To make it simple to lift, simply make the “body” of the layout out of extruded styrofoam, enclosed with a wood frame for protection.
I know a guy who will never have a layout. He just hoards locomotives.
I have decided to try a micro…mabey this weekend? I want to build the one by four that vsmith showed, but I may expand it so it can handle my doodlebug and trailing coach. Actully when i meant difficult construction, I was refering to stuff like sector plates and flex track. Thanks guys !
Another possible and popular track plan is the “Timesaver” designed by the late John Allen. It is designed as a switching puzzle, you can see it at some train shows, and can driver operators absolutely NUTS. It consists of a run-around track, switchback, and a spur facing the oposite direction of the switchback. All stubs hold 2 cars, with the exception of the runaround, which holds only one. Check the index for a reference. Also, there is a “snap-track” version out there. [8D][8D]
Have you considered building a V-scale layout?
I recently discovered that the “V” in V-scale stands for virtual, as in a Trainz, MS Trin-Sim, etc. layout you build and operate inside your computer. There’s no limitation on what you can do. And it’s easy to add on or change.
http://www.vscalecreations.com/
Just a thought . . .
Oh, sector plates. Those things are just kind of silly. I’ve never considered them necessary, but then I never tried to squa***hings quite THAT much.
Flex track isn’t hard at all–it’s a lot better for making things fit right where you want them.
That 1x4 is a little squirrelly–I am almost positive you’d need flextrack to get things to fit in that space. But here are a couple of Timesaver-type track plans. also from www.carendt.com, that might be a little simpler but still fun, using sectional track:
Have fun!
Bob - I love it, I wanted to do a shelf type with a round house, but i couldnt get it to fit, but you did it, and i see what you did, I am excited now to try again. I love your covered bridge, I did one too, but i think i made too tall. can you tell me how tall in actual inches your covered bridge is? thanks
kevin
I don’t have a layout, though I’m planning one. I’ve got a good HO collection, and I plan to join a club soon to learn even more about the wonderful world of model trains. For now, I’ve got a loop of track with a few turnouts and passing sidings on the floor.
Another thing is you don’t have to build the layout on wood benchwork. You could build ne on something you already have. For example, I’m using an old 5x9 ping pong table for my layout.
Any suggestions on which train simulator to get?
I myself have wanted a layout for years, I wanted some place to run all kinds of neat trains, something PRR, B&O or something, set in the '50s.
But now, I’ve realized all I want to do is just collect the trains themselves, especially passenger trains, and run them on club layouts, or such.
I concur, clubs can be a great resource when available.
Alvie.
I am currently working on the folowing a 2’x4’ (well 4.5’ actually)
I got the plan printed out on the plotter at work on a 1 to 1 ratio and laid it out on the foam, traced the lines and I am now going to glue down the cork tonight. thats 12" or less radi turns there, and it all works well, my 0-4-0 will run it well, i even have an 0-6-0 that will navigate it once i extend the drawbar by 2mm. I am going to take some pics of the building process as i go, this is my answer to “i have no space” also it will be my test bed for building processes.
Kevin