How many industries can be placed on a 4 x 8-foot layout?

[Ralph S]

What's the best number or what's the maximum number of industries that should be or could be to put on a 4 x 8-foot layout.

This pertains to HO scale modelers.  The reason I ask this is....   I think I've overwhelmed my layout by trying to place too many industries on my new section of 4 x 8 or I may have too much track on that same 4 x 8.  I thought this section would be my industrial park, but again I don't seem to have enough space for both the track and industries that the track should be able to support.   I'd show images of my layout but, after looking through Sheldon's layout, I'm too embarrassed to show my behemoth, and it's nowhere near completion.  So I'm scratching my head, (and my kids are of no help) in how to place all of what I envisioned as an industrial park with rail access.

Everyone's thoughts are welcomed, cause at this juncture, I'm hoping I haven't overspent on buildings, scenery and well, one never has enough track, cause I'm always modifying the track.

[jward]

How many industries you have depends on what industries you want to use. A coal mine will take up alot more room than a small factory but will generate more traffic. The size of the buildings you want to use matters alot. Off hand i'd say you should be able to get at least 6 in that space if you're creative.

It seems counterintuitive, but you can fit more in if you don't use those 18" radius "standard" switches and opt for #4s and #5s instead. In fact, other than making loops of track for train set running, I can;t think of a good reason to use the "standards" at all.

This video shows one man's solution in a 4x8 space: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxcpLD6f-sc

[Grumpy468]

Hey Ralph. The main thing to remember is this hobby is supposed to be fun, stress free and from your imagination. I started out slow, I didn't use a layout panner like a lot of people , I just wanted to create my version of what small town Saskatchewan looked like to me. Saskatchewan is the Canadian province I live in.

My dad was a station agent in a small town of 100 people, we lived in the train station as well. So I got a small town blueprint engraved in my brain. As an adult, I spent 10 years driving around this province going to every small town imaginable. I was a certified Fire Alarm Systems tech. So I would work in all the nursing homes and schools hospitals etc.

After work I would take 20 min or more cruising around the towns looking for old muscle cars etc, at the same time I would enjoy the heritage each town had to offer. Old buildings, grain elevators, seed mills warehouses gas stations. on and on.

So everything I can remember from those old towns, I try to incorporate into my layout. The rule of thumb for me is less is more, it is easier to add to the layout than to take away. I can't tell you how many times over the last 8 years, I have built buildings, and moved them around the layout. I learned never make anything permanent until it is.

My layout is 12 feet x 8 feet x 4 feet, and to be honest, it is still too small. lol

I knew I would have an industrial refinery area, a farmers area, grain elevators seed plant etc. a Main Street, a residential area, and a couple of farms. Just the common everyday things in a small town. I at least had that idea in my brain. Then one day I saw a large graveyard outside a small town, and had to add one of those. Some stuff is planned, and others are a happy accident.

My friend Sid who used to be a member of this site, was my model railroad mentor, he passed away years back. Before he died, he told me that whatever you add to your layout has to make sense, I am modelling between 1955 and 1975 somewhere in that era. I am trying to stay true to that era, at the same time it can be a bit difficult.

Bottom line what you decide to put on your layout is up to you, just make sure it makes sense.

Regards Sheldon.

[trainman203]

I remember Sid. He was a great modeler.  What happened to his layoutand his stuff?

[Grumpy468]

PM sent I don't want to hijack this thread.