Go beyond the 4' x 6'Layout
If you want to make a real table got a miniature train then please forget the 4 x 6 go with a real table and add two foot and go with a 4 x 8. People often wonder what is so interesting in the 4 x 8. Ha, ha, ha, its simple there are more possibilities than on a 4' x 6' table.
Well you could just do like everybody else and do one of the most common figures: the eight. Eventually a sliding could be added.
If you would like don’t make things so complicated, go for something very simple, 2 circles right besides another and it will create an 8.
But there is also another size that could be interesting for you besides the 4 x 8. Of course it does mean that you will mean that you will sacrifice space but you will win length and you will also win width. You should go with a 5 x 9. To give you an idea, think of a ping- pong table.
However, there is a drawback to this table size. Have you ever tried to find a piece of plywood that size? I challenge you to go to a lumber yard and find one, it will be pretty challenging. At most stores can order some if you ask them but most of the time, the only thing they will give you is the right size but the boards will usually be thicker. Who says thicker, mean heavier which is not something that you would want. You should also be aware that you will pay a price that can get steep.
Once you decide what kind of size your table will be, you need to choose what kind of material you will use but pine is usually preferred. But of you prefer a more primitive look a piece of plywood will be sufficient. Once again the next challenge will be what look you will give to your table. After that, the real fun begins. What will your actual track look like (the layout)? You can do it plain or you can add a little artistry and add tracks that are elevated and hills. I would suggest the last option because it’s more fun to watch especially if you have two trains on the same track. For the coolest things, buy trestles (a pillar for bridges). They come in a set and are coming in various heights to build a hill.
The final stage of your layout before you can begin to think what it look like when the trains are running is the scenery (birds, buildings, train station) it’s really up to you since it’s your creation. You can always add more in the future if you want.
The bottom line is, whether you’re building a 4’ by 6’ or a 200’ by 600’ there will always be something that you can do. If it’s a passion then it will never be a chore so no amount of money will be too high to pay for those stop signs or humongous trees (but don’t get carried away). You wouldn’t want to have to sell your set just to pay rent. Before you do decide what you want to buy (which is not always easy) because your possibilities are endless, write down a list and sketch your model railroad for a better idea.
