Liberty Industrial Spur

[FCIN]

The interesting thing I have noticed is that the only layout I actually enjoyed was the 4x8, even though it had a generic theme and had very low operational abilities

Well then, that may well be the way you want to go. Obviously, a switching layout is not something that really interests you and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. Most of the model railroaders that I've met over the years prefer layouts where they can do continuous running, whether or not the layout is based on a prototype or has a specific theme. Heaven knows there are hundreds of plans designed for a 4x8 out there and many include enough operation to make them interesting. Perhaps you could even find the room to expand such a layout to 4x12 feet, just to give you a bit more running?

Some of the best 4x8 plans that I've seen featured two passing tracks with a theme based on the transition era or early diesel power (2-8-0's or GP-7/9 RS-3, etc.) and short equipment (50ft cars maximum). One passing track would be primarily for staging purposes and the other representing a small town with a couple of spurs off the passing track. Operationally you'd have two trains staged on the layout and would run an eastbound train in to view, which would switch the town and depart, then later a westbound train would do the same. You could also stage meets between the two trains (a snap with DCC) or if the mood struck you, just run a train continuously. I wish I could remember the name of one layout that MR published that I always thought was a great one for a 4x8, but can't at the moment and don't have the track plan book handy. Seems that the name had "Jefferson" in it. Regardless, it was a nice plan with an interesting theme.

Seems like MR recently ran a series of articles with layouts (in various scales) designed for the good old 4x8 that might be worth looking at, along with the numerous 4x8 plans you can find on the Internet. It doesn't have to be packed with track and even a very simple plan might be just what you're looking to do.