4′ x 8′ N scale track plan

A huge urban terminus station. A busy multi-track main line. Long trains. All embedded in a metropolitan region. If you think that’s impossible on a 4×8 size, then see this N scale track plan. I call it “The fake Terminus”:

What is it all about? This track plan is not made for shunting or uncoupling locomotives like in a real terminus station. It’s all fake. Model trains can run out on the back side of the terminus and then enter the impressive parade route in the foreground. Or vice versa. Prototype-oriented model railroaders will stone me now, but it’s all fun and fantasy!

However, one route makes a 180° turn within the large station halls. So is it a “terminus” station after all? Anyway, train operation can be as follows:

Front in, back out.
Front in, front out.
Back in, front out.
And since freight trains in a terminus station are nonsense, there is a bypass for them.

All clear? The detailed 4×8 N scale track plan reveals the secrets:

4×8 layout with KATO N gauge Unitrack

Size: 8 x 4 ft. This corresponds to 243.8 x 121.9 cm
Tracks: Kato N gauge Unitrack
No curved turnouts, no double slip switch crossings
Some straight tracks must be adjusted to size. More: How to cut KATO tracks (YouTube)
Tip: Tracks with concrete sleepers would look nice for the 2-track mainline in front of the layout. Nowadays, high-speed lines are equipped with them. And the wide bend at the left could be equipped with curve superelevation
This 4 x 8 N scale model railroad layout is easy to build. No ramps or inclines. All tracks on one level. Just lay the tracks on the baseboard

Concept & Operation

Let’s untangle this spaghetti heap. Oldschool analog model railroaders will appreciate the simple concept of two ovals:

Watching model trains running round and round on loops can be hypnotic, isn’t it? And since we are in an urban setting, an overhead catenary line seems appropriate.

The white oval offers directional traffic on the 2-track mainline in the foreground. Here it is shown as right-hand traffic. But that depends on the country in question.

The green oval offers bidirectional traffic. You can choose the 180° turn within the station or you take the parade route. The crossing in the green oval is a standard common crossing. It does not create a reverse loop. If using a double slip crossing, extra wiring is necessary to avoid an electrical short circuit.

Download this track plan here:

Download PDF (private use only)

Why should I opt for a 4 x 8 layout?

Realistic look & feel
Long trains and wide landscapes ensure that your model railway layout doesn’t look like a toy
No steep inclines
4 x 8 track plans provide enough space for moderate gradients. Long trains will appreciate it
Aesthetic 2:1 ratio
Many model railroaders find a 2:1 ratio (width : depth) aesthetically pleasing

Disadvantages

Not suitable for small rooms
A 4 x 8 baseboard is pretty large
Accessibility
If you stand in front of the layout, you cannot reach the rear edge. So the baseboard must be accessible from all 4 sides. Alternatively, access hatches can also help

Enough tech-talk. You wanna see something.

I’ve built this N scale layout some years ago with Fleischmann N gauge tracks. Actually on 2 x 1 meter, which is a bit smaller than the 4′ x 8′ size. It worked fine for many years.

But today I would choose a 4 x 8 size and the Kato Unitrack system as presented in the track plan above. Thanks to a larger size, curved turnouts can be avoided and the S-curves under the cover on the right side are smooth enough to prevent derailments.

Nevertheless, this layout gave many beautiful impressions:

This track plan idea also offers enough space for modeling. City or landscape is placed on covers above the tracks. These lids can be easily lifted off. The same applies to the station building. Our fantasy sees a staircase leading down to the platforms where the rails go underground. But please: Don’t call this layout a subway!