Just wanted to share this small project I am almost done with. I had to do it this size until we have more room and time to build my full layout. Enjoy and let me know what you think!
looks good. I’ve bee thinking of making the shelf above my bed into a small switching set up.
Good Morning!
Ummmm, what an interesting concept!
If you had a double wide dresser, you could go from one drawer to the next. Actually, if you went to N scale, you could double the trackage and rolling stock! Z scale would get you a loop for continuous running.
There is a problem however… if anyone in the household is looking for a pen or pencil and forgets whats in that drawer - well, it would be like a 9.0 quake hit the place.
By the way, is it wired for DC or DCC ???
ENJOY !!!
One of my first thoughts was “in this layout’s simplicity” – How much (in dollars) does this layout represent? Every model railroad does take a financial commitment – Although this factor apples to any other hobby.
You’re kidding, right?
Kind of a waste of a drawer and for what?
By my count, you have 4 locos and 19 pieces of rolling stock, plus flex track, that could be put to good use.
You could build a small switching layout on a piece of plywood and shove it under a bed.
With whatever it is that you have created, you can do nothing except listen to cars derail as you open and close the drawer.
Strikes me as a waste of time, space and effort.
Rich
Hmmm
Devil’s advocate here.
I think I agree with richhotrain.
All I really see is just a place to store those 4 locos and 19 rolling stock in a manner slightly different from just storing them in the drawer…
Now just a few pieces and a spur or some industry sidings WITH industries buildings and equipment… that would be better?
dioramas don’t have to be packed with equipment… This doesn’t seem to even resemble a yard section.
Now the issue of the 9.0 earthquake is also well taken…that was my first thought…is it glued down?
Your efforts are to be applauded maybe, but your carry-out through not so much.
just my [2c] and NOT to discourage you from future attempts…
Do a search for some small or “Micro layouts”…even G scales can be remarkable in a small diorama with thought and action and Purpose to it…
Here are some thoughts on good diorama design:
http://modelrailroading.wordpress.com/2008/12/13/join-the-fun-micro-layouts-are-a-blast-2/
Here are some sites you might find helpful:
http://www.carendt.com/microplans/index.html
http://alocsin.hubpages.com/hub/Model-Train-Resource-Micro-Layouts-for-Model-Railroading
http://carendt.morphoist.com/index.html
[8-|]
Thanks for all of the responses! I take no offense from your critiques gentlemen. I appreciate it! You must also appreciate the purpose of this diorama.
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I do not have the space currently to build even a normal size layout
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I have two girls (4 and almost 3) who like to touch what they can get to
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I have no experience building a layout. This is my first attempt at techniques I’ve only studied
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In its current form this is exactly what I need, a place to keep the cars and locomotives away from the girls and be able to enjoy looking at them.
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There is no current or future plan to use this section for a build, trial only
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The 9.0 earthquake is unlikely to happen as no one but me and the wife know its there and the desk is not near high traffic areas.
I could keep numbering but there is no need. It is all I’m looking for in my layout right now and I’m very happy with it. I just needed real estate to store them, they were already taking up the drawer, so might as well try ballasting, terrain building, water making (failed!), structure building, structure placement and track alignment.
The next step for this N-Scale modeller is building a proportionate N-Scale version of the Virginian Layout. I’m still looking fora permanent home for the layout which would measure around 2 1/2 foot by 5 foot. Space is at a premium but more than that is a space safe from my girls!
They get to play with my older HO kit and love it, but the N-Scale is very fragile so I keep it separate.
Thanks guys, I’ll post in the future as I clean up the layout.
BTW the drawer is only 15"x24" so I think I squeezed out what I could!
You get my vote for simply doing something unexpected, regardless of the complications.
It would be really cool if opening the drawer activated a set of crossing lights or the like.
Great job.
Cheers
The_Ghan
Hi again,
Being an MR without any room for a layout is a rough situation. Yes, I’ve been there, when I lived in Dallas for 3 years. My eventual solution was picking up craftsmen car kits (Bobbye Halls Hobbies) and once built, putting them back in the boxes for future use.
After leaving Dallas in 1981, I soon had the room - and all those cars were ready to go.
Another option is to look for a local MR club. That will give you opportunities to run your stuff, and to gather experience for building your own layout some day.
ENJOY!
LOL
Well, you should have mentioned that in the first place. We now forgive you.
With two grandchildren, aged 36 months and 18 months, they don’t get anywhere near my layout. If they did, there would no longer be a layout.
How about putting a display cabinet on the wall - - - higher than the reach of the taller daughter?
Rich
Splendid idea!
I´ve put up my N scale layout at eye level and I am 6´5" tall. My son is old enough (25) to have the necessary care. Should I have grandchildren one fine day, they will be mature enough to operate my layout when they can reach it.
Hey I’ve got trains in my drawers!
If nothing else it shows what good cropping can do for a photograph.
Dave Nelson