Since I am taking the layout to a model railway/railroad exhibition this easter, I thought I’d do a photographic essay showing how I get the layout ready to travel.
When I designed Sweethome, I built in a number of features specifically intended to erect and dismantle the layout quickly and efficiently, and to transport everything with minimal risk of damage. For speed, I permanently attach as much scenery and detailling as possible, so I don’t have to stand up figures, plant trees and other items when I arrive at a show.
A big timesaver was to construct stock boxes to carry all the freight cars and locos safely, rather than spend hours packing each item into its original box. As well as being a timesaver, this is also a big space saver.
On to the dismantling.
The first thing is to remove the curtain from around the layout.
Next I take down the light/fascia assembly and the metal brackets.
The home-made electrical multi-pin connectors are removed and packed away so they arent left behind.
Once the connections are removed, I shift the ‘nebby’ (curious) cat.
and pack the freight cars away into their stock boxes, made by fitting dividers into box files and lining with foam. I use different coloured boxes for each type of freight car to make packing easier and store the car card/waybill with the car.
Now the stock is packed, I remove the 2 end scenic dividers
I then remove the coach bolts and wingnuts to separate the boards
I attach carrying spacers to one end of each of the 8 boards - I fixed a carpet tile to each face of the divider to protect the rail ends on the layout.
I then pair up the boards and bolt them together to form a box. Each layout backscene forms a protective side to the ‘box’. I pin a piece of packing foam to the top of the backscene to prevent damage to the sky from rubbing.
Once the layout is boxed up I usually have to banish another pesky cat.
Then I do a check of the area to make sure I havent forgotten anything. The metal frame that the layout rests on at home is left behind - The layout has its own trestle legs for exhibitions, but the ceiling is too low for me to use them at home.
Finally the layout is ready to go.
I’ll post some photos from the show after I get home on Sunday.
Hi Jon. I have been following your work for some time now, and find your modeling skills to be a cut above the rest! Althought your layout may lack space, you sure make up for it in quality. Thanks for sharing
