So I want to build a layout, but I have a few problems…
I have Adult ADD, it’s very hard for me to complete projects.
2)- I have a finished basement with furniture as my only layout space.
3)- I don’t have much experience.
4)- I don’t like small layouts.
So my solution is to build a modular shelf layout. My plan is to build each 12" x 3’ or 4’ modual at a time so I don’t get bored and give up. Only extending 12" from the wall and being 4’ off the ground the basement will still be able to function as a basement, and if ever need be the moduals can come down and the room won’t have a lot of damage. I can still have a very large layout as it will grow with time, and as I get better I can go back and replace the moduals I build when I had little experience.
How does this sound to everyone? Please provide any advice you might have :).
You’ve come to the right place to ask questions and get answers.
It sounds like a good plan to me. You’ve thought this out and been very realistic about it.
You might also concider one of the Woodland Scenics kits. They assemble quickly and have a very “finished” look to them. I don’t know how easy it would be to connect them together, but it might be worth a look. Oh, and Atlas makes track kits that include all the trackage needed and they are made for each kit specifically. Here’s a link to the Woodland Scenics site;
Given the limitations you described, it sounds like a good plan to me.
You might want to consider allowing some of the modules to be outside the 3’ x 12" limit, like in a corner to allow a wider curve, or a loop at each end.
If you keep the modules light, you can probably support them with simple shelf type brackets, minimizing support work carpentry, and making temporary removal easy.
Pcarrell, I’m not that fond of the woodland scenics moduals as it takes all the work out of it, and they are wider than 12".
Egmurphy, good point about the corners, and I will make a point of doing just that. I do plan on using small brackets with 1x2 supports with a small 1 x 2 piece at the back to hold it in place.
MAbruce, I don’t really like NTRAK because the modules are too wide, and I don’t need it to be as mobile as NTRAK is, but thats a good idea non the less.
If you are going to build in modules, think ahead for how you are going to interconnect them. Allow for mismatch between modules with and compensating with flex track; and electrical connectors with common pinouts for electrical connections. Turnarounds will need to be at least 3’ wide to accomodate the running abilities of the majority of N Scale rolling stock.
EDIT: A tall glass of VO on ice works for me on the ADD thing. Just sip it!
I guess I’ve been on the forum long enough to say “Welcome.” It sounds like a good plan. Check with a LHS, they always know about clubs or other modelers in the area. Having an experienced friend or group of friends can help. Of course, sometimes they can give you “information overload.” Best to ask and work on one question at a time if possible. Keep in touch with this gang. They are full of good advice. Keep your sense of humor. This is supposed to be fun. . . and it is!
I don’t have any real experience with shelf layouts such as you are considering - but you might hunt up MR from late 1976 to early 1977 (I have a special reason for remembering those particular dates). They tackled shelf layouts using precut components such as you can purchase at a building supply center (read Home Despot or Lowes).
I will, however, take a different approach to your first layout - and to which I also have no practical experience.
That is to use a platform that folds away into some sort of cabinet or which is suspended from an A-frame support and which can be folded up and stored out of the way between operating sessions. This latter idea has the potential of using multiple platforms to create a larger layout beyond the traditional 4 X 8 (which, of course, your platform does not have to be) which is just about the maximum size you are going to fit into some sort of cabinet. The ends of the platforms would mate together ala N-Trak. The platform height would be about 4ft off the ground and this would clear most furniture usually found in recreation rooms.
This idea is not new. Ian Rice tackled it recently in his small layout book published by Kalmbach in the late 90s. A very old (1940s/1950s era) model magazine has a picture of a layout suspended over a billiard table.
Just presenting an alternative. Best of luck in whatever way you decide to go.
The blurb about getting your local - or close - N-trak group to discuss technical details with you is an excellent one.
You may want to look for issue of MR with David Barrow’s Cat Mountain and Santa Fe. He describes how he built his layout with what he calls dominoes, escentially, modules.
There is a new off-shoot called ‘oNe-trak’ that you might consider. At any rate, I just recalled another site that has an index ALL known N-scale modular systems. You might find something there that fits what you have in mind:
I’d second the mention of Ntrak. There are many varieties & styles of modules. Yet, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel in following general practice for wiring, radius curves, etc.
Another choice is to go with Kato Unitrak. It’s nearly bulletproof, and you can ballast it to make the plastic trak look better. Check out Toy Train Heaven in PA for prices. You may want to start with a K1 + K2 & K3 sets. THis may get you a nice tabletop layout while you make your modules.
