Need help on a nice 4x4 or 4x6 HO scale track

marti427 Jan 23, 2013

  1. marti427

    marti427 TrainBoard Member

    45
    0
    12
    Haven't worked with model trains since I was a kid but recently picked the hobby back up, don't have a lot of room to work with right now but would like to make a nice 4x4 or 4x6 layout that I could put a scenic break to give it a industrial side and a town/train station part. I will be working with HO and don't know what track to use or if there are any good ideas out there. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated!
     
  2. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    67,560
    22,734
    653
    For track, possibly consider Kato Unitrack.

    Your two sided scenario is very good. I'd sure try for 4x6 if possible. 4x4 will pretty much just be a circle, with very little tangent track.
     
  3. scopewime

    scopewime TrainBoard Member

    69
    1
    7
    Just to give you a more concrete vision of what can be done on 4x6 feet with HO I would like to show you my idea.

    HO_4x6_trial.jpg

    So this plan is based on switch pattern from fasttrack. I used #5 switches and a minmum radius of 22". So everything should run. I do not use a certain track system.
    The scenic devider is only present on the left side, as the divider for the right half of the layout is made up by the high buildings of the city industries and the mine tipple building. The only thing I do not like very much about this plan is the small switchback to serve the warehouse track. You can use alternativly for this problem a crossing and position the switch on the brewery track...howerver it is a try

    Have fun
    scopewime
     
  4. marti427

    marti427 TrainBoard Member

    45
    0
    12
    I really like that layout. I may work with it a bit but its exactly what I had in mind, anyway you have a list of the exact number of track pieces you need for this layout? Thanks
     
  5. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    67,560
    22,734
    653
    That looks like a very solid idea. Sure can't squeeze any more than 22 inches out of it, as there'll only be about an inch to the edge of layout surface.
     
  6. scopewime

    scopewime TrainBoard Member

    69
    1
    7
    Hello marti427!

    I want to give you something more to think about. If you are using a "two-faced" layout, as I give you an example for, you need to have room around the layout. If you take a narrow aisle with of two feet around three sides into account, you also can go go for another layout approach. I want to show you an alternative on the following layout plan (It has the same amount of switches as the first plan):

    HO_4x6_trial_II.jpg

    The big advantages of this plan are:

    longer main line
    two passing sidings
    minimum radius 28" (!!!)

    The benchwork is a shelf based design of only one feet width.

    So think about it...
    scopewime
     
  7. marti427

    marti427 TrainBoard Member

    45
    0
    12
    Thanks scopewime for the help, I think I'm going to try to produce something out of the first one as I don't really have a good spot for a shelf layout. Thanks for all the ideas you threw out there! And to any other feedback from others
     
  8. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

    5,677
    580
    82
    Since it's a starter type layout I would say that you can't go wrong with Atlas track. Are you planning on doing something in the transition era, or even earlier? If you like steam there are some nice locos out now for earlier time settings. It would also be easier to run those shorties along with the shorter rolling stock.

    The thing most beginners do is buy a lot of cheap crap engines. Look for a really nice loco and be willing to pay a little more. It's worth it to have a really nice running loco that is a beautifully rendered version of the loco you want.

    Atlas has a cute plan on their site that I've always wanted to build since it has two passing sidings and you could do some fun running with.
    [​IMG]


    Here is the atlas layout section: http://www.atlasrr.com/Code100web/index.htm

    Since you are going to be doing a smaller layout, something to consider is having the track high up and have the scenery drop away into ravines and ponds. It's the one flaw in most small layouts, the track and scenery are all flat and at the same level.

    Also, since you are doing a small layout, you may as well use a lot of sectional track for two reasons: if you put steel wheels on your cars they'll make a nice clickity clack when you run your trains; and you could just buy the track and start setting up different layouts with it by piecing it together until you get a shape that really appeals to you.

    Track plans always look different on paper than they do when you set them up. It really helps to play with a track a bit.

    Consider using DCC on this layout. There are nice systems out there for beginners such as Bachmann. It actually makes running a small layout very fun since you don't have to use electrical blocks and small layouts will generally be ok with just a few feeder wires.
     
  9. marti427

    marti427 TrainBoard Member

    45
    0
    12
    After playing around with some ideas that you guys gave me and almost buying a track kit form Atlas I have stumbled across HO Scale Grand Valley Track Pack Layout from Atlas, it seems pretty cheap for the track that is included. But to have the complete layout runs in the upwards of $500 plus but part of the layout requires to be elevated and I was wondering if I could do the elevation myself without having to purchase the full kit. Its a layout that would work great with my ideas. Any ideas would be welcomed, below is a link to what the layout looks like.

    http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/images/instructions/st1183trackplan.pdf
     
  10. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

    5,677
    580
    82
    I have a friend who built one of the N scale Woodland scenics layouts. He described it as not a novice sort of layout to build. In fact maybe quasi expert.

    He also said the end result is rather flimsy.

    For the money, get the track you need and get running. Then add scenic items as you go. Scenery items, from ground foam to people and cars and houses, are what really kills your pocket book.

    They do sell their foam risers if you want to do a grade on your layout. Grades on tight curves will severely limit a locos pulling power, as the combo of the two adds a lot of drag.

    Also, your space limitations may preclude the 4x8 foot space that that seems to require.

    Just to ramble on a bit. Here is another drawing from the Atlas site to give you an idea of how long the grades need to be. It's a 4x6 foot layout.

    http://www.atlasrr.com/Code100web/images/10003.jpg

    On the upper left, just after the switch, the grade starts going up; the risers keep going up until right at the end of the lower right curve.

    On the middle lower section the grade starts right after it passes under the bridge; it keeps rising until the end of the lower inside curve.
     
  11. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

    5,677
    580
    82
    hmmm... no response yet. :)

    You said you'd been into trains before. Do you know what type of model railroader you are though? Are you a runner or a switcher? Or a little of both?

    Since space is an issue you might build two layouts. You could build an oval style layout for just running your trains without having to mind them. It wouldn't even have to have scenery. it could just be purely a runner.

    And then Layout #2 could be a Time Saver module where you can do switching puzzles.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    This site has a lot of pictures of built up ones and a sectional track list:
    http://www.pwmrc.org/time2/TS2.htm

    There are a million track plans for a 4x6 layout, but they all end up looking pretty much the same, as 4x6 is very limiting in HO scale. You may want to consider switching to N scale since even 3x6 feet in N scale is a nice little layout.

    What trains do you currently own?

    It's good to be aware of what kinds of trains you like and how you like to run them. If you like fast passenger trains or long coal trains a small layout will only lead to frustration. If you like small switcher or branch locos and sleepy branch lines, a small layout would be exactly what you want.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 1, 2013
  12. marti427

    marti427 TrainBoard Member

    45
    0
    12
    Sorry I have been away from the computer but I did model trains with my dad when I was younger so its been awhile but recently fell in love with trains again and have been itching to put together a little layout. But I believe I'm a mix of both as I love yard work but enjoy to see the trains run! I believe I am going to go with the elevated atlas you sent me, I've been trying to order it but they are doing site maintenance or at least it wont load on my computer for whatever reason. I plan to right now run a mini maine central line with a switcher and then I have a Red Sox engine that I have a few cars for but will prob get a Amtrak sleeper and pull only that with a passenger car. I really do want to do a bigger layout and may try to move some things around to do a 4x8 but I plan to be moved this summer/fall and hopefully have a nice basement to do with whatever I want with :teeth:. I want to thank you for your help though
     
  13. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

    5,677
    580
    82
    Buying directly from Atlas may be more costly. You can get a more detail drawing of the plans with track lists in their trackplan booklet.

    if you have hobby store nearby you can probably buy the track cheaper there.
     
  14. David K. Smith

    David K. Smith TrainBoard Supporter

    1,211
    1
    22
    I must confess that, IMHO, the vast majority of those Atlas HO plans are problematic at best. Most of them seem to reflect the philosophy that more is better, with some bordering on the absurd, as in extreme pasta. Some seem to have no regard for reasonable grades, while many others have operational issues.

    I have a number of very simple plans I've designed for N and Z scales that could be converted to HO scale very easily, if anyone is interested. For instance (click on the plans for more information):

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I'm also willing to develop custom plans as well; just PM me.
     
  15. David K. Smith

    David K. Smith TrainBoard Supporter

    1,211
    1
    22
    Here's the second plan adapted for HO, using Atlas Code 83 sectional track. The plan measures 42 x 72 inches. It's a bit snug for the space, but it would work assuming one ran nothing over 40'.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 7, 2013
  16. David K. Smith

    David K. Smith TrainBoard Supporter

    1,211
    1
    22
    Parts list for the Code 83 version:

    511, H0 Atlas Code 83 511. Curve radius 15", angle 30º (bulk) 12
    512, H0 Atlas Code 83 512. Curve radius 18", angle 30º (bulk) 12
    520, H0 Atlas Code 83 520. Straight 9". 8
    521, H0 Atlas Code 83 521. Straight 6". 4
    522, H0 Atlas Code 83 522. Straight 3". 1
    524-1, H0 Atlas Code 83 524-1. Straight 1". 1
    524-1¼, H0 Atlas Code 83 524-1¼. Straight 1.25". 1
    524-1½, H0 Atlas Code 83 524-1½. Straight 1.5". 3
    524-2, H0 Atlas Code 83 524-2. Straight 2". 1
    524-2½, H0 Atlas Code 83 524-2½. Straight 2.5". 7
    524-¾, H0 Atlas Code 83 524-¾. Straight 0.75". 2
    534, H0 Atlas Code 83 534. Curve radius 18", angle 10º 24
    540, H0 Atlas Code 83 540. Left turnout 9". (remote) 5
    541, H0 Atlas Code 83 541. Right turnout 9". (remote) 4
     
  17. TycoKidd

    TycoKidd E-Mail Bounces

    1
    0
    4
    Your first layout is really cool- do you have a parts list for that one in code 83?
     
  18. YoHo

    YoHo TrainBoard Supporter

    5,508
    2,011
    98
    If you have access to old model railroader issues, I'd. Start looking for plans from the 70s for ideas. The Yule Central (nit available online) and its ilk might be good fits.
     

Share This Page