I have been looking at the EZ Track layout, Bachmann 012.  It will meet my present needs and serve as a base when I look to expand to the full layout I want.

I left model railroading in my 20's.  I am in my mid 60's and getting back into the hobby which has gotten a lot more technical.  I see a lot of non-DCC train sets at great prices.  But as a technology guy, I really like what DCC has to offer.  I am considering a 4x8 layout Bachman 012 that includes several switches and crossovers.  Several questions

1. Can I run a non-DCC locomotive on a DCC setup?
2. Are the DCC remote control switches as good as they appear to be?
3. Given the choice, knowing what you know would go with a DCC or analog setup?
4. Should I go with the traditional track or is the EZ track better?
5. Is the Bachmann EZ track compatible with a similar track from other manufacturers.


Thank you in advance, I appreciate your time and answers.

I have been on several sales forums looking at used HO layouts.  I saw a local 4x8 layout which was originally advertised at $750 and is now $250.  Looking at the buildings, scenery, and track I think it is worth way more than $750.00.  My question, how difficult is it to change an analog layout to DCC?  What is the approximate expense?  Is it worth it to convert as opposed to buying new and starting from scratch?

Thank you, in advance, Jeff S.

Quote from: rich1998 on December 18, 2020, 11:43:27 AM
Welcome jeff.s

If you are not aware, you will need a photo hosting site to post photos. There are a number of them. Ex Navy here.

Rich

Can you please explain?  My photos are hosted on my server or in the Cloud, is something else needed?

Thank you, this is what I was considering about adding on later.  What an awesome layout.  Your passion certainly shows!

Quote from: jonathan on December 18, 2020, 07:01:46 AM
Jeff,

Welcome back to the world's greatest hobby.

Here's another suggestion:

I have a 6'X16' layout, and hoping to let it grow a little more as time passes.

Here's my layout under construction.  The left hand corner of the layout, in the foreground, is literally a 4'X8' sheet of half-inch plywood mounted on top of the benchwork. This is a simple double-track oval, using 22" radius curves on the outside, and a bit under 20" radius track on the inside:

DSC_0491 by Jon Vogel, on Flickr

I have connected the 4'X8' layout to the rest of the layout, using a reverse wye.  A train can travel up from the mainline, enter this smaller layout (branchline), and travel back down to the mainline.

Here is a shot of the other side of the ovals. Hopefully this gives you an idea of how they connect:

DSC_0166_01 by Jon Vogel, on Flickr

I'm a roundy-round guy. I like to set the trains in motion and let 'em go.  I can set 5 trains in motion--then just watch.

Or, I can run 4 trains, and run operations from the mainline, up to the branch line, moving coal back and forth.

I know you have a different idea about what you want to model, but this might give you some ideas on how to start small... then expand when you are ready.

Regards,

Jonathan

Jonathan, this looks amazing and is a great suggestion as I intend to build on later.  Thank you for the great photos!

Quote from: jward on December 17, 2020, 08:06:59 PM
If you're willing to go slightly larger, Atlas has a plan called Granite Gorge & Northern that fits in a 5x9 space. The railroad consists of a two track figure 8 with cutoffs that connect the two main tracks allowing you to easily shift trains between the tracks. the center piece of the layout is a long bridge over a river, two main tracks and a small yard. A google search should bring up examples of this plan that various people have built.

Thank you for the suggestion, I will look at the layout.

Quote from: Trainman203 on December 17, 2020, 06:38:16 PM
Google is your friend.  There are dozens of track plan books.

And there in lies the problem, too many choices!  Thank you!

Quote from: Terry Toenges on December 17, 2020, 05:18:38 PM
You can look around at some of these to get some ideas.
https://www.google.com/search?q=%224+x+8+ho+layout%22&lr=&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjG74rehdbtAhUEPa0KHVoSCkEQ_AUoAXoECA4QAw&biw=1279&bih=619

Thank you for the great resources!

Good afternoon, I am breaking back into model railroading after many years.  I sold all the HO gear I had when I was 25 and in the military.  I am now 65 and a lot has changed in the hobby, especially digital systems.  I know I want to start with a 4x8 layout.  My question, I have looked at quite a few layouts and cannot decide on one.  I know I want at least two loops an inside loop and a main line capable of running two trains. A double mainline with inside loop would be amazing.

I do have a larger layout in mind, based on the port of Livorno Italy, but I can always add to what I have.

Does anyone have suggestions for a 4x8 layout, which will keep an older hobbyist entertained? I am not opposed to over/under.  I have spent way too much time looking without making a decision.  Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you, Jeff