HORNBY Digital Train Set HL4 Big Layout Track for 8x4 Board - Train A

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A fair few sidings (and or branch) - to store trains on the layout including a high speed train - say 4 units The room is oblong and the board sizes are based on allowing access along one side and both ends of the board. The board would be fixed (possibly hinged) along one wall. The suggested access hole is probably more necessity than preference as the size of the board makes it difficult to reach the items (i.e. points or derailed locomotives). As I understand it box rooms are not very big so an 8' X 4' island layout is probably not the best use of the space, I would suggest as Tony57 has a wall hugging narrow shelf layout around the walls of the room. Over-all the layout needs to be fun; doesn't need to be real-world - and is for my kids also - one is 4 1/2 , the other will soon grow up at 1 1/2. I am new to this, and it is far from complete, but I thought I’d share some piccies of how I am getting on.

You could run round a longer train in the branch platform if you reversed the crossovers, especially the one on the left (or put the platform on the other side of the loop). Your post on the other thread mentioned 5 coach trains. They're going to look awfully long, and I don't think any of your sidings will hold them. I was very disheartened at the prospect of losing my original HD layout as we embarked in relocating to Scotland. I attach a pic to give some idea of my layout. The reverse loop also means you can't really have the top station at a "half height" level, which could otherwise ease the gradient problem A lot of people build a 6x4 or 8x4 for their first layout, but very few do so for their second and there's good reasons why.Quite a plethora of comments alread, which is great! You can always rely on RMwebers for comment and advice. The limit on number of locos in use is the amount of current they draw. The Powercab can also be made to display how much current it is supplying. If you find you need to draw more than it can supply, then you could always update it later on.

Well, my initial enthusiasm for building my new layout continues but I’d forgotten a couple of key issues since I built my first layout. Probably most important is the sensible display of HD buildings. They need to be spread out across the layout and in a way that maximises their display value. So, I want the turntable with its shed (and extension) to invite the eye to look at the parked locos within. I’ve attached a picture from my old layout which, hopefully, shows the look I’m after. I suppose we're a little "trapped" between building the first layout while ensuring we leave options for the future (I.e. expansion, redesign, etc). I grew up with Lego and that offers endless flexibility as you never fix it to a board!!) Hi I would not start with 8X4. If you can get all around it 8X5 is better, if you have a central operating well 8x6 is better if you can't get all round and it goes long side to the wall then 8X 4 is too big a reach.Building a new baseboard has been fun and this time around I’ve tried to make sure that it’s (a) possible to dismantle it by building it in sections (b) that it can be accurately levelled using adjutable feet and (c) that it is strong and robust by using support battons every one foot length of baseboard (total length 8.5 feet)