My name is Yngve, I am 24 years old from Bergen, Norway. I have been watching these forums for several years without being active, but now Im starting my first proper layout and I need some assistance.
My collection consists of Norwegian (and some Swedish) trains from the time period 1990 - 2005. I prefer to run long passenger trains, but with limited space I have to focus my layout on industries.
I have already created a trackplan Im very pleased with using AnyRail, and I have all the track I need for it. Im using Roco GeoLine with roadbed to keep it simple since its my first try.The blue line indicates a backdrop to split the layout into two scenes, a logging industry (top) and concrete/cement industry (bottom). Ignore the track that pokes through the backdrop.
My issue now is that I want to build this layout in sections so that it can be stored and transported. For this I need to split it up into 3 or 4 sections (not counting the off-layout staging) and Im not sure where its most practical to do it. Does anyone have any suggestions or reccomandations on this?
I would also very much appriciate if anyone could provide some links on how to build benchwork for this type of layout.
I would split the layout down the center where the backdrop is. That would make each section 2x7 1/2, which is a reasonable size.
As for the benchwork, I made mine (2x7 foot sections) using a basic box type frame with two cross braces. The frame was made with 1x3’s. Then a surface sheet of thin plywood (1/4 inch or so) was tacked and glued onto the frame. Then this was covered with one inch thick builders foam glued to the plywood so the scenery could go below the tracks some. Hills are being made of stacking up some builders foam also. This make a fairly stiff and light weight section. Legs are added as needed. My modules are mounted to the wall with legs in the front.
If 7 1/2’ is too long a piece, cutthose pieces in half. When planning for sectional or modular layouts if you can have your sections join where tracks are straight (not angled or in the middle of a curce) it will eliminate most problems. By cutting it in half along the line of your divider, you will be cutting at the apex of the curve, not in the curve itself. You might even be able to have a straight section at that point. By cutting the long pieces in half you cut only straight track.
When you are laying your track, it is a good idea to plan to have a 6" piece of sectional track to connect the two sections. The 3" on each side keeps the ends of the tracks away from the edges where they could easily be damaged in transit. All the modular layouts I have seen at shows have done this.
7 foot sections will be a bit too long to handle, but I found a way to split up the layout using 3 sections.
I think the easiest way would be to build backdrop on the two sections on the right and use a scenic divider on the left. I also think it would look pretty good.
My divider on my 4’x6’ is removeable so the layout could be transported without having to worry about the height. For your long scenic divider you could have one that fit right in between your two pieces and was held in place when you put them together. Same could be done for yur shorter one if you wanted.
Velkommen
And that’s all I remember in Norsk from the trip the wife and I took to see her family in Hell [:-^] outside Trondheim. Beautiful country. Anyway you will find a lot of help on this forum, with many experienced people.
