4x8 O-gauge layout video tour

[@robertlongii6614]

Very impressed. The background helps a lot

[@hearsemonkey]

Saw the title and thought "you can't do anything O gauge on a 4x8", but you did and it's awesome. Great use of space.

[@TehBellcarl]

THIS IS A 4x8!? Phenomenal! One of the best I’ve seen!

[@crowznest438]

Amazing use of space for this size layout. Love the larger layouts but I expect most of us have to use smaller spaces and it's fun to see how other people do it.

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

@crowznest438 thank you for watching! I will freely admit that I wish I had built a bigger table, but this was a wonderful learning experience.

[@kenhoganson9481]

Very nice, good track plan, great scenery, and I like the passenger car interiors!

[@frankkie3849]

This is the best detailed and design on O scale I ever seen, thanks for the pictures.

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Thanks, Frank!

[@paultrains3336]

I didn't think you would be able to fit that much stuff on a 4 by 8 looks incredible

[@albertcapolongo7673]

great music what a big band i was a jazz drummer al capolongo

[@tony791999]

What a beautiful layout!! So many details!! The more you look the more you see. You definitely win "O Gauge on a 4x8" haha. Thanks for sharing!

[@gmaneis]

Oh man! It's obvious you've had a lot of fun planning, building, and operating this outstanding little layout. What fun! The details are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@bobsworkshop5181]

This is incredible! So many good stories being told and so much action on a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Wow! So great!

[@glendenig9962]

This could be many towns in the Piedmont/foothills area of NC: Mt. Airy, Lexington, Walkertown, Kernersville, or Spencer, etc... Very cool! Amazing use of space! Well done!

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Thank you...that is what I was going for! My next video I'm working on is "How the NC Transportation Museum influenced my table" which you know is in Spencer.

[@glendenig9962]

@@PiedmontCentralRailroad How cool!

[@craigthatcher2646]

Wonderful layout, such a creative use of space!

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

@@craigthatcher2646 thank you so much!

[@viewfromthevan5975]

Very realistic! I caught myself looking for a Shoestring tag on that electrical box.

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

@@viewfromthevan5975 🤣

[@ChrisBookeBass]

Absolutely stunning!!! Fantastic job!!

[@TheTrainLoft]

The reversing figure eight is well disguised. Well detailed.

[@fallowthebigyellowtruck5533]

Inspiration for the small table guys! Soo good. 👏

[@daivdwalker2374]

For a 4x8 size layout looks alot then most bigger layouts everything is laid out so tastefully and organized with all that cool stuff like the structures and what not it's not to busy looking or crowded it's just a very very nicely detailed layout for only 4x8 very beautiful my kind sir Love it just love it I'm just amazed and in ah how Awesome this layout really is I can't say enough but Very Very NICE!!!

[@DeerbrookSouthernRR]

5 seconds into the video I was like there’s no way this is a 4x8. I can’t believe you managed to fit all this into that space without it looking cluttered too. Very impressive

[@alfonsolanzagorta5138]

A layout doesn't need to be hughe to be a GREAT one. This video is the absolute proof of that. Chapeau 🎩🎩🎩🎩

[@Steven_Williams]

I live in an apartment with a spare bedroom. You have just inspired me.

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Thank you!!!!

[@thetrainseekers1]

Nicely done! A lot of detail which makes the layout look a whole lot bigger! 👍

[@UnknownIdaho]

I am a 2-railer but I love your layout! I like the raised loop on the one end and it gives me ideas about having a high mountain track even if non-running for space.

[@elleryparsons5766]

Very nicely done on A 4x8 With O Scale I am Impressed with it.

[@daviddecatur4190]

Very beautiful and technical

[@thomztrainz8364]

Very impressive layout. I also have an 4x8 Lionel layout. Love all of your detailing. Great use of the space.

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

I just checked out your video. Nice! I subscribed as well.😉

[@johnblythe6284]

I watch your video, and is very good ,and did lots of work. I have built 3 layouts and I have my train that I got for Christmas in 1949 and I'am to sell every thing I had to move to and apartment.

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Sorry to hear that, John. Thank you for watching and commenting. Maybe you could still build a small layout in the apartment?

[@s.o.g.298]

Unbelievable, I'm building a 4'8' ho scale and this O scale gives me ideas and inspiration that yes anything's possible, all the things that I can do. TY

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

You are welcome! Those are super kind words, my friend! Best of luck with your table. Building it is 75% of the fun.

[@donrp1955]

Thanks for sharing this inspiring layout. A great use of space and I love the fountain! I look forward to more.

[@oglemansviews675]

Man, what a fine layout and you've got such detail and a great use of the space. Like many others I'm impressed that you fit all that in on such a small layout. Well done and thanks for sharing.

[@elleryparsons5766]

This is what I am Talking About.👍👍👍👍

[@elleryparsons5766]

I Like it without Comentary Just Seeing this is Priceless.

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Thank you so much!

[@caryhewitt1256]

Nice layout! You made good use of all the available space to make your layout "well detailed".

[@daniellesmith1059]

Just awesome!!

[@TheLifeandSadEnding]

Dude !!! Seriously, I need the layout plans for this!!!

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

I am definitely gonna make a video explaining the layout plan. Thank you so much!

[@Jared-91]

Holy cow! Mines 5x11...and your's is much more impressive!

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Thank you so much! I'm sure your table is great. Such a satisfying hobby.

[@CWFTrains]

Fantastic job with this layout! Such a great use of space. 🔥🔥

[@uranusimploding9830]

Beautiful .. . I have the Southern Berkshire running on the top level and I notice the cars from the southern freight set I bought from Mr.Muffin a few months back ......just would like my layout to be as nice as yours .....thanks for the look into your world 😁👍❤🇺🇸 ....BTW .....I like playing the Sirius XM 40's station when I'm running trains, just feels right

[@mootsym]

It's hard to believe this is 4x8... well you said actual size is 4'7 x 8, so those extra 7" help lol, but still. What an incredible use of space. Fantastic work. Thanks for sharing!

[@liamwilson1058]

Very nice layout and you actually made Lionel Fast track look good.

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

It was a job. Haha.

[@timreilly2255]

sweet! great job!

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

A 4 by 8 layout like that a fast-track I can't imagine how much it cost. There are so many additional plans for 4 by 8 and 5 x 9 layout. All of the new types of track or just so expensive.

[@TouchoftheBrushModelWeathering]

Your layout is amazing and packed with lots of detail and action. A job well done and the music was perfect!

[@calebeaster4094]

Awesome layout! I’m basing mine off a similar track plan! I have a 4x8 space and this gave me a lot of inspiration. I live in the North Carolina area close to Spencer and the transportation museum so I definitely see where you got some inspiration from! Excellent layout!

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Thank you so much! I also live in that area and would be honored to help you with your table. I have tools like static grass applicator that sometimes are a big expense for a small area. I also could share some pitfalls I wish someone had warned me about (like multiple power connections!). You also have inspired me to finally finish my video "How the NC Transportation Museum Influenced my Layout" that I have 3/4 recorded.

[@brevardbucs4983]

That’s amazing for small layout!

[@robertsouthrey3480]

well done my friend for a 4 x 8 it looks great

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Thanks!

[@joeystrains.9316]

Impressive layout.

[@craigjones2162]

Amazing detail

[@iliketrains2160]

This looks so good!

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Thank you!

[@rick1716]

Great compact layout.

[@therosejewelrailroad489]

Nice looking layout.

[@ajmayowskijr]

Amazing layout!

[@chefmarkt69]

Gorgeous layout!!!

[@robertdavidjaekley7260]

Amazing

[@Stussmeister]

A very nice video and layout. I have plans to expand my own layout, though mine will be in HO scale rather than O scale.

[@TicMonie777]

Very nice!!!

[@rick1716]

Amazing amount of details in such a small layout! It just great! One thing it could use is weathering of some of the roofs.

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Thank you! I agree, especially the freight depot and the switch tower need more roof weathering. I have done even more work since this video was published, and look forward to making more vids to show that off. Thanks again for watching and commenting. It really means a lot.

[@PastorBillWisneski]

After an extended break, I'm getting the train bug again. I model O (3-rail), HO and N. To start, I want to rebuild my O layout. Your layout is fantastic, and as many have said, proof you can have a fun layout in a small space. Can you post the track design?

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Thank you! I will post another video giving a fairly brief explanation of my plan, but to get you started, I used a plan off Amazon called "Anna's Siding Layout train pack O Gauge 4x8". All the components were listed, so I just bought them at the Lionel store myself. This way, I actually modified it by substituting some straight track with road crossings and another switch track that lead to the train house. The elevated track is just an oval with O-31 curves.

[@ВалерийФилиппов-д8о]

Hi. Very good video.

[@brettmariotte5249]

Love the layout, it is the best small O gauge layout I've seen. Great detail added into it. But if I was you I would fire that RR worker throwing those crates out of that box car before his bad attitude spreads to the other workers. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

My table has a labor shortage, so until we can hire new workers we have to keep him around.🤣🤣

[@brettmariotte5249]

@@PiedmontCentralRailroad Sounds like everyone else these days.

[@crh9919]

GREAT layout for only a 4X8 area! Please send Classic Toy Trains Magazine this vid with some pics because I'm pretty sure they will want to do a story on this. CTT loves compact layouts with a lot going on in them. Try it. You've got nothing to lose. I've seen layouts half the size of this make it into the magazine!

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Wow! Will do! You are right...nothing to lose! Thank you so much for the positive feedback.

[@nicolasfortin8786]

Great layout! what kind of track you used, fastrack or other

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

It's fastrack. I just modified it with WS large ballast and rail rusting.

[@Shipwright1918]

You don't need a lot of real estate for a great layout. Why I like O27 track myself, lots of track plan...itty bitty living space.

[@mattstrainroom]

What a wonderful little layout! As a 4x8 O Gauge operator, this has to be one of the nicest creations I've seen in a long time. Looks like a 2 train operation?

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Yes, sir! Thank you!

[@chuckhunter328]

Very nice, that’s a lot in that space but it looks great. You must be from NC.

[@josepheiden2777]

Great looking layout. I'm in the early phase of planning my 1st layout. I'd love to see your track plan. Are those O31 Fastrack curves and switches? I really like the way you incorporated a reversing loop to change train directions and a figure 8. Like I said, love to see a track plan. Thanks.

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

I may do a video on this as it gets asked often in my different videos. It's essentially the plan called Anna's Siding O gauge track plan found in both Amazon and eBay. I used that basic plan and then modified it with another switch to the engine house, substituted street crossing pieces, etc. This is an 0-36 layout. The elevated track is an 0-31 oval. That should get you started...and I will start working on that video. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@jmd12127]

Crazy how much action is on that little layout! Could you describe the materials and process used to build and secure the stanchions that support the upper track? Thanks!

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

I used dowel rods and 1x2 cut to size, with an under-track platform cut from a template I made from essentially an outline of the fast-trac pieces to be used laying on the board. Probably not the best way, but it worked. Everything attached together with small wood screws, with the dowels attached to the table with double sided screws. Painted with acrylic paint and weathered with additional acrylics and blackwash. My prototype for weathering was simply looking at how concrete weathered on high overpasses on highways. Thank you for the comments and questions! I may post a video on this topic just to explain it better, perhaps.

[@jmd12127]

@@PiedmontCentralRailroad Thanks for the detailed response! I think a video on the topic would be great. 😎

[@myronsogaugetrains6825]

What kind of background music did you have I love the big band I don’t know what the name of the band is for the song

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

I used the United States Army band, believe it or not. Don't they sound great! It was royalty free and fits the time period I model. Thanks for watching!

[@DennisLove-ee3zy]

What brand of caboose is than thanks nice !!!!😊layout

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

That is a Lionel caboose that came with the fairly recent Legacy Southern Freight Set.

[@RajeshKumar7179]

It's really awesome setup, what type of steam locomotive is that green one ?

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

It's a Lionel Legacy USRA 4-6-0, commonly referred to as a "ten wheeler". I bought it about a year and half ago. It is my favorite locomotive in my collection. I have another video where I compare LC+ 2.0 to Legacy where I showcase that locomotive more. Thank you for watching!

[@rayhankazianga6817]

@@PiedmontCentralRailroad I think Lionel's 10 wheeler is actually based on the NYC F-12e

[@mattdrumheller3056]

Was the backdrop something you had custom made or is there a site you purchased it from? It is one of the nicer mountain backdrops I have seen on a layout and blends perfectly with your town.

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Thank you! It came from Tracksidescenery.com whom I strongly recommend. Huge selection, scale images, fast, friendly service. Mounted backdrop on composite board with spray glue per their youtube video instructions.

[@tommclane9544]

I have been looking at this track plan for a few years. Your decor convinced me to do it. I am going to build it on a 6x8. Did you use Lionel fast trac?

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Absolutely. Just remember to make 2 to 3 connections from track to transformer to prevent voltage drop.

[@craigjones2162]

Is there a track useage plan available for this please?

[@raysrails2164]

Are you thinking of expanding in the future?

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Yes! That's the problem with this hobby...you think 8x4 is plenty until you build it and then you want more!

[@edwardheyrich8601]

Do you have a plan for the 4x8 layout. It's something I'm looking for in a 4x8 layout also I have another 4x8 table for an expansion.

[@grutestrainsmoviesandelevators]

I do HO Scale and have a 4x8 layout

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

Nice! We have an HO track for my son. Fun scale with sooo many options!

[@DntBSillyNow]

Do you have the track plan?

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

I'm a super KZbin slacker. I've been meaning to make a video of just that topic, but life keeps getting in the way. Basically, I used the design called Anna's Siding and modified some of the track pieces (like switching in a crossing gate or using wired switches). If you google "Lionel Anna's Siding," you will find it very quick. The elevated track is just an O-31 oval. Thanks for watching and asking!

[@edwardheyrich8601]

do you have a track plan I reall like what you done on the layout....

[@PiedmontCentralRailroad]

The plan was called Anna's Siding that I found on Amazon. I modified it with another turn out leading to the train house. Also, I added a 4 inch board on one side and a 3 inch on the other to get the border buildings to fit.