Has anyone built connected “boxed” layouts (dioramas?) or modular layouts for their own home layout? I’m interested in the modular systems, but even more in the modules that have completely different scenes than the module to the left and right of it. I have been doing some research and it seems to be big in the small scale European market. It’s also big in the tracton part of the hobby. I’m also interested in club guys who just happen to have a couple of modules that they run as a system at home too when they aren’t at the club. I’m interested in the ability to transport this type of system around and have as many different scenes in a small area as you have modules. Seems pretty cool. What have you guys seen?
Something like this (but much more involved). Each section will have a portal or tunnel connecting to the next.
In '65 and '66 American Flyer had a modular set called the All Aboard 600, 800 or 1200. The number corresponded to the number of panels to make the layout, i.e. 600 had six panels. Each panel was 17"x17" and connected with a clip and connector pins. You could mix and match panels as large as you had panels for.
While not modular, Model Railroader had a good article recently about removable scenery. By having two areas (one at each end) that are removable, the article detailed how you could have multiple industries (with vastly different scenery) allowing for more variety on the layout. I thought it was pretty cool.
My main layout is not modular but I am now working on an addition that is modular. The modules are 4x8, 4x4, and 4x2. I am using the “design element” concept. One 4x8 is a city, another 4x8 will be a suburb. I have a 4x8 river, bridge and lumber mill module. Am starting a 4x4 coal mine and a 4x4 oil well area. Like club modules the track will all line up. Two 4x2 sections will have the curved track to connect the front and back straight tracks.
I really like this approach as I can finish a module and not feel overwhelmed by a “large layout”. It also allows me to move them around (even though they are quite heavy). Another thing I am doing is making it a double deck layout. I have been frustrated that with the large size of O it is difficult to fit everything I want on only one level. This will double my square footage so I can fit everything in.
Double deck layouts are quite common in smaller scales, but for some reason, we don’t see many in O gauge. I think 2 decks is a great idea for a few reasons. It doubles the layout size and can also be a way to have 2 uniquely different layout looks. The top could be autumn in New England themed, the bottom could be hot, dry Texas in the summah summer. Two decks offer a lot of options.
Double deckers are in O as we have seen them in the magazines with trains above and subways below. One I remember had freight above and passenger below [with passenger station below]. Could really work well on a shelf mount around the wall. One shelf above the other.
I belong to a modular group (we’ll be at York in April), and a few of our members use them as part of a modular layout at home. The big thing to always keep in mind is TRANSPORTING. Things you can do on a “standard” layout can present problems when transporting, moving, setting up, and storing modules. “Delicate” scenics are usually carried in containers, and placed on after the modules are in-place and connected. Multi-layered modules take up much more space in your SUV, van or trailer. We don’t take great pains to visually connect the sections, but everything works out looking pretty good. Joe
It will be in the Black Hall. As you may know, the TCA Eastern Division York Meet started featuring one or two modular layouts in this hall a few years ago. We start set-up Wed. afternoon in preparation for the Thursday noon Meet opening. Joe
I just installed my first module last evening. It attaches as an ‘L’ to my existing layout. I built a portable bench that I can collapse down. The module itself is built on a 30" x 80" hollow core door. I can remove it in minutes and swap with a different one. Lead in track position is the same. First mod is an engine service facillity with an IHC engine house and lionel tranfer station with extension. All components can be removed quickly so my kids can enjoy the pool table it encroaches on.
