes this.
  10. Gavinn Swann

    Gavinn Swann Member

    Wow, that's very nice. It is definitely more interesting and visually pleasing than the bare oval from the other layout. Thank you folks so much.
     
  11. skyraider

    skyraider Member

    Welcome to the forum. Let me look through some of my layout plans and see what I have. Will you have any elevation changes or will it be flat? Besides switching some industries, what else have you thought of that you want to include? My layout is DC as well.

    The 60's is a great era to model. You had the beginnings of second generation diesels; some first generation diesels were still around; a wide variety of paint schemes from "as-delivered" to repainted to new stuff from the factory, etc. The biggest thing is to have fun with it!!

    Paul Moore
     
  12. Gavinn Swann

    Gavinn Swann Member

    I haven't thought about elevations. I would like to include a body of water and maybe incorporate an industry with it. I'm not basing it on a certain prototype, just freelance for now.
     
  13. skyraider

    skyraider Member

    4 X 8 is where many of us started, myself included. Here is a link to the Missouri History Museum layout:

    http://www.gatewaynmra.org/2002/photos-missouri-history-museum-model-railroad-layout/ history-museum-layout-overhead-view-640x326.jpg

    John Allen's Gorre & Daphetid started life as a 4 X 8


    Gorre-Daphetid1.jpg


    When a layout is limited to a smaller turn radius for the track curves, keep in mind that four axle diesels, smaller steam locomotives and shorter rolling stock look better on small curves than their longer counterparts.

    Have fun!!

    Paul Moore
     
    Joe Lovett likes this.
  14. Gavinn Swann

    Gavinn Swann Member

    Thanks so much!
     
  15. skyraider

    skyraider Member

    You're welcome. One gives you some ideas if you want to go with a city layout, and the other is extremely rural.

    Paul Moore
     

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