n scale 4x8 layout suggestions

[JoeD]

Howdy.   

Thinking about putting something together for the local show this fall to show off some of our n scale stuff.  Thinking all code 40 for scale effect.    I'm looking at a 4x8 concept, no spaghetti, just a nice run around with a little switching, mostly cruising thru scenes.  I find that I get my fill of switching with the HO club,  just letting them go seems like a good way to show this stuff.   It will be cali central coast theme so on one side of the 8' will be bluffs and a tiny bit of ocean..the other can be more populated.  Looking for some inspiration.  Been thru all the Lance stuff and nothing is grabbing me.  put your thinking caps on.

Thanks a bunch

Joe

[Spades]

I always thought there were some great HO 4 x 8 trackplans that would look great in N scale.  Keep the same 4 x 8, radius and track arrangement. https://www.layoutvision.com/california-ho-4x8 for example.

[pjm20]

I've been thinking of a nice simple layout based on the Granny Kay and Bonny by Kato:

[packers#1]

The Alkali Central has always been my favorite HO scale 4x8 that would scale great for N; just remove the mine branch and the back side is perfect for the ocean and bluffs, and you’ve got a nice little town on the other side that you can even out and let things breath much better in n scale versus HO

https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/618265TwoGreatLayouts.pdf

[dem34]

Rasch layouts generally look pretty samey in the way one might go about a McMansion in Layout form but I did like this one

/>Even with its new owner passing it off as his own skill 


Then theres this design by commitee layout I've been working on. As a 28" by 60" with a East of Harrisburg but not quite the Corridor theme that can be adapted.

[JoeD]

Rasch layouts generally look pretty samey in the way one might go about a McMansion in Layout form but I did like this one

/>Even with its new owner passing it off as his own skill 


Then theres this design by commitee layout I've been working on. As a 28" by 60" with a East of Harrisburg but not quite the Corridor theme that can be adapted.

Nice layout...I like the execution and that back lit shot was really cool...need to remember to add an In and Out 
thanks!!

Joe

[peteski]

Ah, my favorite burger joint when I'm on the West Coast!

[JoeD]

The Alkali Central has always been my favorite HO scale 4x8 that would scale great for N; just remove the mine branch and the back side is perfect for the ocean and bluffs, and you’ve got a nice little town on the other side that you can even out and let things breath much better in n scale versus HO

https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/618265TwoGreatLayouts.pdf

Thank you for this.  big help.

Joe

[hegstad1]

May I suggest a plan that places more scenery towards the front instead of the track coming right to the edge.  I really don't like that look.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

May I suggest a plan that places more scenery towards the front instead of the track coming right to the edge.  I really don't like that look.

I'm with you on that.

You can always make photo backdrops, but I haven't seen a good photo foreground.

If you've got 4x8, look for a plan for an hcd and center it.

[wm3798]

If you're looking to attract attention at a show with it, may I humbly suggest you do a riff on my Hi Rail layout.  It's on a hollow core door, so a tad smaller than the 4x8 platform (also a whole lot easier to transport) but it features 4 separate routes that can be running simultaneously, a gracious curve on the double track main, and bridges and tunnels galore.  As @Ed Kapuscinski would admonish, "very model railroady!"



There's two long sidings on the lower double track, so there's room to show off four trains on two routes, cleverly disguised as a passenger station, you can display your growing line of people movers.



There's a couple of sidings on the upper loop, so you can park a couple of your fancy freight cars for people to drool all over.



The skyboard lets you have a spot behind the display to change trains undetected by your admiring throngs, and also put down your pocket flask between emptying its contents into your "coffee"...

There's a track plan buried somewhere in the bowels of my layout report...  I'll try to dig it up for you.  Fluffed out to 4x8 it could make for an impressive display.  It could also probably be built as a four unit modular set up to make transport easier.

Lee

[wm3798]

The construction portion of the thread starts more or less here, in case you're wandering around the house fending off insomnia...

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=46293.450

[OldEastRR]

Hey Lee, I never saw the latest iteration for Hightown (or whatever you called that area in the rear RH corner. I see a g;impse of it in your overhead. Got any scene shots of it?

[wm3798]

You might be thi king of Cornersville.  Visit my thread in these pages.  I'm sure it's covered ad nauseum there.

Lee